The Best Thomas Leroy Quotes

Nina: I came to ask for the part.
Thomas: The truth is when I look at you all I see is the white swan. Yes you're beautiful, fearful, and fragile. Ideal casting. But the black swan? It's a hard fucking job to dance both.
Nina: I can dance the black swan, too.
Thomas: Really? In four years every time you dance I see you obsessed getting each and every move perfectly right but I never see you lose yourself. Ever! All that discipline for what?
Nina: [whispers] I just want to be perfect.
Thomas: What?
Nina: I want to be perfect.
Thomas: [scoffs] Perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience. Transcendence! Very few have it in them.
Nina: I think I do have it in me.

Thomas: This is your moment, Nina. Don't let it go.

Thomas: Go get warmed up!
Lily: No it's okay, I'm good!

Thomas: That was *me* seducing you, when it needs to be the other way around.

Thomas: Are you okay?
Nina: I'm fine.
Thomas: Nina.
Nina: What?
Thomas: I've already asked Lily.
Nina: Have you announced it?
[pauses]
Nina: After Beth do you really need another controversy? I'm here, Thomas. I'm doing it.
Thomas: The only person standing in your way is you. It's time to let her go. Lose yourself.

Thomas: I don't want there to be any boundaries between us.
Nina: No, me neither.
Thomas: So, you got a boyfriend?
Nina: No.
Thomas: And you've had many in the past?
Nina: A few but no one serious.
Thomas: You're not a virgin, are you?
Nina: [nervously] No.
Thomas: So there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Thomas: My little princess.

Thomas: We all know the story. Virginal girl, pure and sweet, trapped in the body of a swan. She desires freedom but only true love can break the spell. Her wish is nearly granted in the form of a prince, but before he can declare his love her lustful twin, the black swan, tricks and seduces him. Devastated the white swan leaps of a cliff killing herself and, in death, finds freedom.

[last lines]
Thomas: Nina, what did you do?
Nina: I felt it. Perfect. It was perfect.

Nina: What happened?
Thomas: She walked into the street and got hit by a car. And you know what? I'm almost sure she did it on purpose.
Nina: How do you know?
Thomas: Because everything Beth does comes from within. From some dark impulse. I guess that's what makes her so thrilling to watch. So dangerous. Even perfect at times, but also so damn destructive.

Nina: Should I go again?
Thomas: No thanks Nina! I've seen enough.

Thomas: [yelling to Nina over rehearsal music] The final act. Your final dance! You've tasted your dream. Touched it! Only to have it crushed. Your heart is broken. Wounded! Your life force fading. The blood drips. The black swan stole your love! There is only one way to end the pain. You're not fearful, but filled with acceptance! And you look down at Rothbart and then at the Prince. And then yes, and the audience! And then you jump!
[Nina hesitates]
Thomas: Go ahead, jump! You'll be fine. Jump!

Thomas: What's going on?
Nina: [crying] Lily! You made her my alternate?
Thomas: Well there's always an alternate. Lily is the best choice.
Nina: No, but she wants my role.
Thomas: Every dancer in the world wants your role.
Nina: No, this is different. She's after me. She's trying to replace me!
Thomas: Nobody's after you.
Nina: [crying harder] No, please believe me!

Thomas: I got a little homework assignment for you. Go home and touch yourself. Live a little.

Thomas: The only person standing in your way is you.

Thomas: Thank you, Nina! It's very nice. It's very nice, but I knew the white swan wouldn't be your problem. The real work would be your metamorphosis into her evil twin. I know I saw a flash of her yesterday, so get ready to give me more of that bite.

Thomas: Honestly, would you fuck that girl?

Thomas: You could be brilliant, but you're a coward.
Nina: I'm sorry.
Thomas: [yelling] Now stop saying that! That's exactly what I'm talking about. Stop being so fucking weak!

Thomas: And you enjoy making love?
Nina: [surprised] Excuse me?
Thomas: Oh come on, sex! Do you enjoy it?
[Nina nervously laughs]
Thomas: Well, we need to be able to talk about this.