Lucas Buck quotes from American Gothic

Lucas

I've heard it said that the American dream is a thing of the past. That the basic tenets of home, job and family are slipping away. Well, not in my town. Where I come from that dream is still a reality. Of course, you have to know who's boss. For those who follow my lead, life can be a paradise. But for those who don't it can be a mighty rough road.

Lucas

Look here boy, only two roads in this world and if you're listening to anyone but me, you're on the wrong one.

Lucas

[after hanging Lowell with his own belt] Is that belt too tight, Lowell? Just hang on.

Lucas

[referring to a shovel] These things have a thousand uses.

Lucas

I was a one-man suicide hotline.

Lucas

See we all have choices to make. And if people are torn, it's only because they're listening to the wrong voice. A voice that would lead them astray, seduce them with hope. Even turn a son against a father. An age old battle between good and evil... care to place your bets?

Lucas

Hey, we understand. Caleb lost his Daddy too. I've tried to be there for him, but he just keeps... resisting. Maybe this little adventure will make him realize how important a father can be.

Lucas

[to Matt] By the way, I know you think you came down here to work off your debt to society, to do penance for that...terrible tragedy. But I got news for you, my friend: You didn't choose Trinity. Trinity chose you.

Lucas

Either the appetite goes, or it becomes voracious. Pleasures disappear, tension comes over the face and body and the addict takes over the soul.

Lucas

You listen to me boy. I know what you're feeling. Believe me, I live with the rage every day of my life. It's part of who we are; it's what we feed on. And one day the world will know your power. But not yet, Caleb. As soon as I'm healed, the hunger that's driving you will disappear and you'll be as you were. And when it's your time, I'll gladly step aside. But I'm not ready to do that yet. And you're not ready to make me.

Lucas

Poor Ben. He feels cheated. Sold his soul and now he's all alone with what might have been. Well, too bad.

Lucas

Everyone needs to feel safe. Some folks would lay all of Trinity's troubles at my doorstep, but hell; might as well blame the trailer park for attracting lightning bolts and tornados. I mean, I had a hand in certain things. But everybody's got free will... I just give them enough rope to hang themselves. Course their lives would be a whole lot easier if they'd just take my hand, just say yes.

Why are you doing this to me?

Lucas

Just another lesson in perception, Ben. All guilt is relative, loyalty counts, and never let your conscience be your guide.

You got no conscience about anything, do you?

Lucas

Conscience is just the fear of getting caught, Ben.

Lucas

You told me this was handled.

Selena

Well I'm sorry Lucas, but I just couldn't hurt him.

Lucas

So you kept him as a pet?

Selena

I liked him, okay? To tell you the truth he kind of liked me.

Lucas

This is a real problem, Selena.

Selena

Well look, if the doctor finds him before we do, maybe it's not such a bad thing. Raphael hasn't been eating lately and I've been kinda worried about him.

Lucas

Raphael is a reporter and he's gonna report things.

Selena

He won't say a word.

Lucas

Oh really? What you do, bite off his tongue in a fit of passion?