A Serious Man (2009)
Peter Breitmayer: Mr. Brandt
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Quotes
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Clive's Father : Culture clash. Culture clash.
Larry Gopnik : With all respect, Mr. Park, I don't think it's that.
Clive's Father : Yes.
Larry Gopnik : No. It would be a culture clash if it were the custom in your land to bribe people for grades.
Clive's Father : Yes.
Larry Gopnik : So... you're saying it is the custom?
Clive's Father : No, this is a defamation. Grounds for lawsuit.
Larry Gopnik : Let me get this straight: you're threatening to sue me for defaming your son?
Clive's Father : Yes.
Larry Gopnik : But it would...
Mr. Brandt : Is this man bothering you?
Larry Gopnik : Is he bothering me? No. I, uh...
[Larry stares awkwardly at Brandt until he leaves]
Larry Gopnik : See... if it were defamation there would have to be someone I was defaming him to, or I... all right, I... let's keep it simple. I could pretend the money never appeared. That's not defaming anyone.
Clive's Father : Yes. And a passing grade.
Larry Gopnik : Passing grade.
Clive's Father : Yes.
Larry Gopnik : Or... you'll sue me.
Clive's Father : For taking money.
Larry Gopnik : So he *did* leave the money.
Clive's Father : This is defamation!
Larry Gopnik : It doesn't make sense. Either he left the money or he didn't.
Clive's Father : Please. Accept the mystery.
Larry Gopnik : You can't have it both ways!
Clive's Father : Why not?