On Labor Day, it seems timely to feature quotes about work. The movies have a generally negative view of work, regarding it as an unfortunate requirement to being paid. Movies also present a restricted scope of work, offering an excessive focus on lawyers, warriors, cowboys, athletes, crime fighters, heartless businessmen, and unstable movie stars. Here are 10 movie quotes about work as it is for the rest of us, the primary source of our emotional and financial paychecks.
“If work has no intention, it’s not work at all. It’s an empty motion.”
The Razor’s Edge (1984) – Raaz (Saeed Jaffrey)
“Our high school guidance counselor used to ask us what you'd do if you had a million dollars and you didn't have to work. And invariably what you'd say was supposed to be your career.”
Office Space (1999) – Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston)
“A man should be what he can do.”
From Here to Eternity (1953) – Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift)
“It’s not about the paycheck, it's about respect, it's about looking in the mirror and knowing that you've done something valuable with your day.”
Dave (1993) – Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline)
“They say the number one killer of old people is retirement. People got 'em a job to do, they tend to live a little longer so they can do it.”
Kill Bill Vol. II (2004) – Budd (Michael Madsen)
“All I've ever wanted was an honest week's pay for an honest day's work.”
Sgt. Bilko (1996) – Sergeant Ernest Bilko (Steve Martin)
“Why shouldn’t you talk shop? It’s what interests you most, isn’t it?”
Brief Encounter (1945) – Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson)
“There’s a lot of happiness in working hard - maybe the most.”
Spellbound (1945) – Dr. Alex Brulov (Michael Chekhov)
“I love the smell of commerce in the morning.”
Mallrats (1995) – Brodie Bruce (Jason Lee)
“We all have responsibilities in life. You may think owning the Har-de-Har Joke Shop is all drudgery – unwrapping dribble glasses, checking doggie dew, inventory. But I wuv it. You’ll see, work can be fun.”
Hairspray (1988) – Wilber Turnblad (Jerry Stiller)
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