Dr. Matthewson quotes from The Manhattan Project (1986)

It's the purest plutonium in the universe. Pretty, isn't it?

I happen to have access to one of the sexiest lasers on the eastern seaboard.

Oh, what did you want us to do? Put up a neon sign that says 'Secret Weapons Laboratory'?

You try to tough it out with them, they'll lock you in a room and throw away the room.

I just happen to have access to one of the sexiest lasers in the entire free world.

Elizabeth

And you're interested in a one bedroom sublet, furnished? Any special requirements?

It should be quiet and in an English-speaking country.

'[reading a lab report on the plutonium sample that Paul has replaced] Water, citric acid, sodium laureth sulfate, hydrolyzed animal protein, glycerin, USFDA coloring #5.

What the hell is it?

It's shampoo.

This is terrible, I feel like a perfect ass.

Elizabeth

Nobody's perfect.

What do you think you're doing?

Well I thought we'd start out with kissing, and then we might move onto the fancy stuff.

OK, here's the deal. We have an irrational child down there with an armed device. He seems to trust you, so you get down there.

And do what?

Disarm him. Get him to take it apart.

And if he won't?

Well, then just separate him from it and we'll do the rest.

I can't do that.

And why not?

Because I'm not a-

What, a killer? Is that the word you're groping for, Doctor? And just what the bloody hell do you think you've been working on all these years? What do you think all this is for? Your own personal amusement? To stimulate you intellectually? You are what you are, Doctor - a son of a bitch, like the rest of us. Now for God's sake, take some responsibility and do what needs to be done.

It's very pretty.

Thanks.

Now what do you say we take it apart before everyone goes crazy?

No, I'm sorry. I can't do that right now.

This isn't accomplishing anything.

Sure it is.

What?

Deterrence.

Deterrence?

Yeah. You know, when each side thinks that they're going to blow everybody up. It's called mutually assured destruction.

Yeah, I know what it's called.

Well, it's working, isn't it?

How do you mean?

I'm still alive, aren't I?