Original artwork, not a still
I collect spores, molds and fungus.
— Ghostbusters ‧ 1984
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Egon's delivery makes it a classic: no irony, no sense that this is an odd answer, just a scientist telling the truth to someone flirting with him. Fans use it as the nerdiest possible reply to small talk about hobbies, and it works as a quiet portrait of Egon before he has fired a single proton pack.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for GhostbustersShow the scene
In Ghostbusters (1984), the new business has no customers yet and secretary Janine Melnitz is bored and chatty. She tells Egon Spengler she reads a lot, plays racquetball, and asks whether he has any hobbies. Egon, the team's deadpan scientist, answers with complete seriousness that he collects spores, molds and fungus. Janine is played by Annie Potts, who was rushed into her first scene when she arrived on set. Soon after, their first client, Dana Barrett, walks in.
Sources (2)
- Springfield! Springfield!: Ghostbusters scriptFirehouse scene with Janine; Gozer confrontationReference checked
- Wikipedia: Ghostbusters (film)Cast and plotReference checked
Context reviewed
