“Did you touch my drumset?” Recognize that quote? It’s from the 2008 movie, Step Brothers. It’s among one of the many quotes from the hilarious comedy. But what makes it stand out? What makes any quote from a movie memorable?
What Makes a Movie Quote Memorable?
“Did you touch my drumset?” is a memorable quote from the movie, Step Brothers because it is a great example of how two brothers can bicker and fight with each other, but still be there for each other when it matters. The movie is full of hilarious moments like this one, which is why it has become a cult classic.
Many times, a memorable quote is one that draws the humor or irony, but that isn’t the case with this quote. This quote is memorable for being the inciting incident that causes them to fight. It’s what sets the stage for the rest of the movie and the hilarity that ensues.
There are many other memorable quotes from Step Brothers, but this one is definitely at the top. If you’re a fan of the movie, then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. If not, then I suggest you go watch it and see for yourself! Either way, “Did you touch my drumset?” is a quote that will stick with you long after you’ve seen the movie.
DNA of a Movie Quote
The DNA of a memorable movie quote can take form in many ways. It could be a line used to further the plot, or one that’s memorable for its humor. It could be a saying that’s become popular outside of the movie, or something that accurately sums up the film’s themes.
In the case of the aforementioned Step Brothers, it helps convey the theme of two warring brothers. In any case, the following quotes are some of the most iconic and influential in cinema history.
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” -Gone with the Wind
“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” -The Godfather
“You talkin’ to me?” -Taxi Driver
“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” -The Wizard of Oz
“Here’s Johnny!” -The Shining
“May the force be with you.” -Star Wars
“What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” -Cool Hand Luke
“You can’t handle the truth!” -A Few Good Men
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Apocalypse Now
There are some movie quotes that have become so iconic, they’ve transcended the film itself and become part of our cultural lexicon. These are the quotes that, when uttered, everyone knows what you’re talking about. They might even prompt someone to say the quote themselves in an attempt to sound cool. Here are a few more of cinema’s most famous quotes:
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” -Forrest Gump
“I’m the king of the world!” -Titanic
“Houston, we have a problem.” -Apollo 13
“E.T. phone home.” -E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
“Oh, no! It wasn’t the airplanes. It was beauty killed the beast.” -King Kong
“You can’t handle the truth!” -A Few Good Men
As you can see, movie quotes can be memorable for a variety of reasons. Some are funny, some are thought-provoking, and others are just downright iconic. But all of them help to further the story or themes of the film.
How Does It Make You Feel?
Writing a great movie quote is about how it makes you feel when you think about it. It should be something that you remember and take with you after the movie is over. It should be something that inspires you, makes you laugh or makes you think.
It should be something that you can’t help but say out loud when you hear it. It should also be able to elicit a reaction from someone who hears it. A laugh or a nod to acknowledge what you said was cool.
Did You Touch My Drumset?
In the film, two grown men who are forced to live together as step brothers often butt heads with each other. In this particular scene, one of the step brothers has just caught the other touching his drum set and he is not happy about it. Did you touch my drumset isn’t one of the most memorable quotes from cinema history, but it is one of the most memorable quotes in this film as it helped serve a major purpose in illustrating the relationship that these step brothers had. It helps further the plot of the film.
This particular quote is memorable because it perfectly captures the relationship between the two step brothers. They are always at odds with each other and this particular incident just adds to the tension between them. This quote also serves as a reminder that even though they are grown men, they are still children at heart which makes the film all the more hilarious.
Conclusion
When writing quotes for your film, don’t force them. Let them come to you as they will, and if they don’t, then maybe the film isn’t meant to have famous quotes. Quotes should flow effortlessly. They’re not something that should be forced or contrived. Make sure not to do that or the reader of your script will know.
If a character in your film says something particularly memorable or quotable, great! But if not, don’t worry about it. Your film will be just fine without any famous quotes.
Not every movie has to be quotable. Some movies are simply well-done pieces of cinema that don’t need memorable one-liners or scenes to be effective. “The Revenant” is a prime example of this. It’s an intense, gritty movie that doesn’t rely on cheap gimmicks to entertain its audience. Instead, it allows the viewer to become fully immersed in the world that Alejandro Iñárritu has created.
This isn’t to say that “The Revenant” is without its share of memorable moments. The bear attack is certainly one of the most iconic scenes in the movie, and it’s sure to send chills down your spine. However, what makes “The Revenant” so great is the fact that it’s able to achieve this without resorting to forced dialogue. It’s a truly impressive feat, and it’s what makes “The Revenant” one of the best movies of 2015.
Quotes can be a great way to add depth and insight to your film, but don’t try too hard to make them fit. If they don’t come naturally, then the film might not need them. Let the quotes flow as they will, and trust that the right ones will come at the right time.
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