Johan Spegel Quotes in The Magician (1958)

Johan Spegel: Let us rest a moment and breathe. Twilight is falling and this is the last day of life. I've always longed for a knife, a blade to lay bare my entrails, set my brain and heart free, free from my substance and cut away my tongue and my manhood. A sharp blade that would scrape out all uncleanliness. Then the so-called spirit would rise up from this meaningless carcass.

Johan Spegel: The author presumes there's a great general thing called truth somewhere out there. That theory is pure illusion.

Johan Spegel: I didn't really die, yet I've already begun haunting people. Actually, I think I make a better ghost than human being. I'm finally convincing. Something I never was as an actor. A shadow of a shadow. Don't be concerned for my sake, sir. I've already begun to decompose.

Johan Spegel: I've prayed for just one thing in my life. "Use me. Make me your servant." But God never understood what a strong devoted slave I was. So I went unused. That's a lie too, by the way. One goes step by step into the darkness. The movement itself is the only truth.

Johan Spegel: You want to record the precise moment. Observe carefully. I will keep my face open to your curiosity. What am I feeling? Fear and well-being. Now death has reached my hands, my arms, my feet, my belly. I can't see anymore. I'm dead. You're wondering. I'll tell you. Death is...

Johan Spegel: [Vogler has come across a sick man lying in the forest near the road] Good day, sir. My name is Johan Spegel. I am very ill, as you can see. Would you alleviate my suffering with a little brandy? For brandy is my infirmity, but its remedy too.

Johan Spegel: [Vogler gives the man some brandy, which seems to revive him] I am an actor. In fact, a member of the famous Stenbourg troupe. But my illness has put an end to my career.

Johan Spegel: [Vogler helps the man to his feet, whereupon Spegel takes a closer look at Vogler] Are you an actor too?

Johan Spegel: [Vogler mutely shakes his head "no"] Then why the disguise? Your beard is fake, and your eyebrows and hair are dyed. Are you a swindler who must conceal his true face?