The Majestic (2001)

Ron Rifkin: Kevin Bannerman

Quotes 

• Peter Appleton : I'm sorry... but it occurs to me that there is a bigger issue today than whether or not I'm a Communist.

  Elvin Clyde : Bigger issue? Mr. Appleton, there 'is' no bigger issue.

  Peter Appleton : Actually, not to be contrary, I think there is... Gosh, I don't quite know what to say.

  [Peter takes a drink of water] 

  Peter Appleton : The fact is I... I've never been a man of great conviction. I never saw the percentage in it... and quite frankly, I suppose I, uh... lacked the courage. See, I'm not like Luke Trimble. He had the market cornered on those things. I never met the guy, but I feel like I've gotten to know him. The thing is, I can't help wondering what he'd say... if he were standing here right now. You know, I think what I think he'd probably tell you: the America represented in this room... is not the America he died defending.

  [the crowd noise in the background rises] 

  Peter Appleton : I think he'd tell you your America is bitter...

  [Congressman Doyle begins banging his gavel] 

  Peter Appleton : and cruel... and small.

  Congressman Doyle : The chamber will come to order!

  Peter Appleton : I know for a fact that his America was big... bigger than you could imagine... with a wide open heart

  [Congressman Doyle bangs the gavel again] 

  Peter Appleton : ... where every person...

  Congressman Doyle : Mr. Appleton! You are out of order!

  Peter Appleton : [Speaking over Congressman Doyle]  ... has a voice! Even if you don't like what they have to say.

  Congressman Doyle : Enough, Sir! You are out of order!

  Peter Appleton : If he 'were' here, I wonder how you'd respond... if you could explain to him what happened to his America.

  Congressman Doyle : Mr. Appleton, you are skating on the very thin edge of contempt.

  Peter Appleton : Well that's the first thing I've heard today that I completely agree with!

  Kevin Bannerman : Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman, my client is clearly under an enormous strain as a direct result of the belligerent questioning of Mr. Clyde, and he is therefore not responsible for his comments. At this time, we wish to invoke the Fifth Amendment.

  Peter Appleton : No, no we don't.

  Kevin Bannerman : Yes, Pete, we do.

  Peter Appleton : No, Kevin, we don't, so knock it off!

  [pounds his fist on the table for punctuation, quieting the crowd] 

  Peter Appleton : [in a quieter voice]  Just shut the hell up and let me get through this.