Daily Dialogue — March 17, 2019

“I’m very, very aware… that you are seeing other agents. And I think it’s good that you are. Finally, I mean it’s healthy. But, this is the thing. If you decide to sign with me, you’re gonna get more than an agent. You’re gonna get three people. [Holds up four fingers] You’re gonna get an agent, a mother, a father, a shoulder to cry on, someone who knows this business inside and out. And if anyone ever tries to cross you, I’ll grab them by the balls and squeeze ’til they’re dead.”

— The Big Picture (1989), screenplay by Michael Varhol & Christopher Guest & Michael McKean, story by Michael Varhol & Christopher Guest

The Daily Dialogue theme for the week: Hollywood Insiders.

Trivia: Martin Short regrets not appearing in the film’s credits. The reason he is uncredited: He was considered an “extended cameo” only having four scenes, totaling seven minutes. In his autobiography, he was so proud of the Neil Sussman character, that he wished he’d asked for screen credit.

Dialogue On Dialogue: Yes, this is over the top, but still there’s a ring of truth to this depiction of a Hollywood agent, at least insofar as his ‘sincerity’ is concerned.