Daily Dialogue — April 29, 2015

Edna Mode: Well, darling, what do you think?
Helen Parr: What do I think? Bob is retired! I’m retired! Our family is underground. You helped my husband resume secret hero work behind my back?
Edna Mode: Well, I assumed you knew, darling. Why would he keep secrets from you?
Helen Parr: He…he wouldn’t…didn’t…doesn’t.
Edna Mode: Hmm. Men at Robert’s age are often unstable, prone to weakness.
Helen Parr: What are you saying?
Edna Mode: Do you know where he is?
Helen Parr: Of…course–
Edna Mode: Do you KNOW where he is?

— The Incredibles (2004), written by Brad Bird

The Daily Dialogue theme for the week: Stammer. Today’s suggestion by Will King.

Trivia: Lily Tomlin was considered for the part of Edna Mode but turned it down when she heard Brad Bird’s vocal performance, saying, “What do you need me for? You got it already.”

Dialogue On Dialogue: Commentary by Will: “This is a case of stammering due to the shock of revelation. Rather than stumbling over the same word, she fumbles through several words trying to find the right one to reinforce her previous illusion (wouldn’t…didn’t…doesn’t). She moves from the ideal, to the past, and then to the present. She’s not yet ready to admit reality is different than what she’s believed up to this point.”