W.P.Mayhew

Extrait du flm des frères Cohen, Barton Fink, qui gagna 3 prix au festival de Cannes 1991 (palme d'or, réalisateur et acteur principal). Le personnage de l'écrivain alcoolique à Hollywood est inspiré de Faulkner, et un peu de Fitzgerald. 

BARTON: ...Jesus. W.P.!

MAYHEW: I beg your pardon?

BARTON: W.P. Mayhew? The writer?

MAYHEW: Just Bill, please.

Barton stands with his back to the sink, facing the little man, his hands dripping onto the floor. There is a short pause. Barton is strangely agitated, his voice halting but urgent.

BARTON: Bill!...

Mayhew cocks his head with a politely patient smile. Finally
Barton brings out:

BARTON: ...You're the finest novelist of our time.

Mayhew leans against a stall.

MAYHEW: Why thank you, son, how kind. Bein'occupied here in the worship of Mammon, I haven't had the chance yet to see your play –

He smiles at Barton's surprise.

MAYHEW: ...Yes, Mistuh Fink, some of the news reaches us in Hollywood.

He is taking out a flask and unscrewing its lid.

BARTON: Sir, I'm flattered that you even recognize my name. My God, I had no idea you were in Hollywood.

MAYHEW: All of us undomesticated writers eventually make their way out here to the Great Salt Lick. Mebbe that's why I allus have such a powerful thrust.

He clears his throat, takes a swig from the flask, and waves it at Barton.

MAYHEW: ...A little social lubricant, Mistuh Fink?

BARTON: It's still a little early for me.

MAYHEW: So be it.

He knocks back some more.