Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Egon mentions it almost as an afterthought, a deadpan safety rule delivered like a man reading a label, and Venkman's 'I'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing' makes it the film's best setup. That is why the finale lands: crossing the streams is the one forbidden move, and it becomes the only plan left. Fans quote it as a warning against any obvious disaster.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for GhostbustersShow the scene
Hired to catch a ghost at the Sedgewick Hotel, the Ghostbusters admit in the lift that they've never fully tested their proton packs, and after their first shots bring a chandelier crashing down, Egon remembers something very important he forgot to tell them. Asked what he means by bad, he suggests imagining all life stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Venkman files it as an important safety tip, and at the climax Egon has them cross the streams anyway, at Gozer's gateway.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: GhostbustersDialogue section, Sedgewick HotelReference checked
- Wikipedia: GhostbustersPlot sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
