How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from An American in Paris.
Quote #1
JERRY: This is Paris, and I'm an American who lives here. My name? Jerry Mulligan, and I'm an ex G.I. In 1945 when the army told me to find my own job, I stayed on. And I'll tell you why: I'm a painter. All my life that's all I've ever wanted to do.
Considering that these are the first lines of the film, Jerry wastes no time in making his dreams crystal clear. Sure, it's taken him a while to actually get started—thanks, World War II—but conquering the art world is what he's all about.
Quote #2
JERRY: And for a painter, the mecca of the world, for study, for inspiration and for living, is here on this star called Paris. Just look at it. No wonder so many artists have come here and called it home. Brother, if you can't paint in Paris, you better give up and marry the boss's daughter.
Paris is instrumental in Jerry's plan for art world domination. He hopes that some of the city's magic will rub off on him and his paintbrush.
Quote #3
JERRY: Back home, everyone said I didn't have any talent. They might be saying the same thing over here, but it sounds better in French.
When it comes to taking criticism about his art, Jerry's more than a little bit scared. Sometimes, he's downright prickly. Here, he acknowledges that he may not have what it takes to make his dream a reality and says that he's cool with shutting out the naysayers if it'll help him keep putting brush to canvas.