Mr. Geary Quotes in Thumbsucker (2005)

Mr. Geary: Did you see the girls out there?

Justin Cobb: Yeah.

Mr. Geary: Okay, go round 'em up. Bring 'em in here.

Justin Cobb: [hesitant] ... Men's room.

Mr. Geary: [nodding] That's okay, I'm a teacher, I'm a teacher.

[Justin and Mr. Geary have a final word with one another]

Mr. Geary: Justin, it's... in my professional opinion that you've become a monster.

Justin Cobb: What? You used to love me.

Mr. Geary: Don't get grandiose with this.

Justin Cobb: Well, what was that all about my gift? And you told me - You - You built it up. You told me I had a talent.

Mr. Geary: Yeah, you do. You have a real intensity. You have a great understanding of group dynamics. But there's also a lot of things you need to work on, Justin. Like glibness. Arrogance. Self-control. Shall I go on?

Justin Cobb: At least I still have a dream.

Mr. Geary: That's great. Is that how you see me? That's what we've come to, Justin?

Justin Cobb: I already decided that I'm quitting the debate team.

Mr. Geary: That's my fault. Thank you very much. Good luck to you.

[Justin leaves Mr. Geary's room]

[Justin talks with Mr. Geary about how his medication is going]

Mr. Geary: How are you doing with the, uh, medication?

Justin Cobb: I read Moby Dick straight through.

Mr. Geary: That's great. But how do you feel?

Justin Cobb: I feel... like me. I never really did before.

Mr. Geary: Have you had any other breakthroughs beside the book?

Justin Cobb: It used to be kind of a hassle to put on underwear in the morning, but now it's kinda easy.

Mr. Geary: Yeah.

Justin Cobb: I actually listened to the words to the Pledge of Allegiance today, and they - gave me chills

Mr. Geary: I've always felt that you have a real sensitivity when it comes to language. And I know that you're smart. I think you see a lot more than you take responsibility for. That kind of perception you have that can't be taught by anyone.

[Justin listens and smiles at Rebecca giving her debate speech in Mr. Geary's class]

Rebecca: The ocean contains 97 percent of the Earth's water and generates over 70 percent of the Earth's oxygen, and replenishes our fresh water through the clouds. If our oceans are failing, than so will we.

[the class claps by banging on the tables softly]

Mr. Geary: Well done. Justin. Rebuttal. Justin?

Justin Cobb: Actually, I uh - I agree with Rebecca. I saw this show on Animal Planet about how they were giving depressed male baboons prozac.

Mr. Geary: Justin. This isn't Agree Club. It's Debate Club. If you had done your research you'd have the confidence to have an opinion. And if you have an opinion that's based on facts gathered from your research, then you are confident to speak. And speaking confidently does what, class? Speaking confidently...

[the class mumbles]

Mr. Geary: That's right, wins minds.

Mr. Geary: [whispers] Justin, if you wanna admire Rebecca, you can do that during recess. If you wanna compete here, you're gonna have to apply yourself. You can have a seat, Rebecca. Sasha, Lewis. Well done, have a seat. I like the Animal Planet, though, Justin. Great channel.

[the scene cuts to Justin sucking his thumb in the school's bathroom stall]

[Justin calls Mr. Geary in the next room so that Geary can buy him and the female debaters beer while staying in a hotel room]

Mr. Geary: [Mr. Geary on the phone] Are you trying to put me in a position to buy alcohol for minors?

Justin Cobb: People do it all the time.

Mr. Geary: Yes, I can understand you guys wanna unwind a little. You've worked hard, and you'd like to enjoy yourselves, but, uh, I am a teacher.

Justin Cobb: We think of you more as a peer. A friend.

Mr. Geary: That's the line you're gonna use? Well, I hope your head's better tomorrow. Don't keep me on the phone. You're gonna talk yourself out of a six-pack.

Mr. Geary: [Mr. Geary minutes later shows up to the students hotel room with alcohol] I thought about it. I don't think it's a good idea. You guys should be doing your impromptus and getting ready for the meet.

Justin Cobb: What?

Mr. Geary: [Geary hands him over a bag of beer] Here's your six-pack.

Justin Cobb: [laughs] That's really messed up.

Mr. Geary: One of these is going to go a long way with the pills you're on, so go slow. Okay?

Justin Cobb: I understand.

Mr. Geary: Have fun and stay here. All right.

Justin Cobb: Thank you.

[closing the door]

Justin Cobb: [All of the debaters cheer their beers screaming their debate salute, line'em up and knock'em down!]

[Justin talks to Mr. Geary in the restroom, who is nervously trying to comb his hair]

Mr. Geary: [sighs] I wish I was bald. Bitch.

Justin Cobb: [stares at Mr. Geary through the mirror] Your hair seems fine.

Mr. Geary: [pause] Okay, now you're making it worse.

Justin Cobb: I'm sorry.

[Justin and Mr. Geary driving home from a debate]

Mr. Geary: How do you feel?

Justin Cobb: Tired. But good.

Mr. Geary: Why do you feel good?

Justin Cobb: 'Cause I'm winning.

Mr. Geary: How about learning.

Justin Cobb: I'm learning how to win.

Justin Cobb: You're so hungry, Justin. I never really took that into account.