Temps (1999)

Roger V. Burton: Stan, Jonah's father

Quotes 

• Stan : You're a LAWYER, Jonah. You could have a hundred jobs - all of them excellent. What is it with your generation that they wander around aimlessly...

  Tim : But Dad, it's like we have all this pressure to achieve, because we've been told from birth we could be anything we want to be. But the thing is - wait, let me finish - it's paralyzing, because we THINK we can do anything, but really, we can only do one thing at a time, and then when we devote ourselves to it, it's just one thing; so we move from job to job, trying to find that thing which is the "anything" we want to be.

  Stan : Seems like you've all been spoiled, that's all.

  May : Stan...

  Tim : It's typical of you not to try to understand me.

  Stan : I may not understand some... things about you, but SOME things I DO understand. You think we didn't get bored? You think we didn't dream about other things? I had my sisters, and then you and your mother, to think about!

  May : Jonah, you have more choices and opportunities than most people in the world. How can you complain so much?

  Tim : I'm not complaining. I just want to make a mark.

  Stan : You think all of my students don't think I've made a mark? You think you're not my mark? I can't think of something I am more proud to leave behind me in the world.

  [Jonah looks at his father, who looks away and stands] 

  Stan : Now I'm going to see about that pipe int he basement.