Patch Adams (1998)

Philip Seymour Hoffman: Mitch

Photos 

Quotes 

• Mitch Roman : I don't like you!

  Hunter Patch Adams : Why don't you like me? You're a prick and I like you.

• Hunter Patch Adams : Hi. Patch Adams.

  Mitch Roman : Mitch Roman. Georgetown University. I was awarded the William F. Thompson Scientific Achievement Award.

  Hunter Patch Adams : Mmm. Emerson Elementary. I once drew a picture of a rabbit that got me two gold stars.

• Hunter Patch Adams : You told Walcott I cheated. I know you did it. Just tell me why.

  Mitch Roman : Look, cut the crap, Hunter. I live with you. I know how much you study, or don't study. And you do better than me? Give me a break.

  Hunter Patch Adams : You arrogant, pompous prick! Who appointed you custodian of the medical profession? Is it because your father and his father was a doctor, some sort of genetic thing?

  Mitch Roman : You're damn right.

  Hunter Patch Adams : Really?

  Mitch Roman : I grew up with it. I know what it takes to look in the eyes of dying people day after day and come home for dinner at night. I know what it takes. You don't have it.

  Hunter Patch Adams : Oh, really. And you do? If you don't like me, just say it.

  Mitch Roman : I don't like you!

  Hunter Patch Adams : Why don't you like me? You're a prick, and I like you.

  Mitch Roman : Because you make my effort a joke! I want to be a doctor! This isn't a game to me! This isn't playtime! This is serious business! I have it in me to be a great doctor but in order to do that I have to sacrifice if I want to be better.

  Hunter Patch Adams : "Better." Better than me, hmm?

  Mitch Roman : I will save lives that could have otherwise not been saved. Now, I could be like you and go around laughing and have a good time, ha ha, but I prefer to learn, because the more I learn, the more likely I will have the right answer at the crucial moment and save a life. And you say I'm a prick? You say I'm a prick? You know, maybe I am, but you ask the average person, when death comes knocking at their door whether they want a prick on their side or some kindergarten teacher who's gonna kiss their ass! Because when that day comes I want the prick! And so will you.

  Hunter Patch Adams : You know, I forget how young you are, Mitch, that you think you have to be a prick to get things done, and that you actually think that's a new idea.

• Mitch Roman : This isn't a game to me! This isn't play time! This is serious business!

• Mitch : [as Patch cleans out his locker, Mitch happens upon him]  You can't leave.

  Patch Adams : [closing locker]  If what you say is true, it looks like I'm defying the laws of possibility.

  Patch Adams : [Patch goes to move past Mitch, but Mitch stands in his way]  What're you doing? Oh... I can't leave till you beat me? Is that it? Okay, I surrender. You're number one, you're the top student in the class. You're smarter than me. Is that what you want to hear? Now can I leave?

  Mitch : [puts up his hand and blocks him again]  You know Mrs. Kennedy in 212? She doesn't eat. I visited her room every day for the past three weeks. I can't get her to eat.

  Mitch : Now I know everything there is to know about medicine. I've studied relentlessly. I guarantee you I can outdo, outdiagnose any attending or surgeon in this hospital.

  Patch Adams : [nods]  Mm-hmm.

  Mitch : But I can't make her eat.

  [near tears] 

  Mitch : You have a gift.

  [shakes head] 

  Mitch : You have a way with people. You know they like you. And if you leave... I can't learn this way.

  [Patch walks off]