Oliver Stone’s 1994 film “Natural Born Killers” is a controversial cult classic, known for its graphic violence and subversive commentary on the media. The film follows serial killers Mickey and Mallory Knox as they embark on a killing spree across the American Southwest, evading the law and becoming media darlings in the process.
Aside from its shocking content, “Natural Born Killers” is also known for its memorable quotes. From snappy one-liners to philosophical musings, the film is filled with lines that have become iconic in their own right. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most memorable “Natural Born Killers” quotes, and what they reveal about the film’s themes and characters.
“The Media’s Like the Weather”
In one of the film’s most famous scenes, Mickey and Mallory are interviewed by journalist Wayne Gale, who has become obsessed with their story. When Gale asks if they have any advice for his viewers, Mickey responds with the line “The media’s like the weather, only it’s man-made weather. Murder? It’s pure. You’re not a part of that.” This quote encapsulates the film’s critique of the media, which is shown to be more concerned with sensationalism and ratings than with the truth.
“I Never Came Here with a Choice”
Throughout the film, Mickey and Mallory are shown to be products of their environment. They grew up in abusive households and turned to violence as a means of escape. This is reflected in Mallory’s line “I never came here with a choice. Did you?” which suggests that their actions are a result of their upbringing and circumstances.
“Love Beats the Demon”
Despite its graphic violence, “Natural Born Killers” ultimately has a message of hope. In the film’s final scene, Mickey proclaims “Love beats the demon” as he and Mallory embrace. This quote suggests that love and compassion can overcome even the darkest impulses, and that redemption is possible for even the most damaged souls.
“I’m a Natural Born Killer”
The film’s title comes from a line spoken by Woody Harrelson’s character, Mickey. When asked by Mallory how he became a killer, he replies “I’m a natural born killer.” This line reflects the film’s exploration of nature vs. nurture, and suggests that some people are simply born with violent tendencies.
“I Am the Devil, and I Am Here to Do the Devil’s Work”
This line, spoken by Mickey as he enters a convenience store to commit a murder, has become one of the film’s most iconic quotes. It’s a chilling reminder of the character’s nihilistic worldview, and his belief that he is above morality and societal norms.
“The Past is a Fiction”
Mickey and Mallory’s backstory is revealed through a series of flashbacks, which are presented in a hyper-stylized and exaggerated manner. This reflects the film’s exploration of the unreliability of memory and the idea that the past is a subjective construction.
“We Can’t Help Who We Fall in Love With”
Despite the film’s violent content, Mickey and Mallory’s relationship is at the heart of the story. Mallory is drawn to Mickey’s charisma and rebellious nature, and the two become partners in crime. This line suggests that love is a powerful force that can overcome societal norms and expectations.
“You are the Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Ever Seen”
This line, spoken by Mickey to Mallory, is one of the film’s most often quoted. It’s a poignant moment that reveals the depth of feeling between the two characters, and the intensity of their bond.
“I’ll Never Be Hungry Again”
This line, spoken by Mallory after she and Mickey take revenge on her abusive father, is a callback to the famous line from “Gone with the Wind.” It reflects Mallory’s desire for revenge and her belief that violence is a means of achieving power and control.
“I’m a Lone Wolf”
Mickey’s insistence that he is a “lone wolf” reflects the film’s exploration of individualism and rebellion. He sees himself as a outsider who is above societal norms and expectations, and believes that violence is a means of asserting his independence.
“We’re Not the Same”
In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, Mickey confronts his abusive father and declares “We’re not the same.” This line reflects the film’s exploration of nature vs. nurture and suggests that even those who come from a violent background can choose a different path.
“I’m a Rebel”
Mickey’s rebellious nature is a central theme of the film, and is reflected in his line “I’m a rebel.” This reflects the film’s exploration of counterculture and the idea that violence can be a means of asserting one’s individuality.
“It’s Just Murder”
Mickey and Mallory’s cavalier attitude towards murder is reflected in this line, which suggests that they see their actions as a means of asserting their power over others.
“You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the film’s exploration of the cat-and-mouse game between the killers and the law enforcement officers who are pursuing them.
“I’m a Killer, Babe”
Mickey’s self-identification as a killer reflects the film’s exploration of identity and how it can be shaped by one’s actions and experiences.
“You’re My Hostage Now”
Mickey and Mallory’s tendency to take hostages reflects their desire for control and power over others.
“It’s All About the Love”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the film’s exploration of the power of love and its ability to overcome even the darkest impulses.
“The More You Kill, the More You’re in the Spotlight”
This line, spoken by Mallory, reflects the film’s critique of the media’s obsession with violence and its tendency to glorify killers.
“I Want to Do Something Dangerous”
This line, spoken by Mallory, reflects the film’s exploration of the allure of danger and the thrill of breaking rules.
“I’m the Bad Guy?”
In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Mickey confronts a prison psychiatrist and asks “I’m the bad guy?” This line reflects the film’s exploration of morality and the idea that good and evil are not always clear-cut.
“I Don’t Want to Die Alone”
This line, spoken by Mallory, reflects the film’s exploration of the fear of death and the desire for connection and companionship.
“You Think You’re the Only One with Demons?”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the film’s exploration of the universality of human experience and the idea that everyone has their own demons to confront.
“I Don’t Believe in Love”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the character’s nihilistic worldview and his belief that love is a weakness.
“You Never Had a Choice”
Mickey’s line “You never had a choice” reflects the film’s exploration of the idea that one’s upbringing and environment can shape their actions and choices.
“We’re Not Even the Same Species”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the character’s belief that he is fundamentally different from the rest of society and that violence is a means of asserting his superiority.
“I’ve Seen the Future, and it’s a Bald-Headed Man from New York”
This line, spoken by Mallory, is a reference to the character’s prophetic visions and suggests that the future is uncertain and unpredictable.
“I Love Mallory Knox”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the depth of feeling between the two characters and their intense emotional connection.
“You Can’t Hide from Your Shadow”
This line, spoken by Mickey, reflects the film’s exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the idea that everyone has a shadow self that must be confronted.
“I’m Free”
One of the film’s most powerful moments comes when Mickey and Mallory are reunited after being separated in prison. They embrace and declare “I’m free,” suggesting that their love for each other has given them a sense of liberation and freedom.
Conclusion
“Natural Born Killers” is a film that continues to provoke and challenge audiences with its graphic violence and subversive commentary on the media. Its memorable quotes reflect the film’s