Alex Turner quotes from London Spy

Alex

I want to tell you a story about a man. While everyone was laughing and drinking, he would just walk until he reached the exact same spot, where he'd sit with his back to all those people. And while he did everything he possibly could to signal to the world that he wanted to be left alone more than anything, he hoped that someone passing would understand that what he really wanted was the exact opposite. And that this someone would sit next to him and strike up a conversation. I was that man... and you were that someone.

Danny

So you turn up, on my doorstep... Which is wonderful! Except I never told you where I live. And I was wondering, and I should say in advance that I don't mind, but... did you carry out some kind of background check on me?

Alex

The way we met was unusual.

Danny

Right. So... you thought "Stranger! Seduction!" Not that, erm, I'm presuming you're seduced by me. That's, erm... process ongoing. Erm, what was I saying? Erm, yeah, so you thought, our meeting was part of... a set-up? It's fine. It's fun. I just... I thought you said I was easy to read?

Alex

That would've been the reason you were selected. The appearance of innocence.

Danny

I'm not innocent.

Alex

You might be the only innocent person I know.

Danny

Can you tell me what your real name is now?

Alex

My name is Alex.

Danny

Did you imagine you'd spend the rest of your life alone?

Alex

Yes.

Danny

I can't begin to understand what that must feel like.

Alex

You always knew you'd find someone?

Danny

Always.

Alex

I can't imagine what that must feel like.

Danny

You saw me.What I mean is, you saw me. And you asked if I was OK. And not like most people ask it. Like they've asked it a hundred times that day already, you asked it as if nothing else mattered to you. And I thought, how is it that this person, who I've never seen before... How are they the only person in the whole world who knows? That I'm not OK. And I was sure if I could just find out your name, if I could just find out who you were... then everything would be OK.

Alex

What if everything isn't OK?

Danny

Then we tell each other. And we deal with it. Whatever it is, we deal with it. Together. Is there something you want to tell me?

Alex

No.

Danny

Do you believe in soul mates?

Alex

No. Not only do I not believe in them... it's not even a nice idea.

Danny

Not a nice idea?

Alex

That there's only just one other person out there for you. What are the odds this person would be in the same country? Or the same city? That their paths would even cross? It would mean almost everyone in the world is with the wrong person. If it's a way of saying, "we're good together", why not just say "we're good together"? But if you mean it literally...

Danny

You think there are better people out there for you?

Alex

There might be. For both of us. But since we don't know them, it's just a theoretical.

Danny

Yes. It's... a sentimental idea. The maths doesn't add up. But... we're by the fire, we're under a night sky. Couldn't you just have said "yes"?

Alex

Is that what your soul mate would've done?

Frances

You must be clearer.

Alex

I'll go to America.

Frances

You will destroy your research?

Alex

I'll destroy it.

Frances

You'll never work on it again?

Alex

I'll never work on it again.

Frances

You'll leave it all behind? [Silence] Alistair, you must never make contact with anyone from this life again. [Silence] Alistair?

Alex

His name is Danny.