Nell (1994)

Natasha Richardson: Paula Olsen

Photos 

Quotes 

• Jerry : 'Missa' - little. 'Erna' - big.

  Paula : Tata?

  Jerry : 'Tata'. Potalto. Just kidding. Frightened. 'Tata' - frightened. 'T'ee' - tree.

• Paula : All the research shows that children who perceive their parents enjoying a good sex-life grow up to have far better sexual relationships themselves.

  Jerry : Is that so?

  Paula : Yea, that's so.

• [Jerry plays music making Nell cry] 

  Paula : Turn that thing off! What the hell do you think you're doin'? She's never heard music before.

  Jerry : Hey! Sometimes people just do things! It's called impulse. Try it some time.

  Paula : It's called doin' what you want when you want to, and not giving a shit about anybody else! I grew out of it by the age of six!

• Paula : We shouldn't be watching this.

  Jerry : Why not? I think she's beautiful.

  Paula : Mmm-hmmm...

  Jerry : You think I'm planning to abuse the doctor-patient relationship.

  Paula : Are you?

  Jerry : No. Just because I think she's beautiful doesn't mean I want to have sex with her. I mean, I think you're beautiful, but...

  Paula : Thanks!

  Jerry : No, wait. I didn't mean... I'm sorry...

  Paula : It's ok, I'm a big girl!

• [Jerry ringing the bell of Paula's boat] 

  Paula : Hey.

  Jerry : You sure can make it, roughin' it like this? I don't see an air conditioning unit. You ok about breathing raw air?

  [Paula knocks on a box on the ceilling] 

  Jerry : Oh.

• Paula : What is it with you and Nell?

  Jerry : It's like... there's no one else in the world. Like she doesn't need anybody. Can you live your whole life that way, or does it drive you crazy in the end?

• Paula : To think I was going to be the one to change her life.

  Jerry : Me too.

  Mary : Don't you know? You were the first.

  Paula : The first what?

  Mary : To need her.

• Paula : It's called doing whatever the hell you want whenever the hell you want to, and I grew out of it 'round about the age of six!

• Paula : [seeing the Sheriff's wife crying]  What happened to her?

  Jerry : Nothing and everything. It hits her once in a while.

  Paula : Is there any obvious cause?

  Jerry : You want a list? Life's tough. But she's luckier than some. Got a good husband there.

• Paula : [into her mic]  She's been completely isolated. Almost certainly mentally retarded. A blood test will pick up childhood disease and any metabolic disorder.

  Paula : [to Jerry]  Oh, you carry a blood kit?

  Jerry : You think she's gonna sit there and let me stick a needle in her?

  Paula : [laughing, then matter of factly]  I'll hold her.

  [Paula takes off her jacket]