Editors | August 2009 issue
Watching Marx Brothers movies helped Norman Cousins cope with a painful illness, a process he described in Anatomy of an Illness. Here are Ode’s recommendations if you’re feeling sick, tired, or just plain in need of a pick-me-up:
Bridget Jones’s Diary

Mark Darcy to Bridget Jones: “I don’t think you’re an idiot at all. I mean, there are elements of the ridiculous about you. Your mother’s pretty interesting. And you really are an appallingly bad public speaker. And, um, you tend to let whatever’s in your head come out of your mouth without much consideration of the consequences. But the thing is, um, what I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps, despite appearances, I like you, very much, just as you are.”
Music and Lyrics
Alex to Sophie, trying to arrange to meet the next day: “Theoretically, I could pick you up because I will be taking a cab.” “I could be standing outside at 9:40 in bright orange clothes, so you wouldn’t miss me.” “Oh, good, you’ll get some road work done while you wait, then.”

Notting Hill
William to Spike, who is wearing Will’s wetsuit: “Can I ask you why you are wearing that?” “Combination of factors. No clean clothes.” “There never will be unless you actually clean your clothes.” “Vicious circle. And I was rooting around in your things and found this and thought groovy. Kind of … spacey.”

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Jack Sparrow, after Will draws his sword: “Put it away, son. It’s not worth you getting beat again.” “You didn’t beat me. You ignored the rules of engagement. In a fair fight, I’d kill you.” “That’s not much incentive for me to fight fair, then, is it?”

Shrek
Donkey to Shrek, who is preparing to battle the dragon: “Don’t die, Shrek. And if you see any long tunnels, stay away from the light.”