Woman in Gold (2015)

Helen Mirren: Maria Altmann

Photos 

Quotes 

• Randol Schoenberg : It's hard to believe Hitler once applied to be an art student here.

  Maria Altmann : I wish they'd have accepted him.

• Maria Altmann : They'll never admit to what they did, because if they admit to one thing, they'll have to admit to it all.

• Maria Altmann : My sister, Louise-I truly loved her, but truth is, we were always competitive. If life is a race, you beat me to the finish. But if life is a boxing match, I'm the last one standing.

• Maria Altmann : I have to do what I can to keep these memories alive, because people forget-especially the young.

• Maria Altmann : They're hoping to drag it out until I die? Well, I will do them the favor of hanging around.

• Maria Altmann : I have decided to allow the paintings to remain on display... if you agree to admit they were obtained illegally.

• Randol Schoenberg : I could've searched for the file on my own.

  Maria Altmann : I wasn't going to miss all the fun. This is like a James Bond film, and you're Sean Connery!

• Maria Altmann : We did everything we could and that's what matters. The past is the past and now we must let it go.

• Maria Altmann : [to Hubertus as Randy is about to speak before the Austrian arbitration committee]  The first time I came for myself. This time I came for him.

• Maria Altmann : When people see the famous portrait, they see a masterpiece by one of Austria's finest artist. But, I see a picture of my Aunt. A woman who talked to me about life, while I brushed her hair in her bedroom.

• Dreimann : Mrs. Altmann, may I have a word?

  Maria Altmann : Yes, of course.

  Dreimann : I'm defeated... but I will ask you, beg you, entreat you... not to let these paintings leave their motherland. Let us come to an arrangement. I'm sure we can make a generous offer.

  Maria Altmann : I, too, am sad that they will not stay in Adele's country. But all along, I have tried to negotiate, I have tried to keep the dialogue open, and all along, you have thwarted me and closed the doors in my face. So, now... I am tired... and my aunt will cross the Atlantic to make her home in America, as I once had to.

• Randol Schoenberg : You could buy a new bungalow... buy anything you want!

  Maria Altmann : I'd like a new dishwasher.

• Maria Altmann : If I'm going back, I might as well do it in style.

• Maria Altmann : A week ago you weren't even interested and now you're all over me like a rash. What happened?

  Randol Schoenberg : Well, against my better judgment, I think I like you.

• Maria Altmann : Unlike Lot's wife, I never looked back.

• Maria Altmann : Restitution-the return of something to its original state... At the very least, we should be reunited with what is rightfully ours.

  Woman in Crowd : I would like to return to my original state!

• Maria Altmann : My sister finally moves in with me. The problem is, she finally decides to do it when she's dead.

• Maria Altmann : I don't know if I have the strength to deal with these people, and I've only been here a day.

• Randol Schoenberg : [entering]  Still working?

  Maria Altmann : I'll close the shop only when I croak.

• Maria Altmann : My dear, even if we go no further, we made it all the way to the Supreme Court.

  [in a whisper] 

  Maria Altmann : And that's quite a long way for an Austrian girl like me.

• Maria Altmann : I was expecting you at 6, but it's 10 past!

• Maria Altmann : We didn't come here to eat cake.

• Maria Altmann : [In the Law Office of Bergen Brown Sherman]  Everybody here looks as if they are having nervous breakdowns.

  Randol Schoenberg : They are. They are.

• Maria Altmann : Slow down. You can explain everything to me over lunch.

  Randol Schoenberg : No, Mrs. Altmann. I can't do lunch.

  Maria Altmann : I know a very nice place. They do excellent rice pudding.

• Pam Schoenberg : Your mom called again this morning. She wants you to visit the Holocaust memorial when you're there.

  Randol Schoenberg : She mentioned it already, seven times.

  Pam Schoenberg : Well, she said to do it in honor of your great grandparents.

  Maria Altmann : Siegmund and Kamilla. She had the most beautiful eyes, you know, enormous - like an owl.

• Hubertus Czernin : Mrs. Altmann, your Aunt is around this corner. Are you ready for the reunion? Rightly or wrongly, she's become imbedded in Austria's identity. A national icon. Adele has become part of the country's pysche.

  Maria Altmann : Aunt Adele.

• Maria Altmann : Randy, can't you drive a little faster. Look, the chocolate on your donut is melting.

• Randol Schoenberg : It's almost press time, how do I look?

  Maria Altmann : Sexy and victorious.

  Randol Schoenberg : Oh yeah?

  Maria Altmann : How do I look?

  Randol Schoenberg : You look sexy - and victorious.

• Ronald Lauder : The man I have in mind is to art restitution what Einstein is to relativity. He's done his homework on your case. Let's say he knows his stuff. Can I ask him to call you?

  Maria Altmann : You can ask him to take a hike. I'm sticking with my schoolboy, Mr. Lauder.

• Maria Altmann : So, what do you know about art restitution?

  Randol Schoenberg : Not a thing.

  Maria Altmann : Well, it's never too late to learn. Why don't you come on inside. Have some strudel. I made it especially for you.

• Maria Altmann : From the first moment I saw you I knew you were the right man for the job. That's why I ignored all the terrible bits.