Original artwork, not a still
Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
— Billy Madison • 1995
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The cruelest put-down in a film full of them, delivered by a straight-faced official who sounds as if he is passing a sentence. It works because Billy's answer really is nonsense and the verdict gets more grandly furious with every clause. Fans quote it to dismiss any bad argument, and the final "may God have mercy on your soul" is a standard way to condemn a terrible take.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Billy MadisonShow the scene
In Billy Madison (1995), the film ends on an academic decathlon between Billy (Adam Sandler) and his rival Eric Gordon, with the company at stake. In the tenth and final event, Eric picks "Reflections of Society in Literature" for Billy, who answers with a rambling story about a puppy that lost its way. The decathlon's principal, played by Jim Downey, delivers this scathing verdict. Billy is still one point ahead and picks "Business Ethics" for Eric, who cracks under the question. Downey said the speech was based on a response he often gave Chris Farley in the SNL writers' room.
Sources (3)
- Billy Madison (1995) transcript, Springfield! Springfield!Final round of the decathlonReference checked
- Jim Downey (comedian), WikipediaFilm section on Billy MadisonReference checked
- Billy Madison, WikipediaPlotReference checked
Context reviewed
