To me, 2006 was a great year for films. BRICK, THE MATADOR, INSIDE MAN and LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN all came out that year. Well, some of those debuted in 2005, but 2006 saw widespread releases of them.
LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN stars Josh Harnett as Slevin, a young man that, upon arriving in NYC to visit a pal, is mistaken for Nick Fisher. It turns out that Nick has a gambling problem and owes money to some unpleasant folk.
In this scene, Slevin has been taken to see The Boss (Morgan Freeman). Slevin is wearing a towel and has a broken nose. The nose happened as a result of some banter with the men that The Boss sent to pick up Mr. Fisher.
Slevin: I’m sorry, who are you?
The Boss: I’m The Boss.
Slevin: I thought he was The Boss.
The Boss: Why? Do we look alike? So, Mr Fisher, you were gonna tell me something?
Slevin: I don’t know, you brought me here.
The Boss: Yes I did. Back when you thought I was him.
Slevin: I didn’t think you were him, I thought he was you. And I was trying to tell him – you that they picked up the wrong guy.
The Boss: The wrong guy for what?
Slevin: Whatever it is you wanna see me about.
The Boss: Do you know what I wanna see you about?
Slevin: No.
The Boss: Then how do you know I got the wrong guy?
Slevin: Because I’m not…
The Boss: Maybe I want to give you $96,000. In that case do I still have the wrong guy?
Slevin: Do you wanna give me $96,000?
The Boss: No, do you wanna give me $96,000?
Slevin: No, should I?
The Boss: I don’t know, should you?
Slevin: I don’t know, should I?
The Boss: [pause] Long story short.
Slevin: I think we’re well past that point.
The Boss: I bet it was that mouth that got you that nose.
Slevin: Okay, I’m under the impression that you’re under the impression that I owe you $96,000…?
The Boss: No, you owe Slim Hopkins $96,000. You owe Slim, Slim owes me. (a pause) You owe me.
One of the things that makes this great is the calm, even gentle performance by Morgan Freeman. Even when threatening Slevin’s life, he has a pleasant tone.
If you have not seen the film, I will simply say that all is not as it appears and suggest you snag a copy and settle for a good time with Hatnett, Freeman, Sir. Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis, Lucy Liu and Stanley Tucci.
