163. Chasing Amy (1997)

Wow! The past three days of movies just happen to be in my top ten of all time. Pretty awesome stretch. This is my favorite film from Kevin Smith (and that's saying a lot!). I love this movie so much I actually made a pilgrimage to Red Bank, New Jersey to sit on the stoop where Holden tells Banky he loves Alyssa and shop in the record store where Hooper exclaims "Ooo, Yanni!" Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, and Joey Lauren Adams had all been in plenty of movies, but this is the one that showed that they could rise above the "teen slacker" genre of Smith's movies and "Dazed and Confused". I have read a few screenplays, but this is most definitely the only one I have read multiple times (I have a signed copy!). This movie also happens to contain my favorite monologue of all time. So without further adeu:

I love you. And not, not in a friendly way, although I think we're great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I'm sure that's what you'll call it. I love you. Very, very simple, very truly. You are the-the epitome of everything I have ever looked for in another human being. And I know that you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is-is-is the furthest thing from an option you would ever consider. But I had to say it. I just, I can't take this anymore. I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't-I can't look into your eyes without feeling that-that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are. And I know this will probably queer our friendship - no pun intended - but I had to say it, 'cause I've never felt this way before, and I-I don't care. I like who I am because of it. And if bringing this to light means we can't hang out anymore, then that hurts me. But God, I just, I couldn't allow another day to go by without just getting it out there, regardless of the outcome, which by the look on your face is to be the inevitable shoot-down. And, you know, I'll accept that. But I know, I know that some part of you is hesitating for a moment, and if there's a moment of hesitation, then that means you feel something too. And all I ask, please, is that you just - you just not dismiss that, and try to dwell in it for just ten seconds. Alyssa, there isn't another soul on this &#*@ing planet who has ever made me half the person I am when I'm with you, and I would risk this friendship for the chance to take it to the next plateau. Because it is there between you and me. You can't deny that. Even if, you know, even if we never talk again after tonight, please know that I am forever changed because of who you are and what you've meant to me, which - while I do appreciate it - I'd never need a painting of birds bought at a diner to remind me of.