Beat (2000)

Kiefer Sutherland: William S. Burroughs

Photos 

Quotes 

• Joan Vollmer : So, do they have ruins down in Guatemala?

  William S. Burroughs : It's all ruins. Or it all will be, given enough time.

  Joan Vollmer : Ah, just like people.

  William S. Burroughs : Yes. But people decay more promptly than Mayan temples.

• Joan Vollmer : Say Bill, does the Oedipal Complex get reversed for fags?

  William S. Burroughs : [pause]  Well, speaking from personal experience, I never wanted to fuck my father.

  Joan Vollmer : [chuckles] 

• Lucien Carr : They'll probably give me the chair for this, huh?

  William S. Burroughs : Don't be absurd. They don't fry freshman literature students.

• Joan Vollmer : And what does your young man make of the Mayans?

  William S. Burroughs : Well I have yet to inquire about his preference in lost civilizations.

  Joan Vollmer : Ah, but he must like ruins.

  William S. Burroughs : [chuckles]  Yes. He likes me tolerably enough.

• Lee : If you love your wife so much, why are you here with me?

  William S. Burroughs : Love is not sex.

• William S. Burroughs : Are you leaving me?

  Joan Vollmer : Should I?

  William S. Burroughs : [long pause]  As you like.