A glitch in the matrix...

May 29, 2012 6:35 AM

Where did I see this exact bit of business from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel before?

In the film (and actually in the linked trailer at about 2:10 or so) there's a bit in which Judi Dench, who is having a really bad day, walks over to someone's table, says "I need a glass of water," takes their glass and knocks it back in one huge gulp.

At which point the drink's owner points out "that's a gin and tonic."

Dench's only reaction is to take a beat and then, very calmly, say "I know that now."

Okay, cute. But I know that they lifted that bit in its entirety from something else because I've seen it before, done exactly that way. The problem is that I can't remember where I saw it - what movie or TV show, which characters did it - and it's driving me crazy right now. Anybody else recognize this bit and have a pedigree for it?

posted by Naberius to media & arts (5 answers total)

Rings a bell for me. Googling turns up this TWoP post refers to a Sports Night bit with Dana, and that rings the bell a little louder, but I can't place it exactly. This Straight Dope post agrees with a Sports Night bit, and maybe also a Studio 60 episode.
posted by knile at 7:03 AM on May 29, 2012

I wouldn't swear he originated it, but it's definitely a scene Aaron Sorkin uses - he has Felicity Huffman do it in one of the final episodes of Sports Night.

I'm almost sure one of his more recent shows also has it because I saw it and went "Awww, Sorkin callback", but I can't remember which one.
posted by Stacey at 7:03 AM on May 29, 2012

Sports Night. Felicity Huffman. That's the one!

Thank you Hive Mind. I knew you would be amazing!
posted by Naberius at 7:18 AM on May 29, 2012

The Studio 60 scene is when Danny loses his temper and tells the propmaster's union they're replaceable, so they decide to teach him a lesson by walking out (but not before sabotaging the live show). Harriet's doing… whatever they called Weekend Update, and she spit-takes after she takes a sip from her coffee mug because they've filled it with whiskey. :D
posted by jaffacakerhubarb at 7:19 AM on May 29, 2012

Direct link to quote at IMDb

Dana Whitaker: I just need your water.
[downs his drink in one gulp]
The Stranger: That was a gin martini.
Dana Whitaker: Yes. I know that now. Is your name Calvin Trager?

posted by nicwolff at 7:46 AM on May 29, 2012