The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)

Tom Hanks: Sherman McCoy

Photos 

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Quotes 

• Sherman McCoy : I want you to meet Aubrey Buffing.

  Judy McCoy : Who?

  Sherman McCoy : Aubrey Buffing. The poet. He's on the short list for the Nobel Prize, he has AIDS, you'll love him!

  Judy McCoy : Sherman, we are standing alone in the middle of the room, a married couple talking to each other. You simply don't do it. Go on and mingle! Please.

• Sherman McCoy : I suppose we could still go to the police. We could get a very talented lawyer...

  Maria Ruskin : And put our heads right into the tiger's mouth? I'm the one who was driving the car. Don't you think I'm the one who should make the decision? And I say, no. No, Sherman. Trust me. Nothing is going to come of this little newspaper article. Absolutely nothing.

• Sherman McCoy : I understand you went to Yale.

  Tom Killian : Yeah. You, too. Huh?

  Sherman McCoy : What did you think of it?

  Tom Killian : It was okay. As law schools go. They give you the scholarly view. You know. It's terrific for anything you want to do - as long as it doesn't involve real people.

• Maria Ruskin : [introducing Russian ballet dancer]  He's defective.

  Sherman McCoy : You mean, he "defected".

  Maria Ruskin : No, I mean he doesn't speak any English.

• Pollard Browning : Hello, Sherman.

  Sherman McCoy : Good evening, Pollard.

  Pollard Browning : It's raining, you know.

  Sherman McCoy : I did notice, yes.

  Pollard Browning : [on Sherman's dog]  Ah, Sherman, a true friend to man's best friend.

  Sherman McCoy : Pollard, you old phrase-maker.

  Pollard Browning : I beg your pardon?

  Sherman McCoy : Is that the best you can do? Is that as witty as we get?

  Pollard Browning : I don't know what you're talking about. Furthermore, if you're wet when you return, take the service elevator.

• Sherman McCoy : There's one thing I can do. I want to see the truth come out, and burn every one of them, and there's only one way to do that.

  Mr. McCoy : And what is that?

  Sherman McCoy : Lie.

  Mr. McCoy : Oh... you know I have always been a great believer in the truth. I have lived my life as honestly as I can. I, I believe in the truth as an essential companion to a man of conscience. A beacon in this vast and dark wasteland, that is our modern world. And yet...

  Sherman McCoy : Yes.

  Mr. McCoy : ...in this case, if the truth won't set you free, then lie.

• Sherman McCoy : Maria, you're incorrigible!