Brian leaves military. He takes a Greyhound Bus to New York, ironically called the America Cruiser. Symbolism used to explain inequality is Brian noticing that in New York, some people have many dogs and others have only one dog, and that one dog is always shitting on the sidewalk, and they have to pick it up. Brian Believes he will one day be a man of many dogs. His first port of call is his Uncle Pat's bar. Brian enjoys flat beer from rusty pipes. If you only knew how he missed it. Pat and the local wise sage Eddie explain to Brian that seeking a top job is impossible f
or a working class lad and that he should follow the path of his father and get arthritis. Advice includes:
or a working class lad and that he should follow the path of his father and get arthritis. Advice includes:- 'Most things in life, good and bad, just kind of happen to you.'
- 'Everyone wakes up one day with a wife and kid - where did they come from?'
- 'If you want fun go play at the beach!'
Brian disagrees and sets off to make a million dollars. Brian's subsequent difficulty in finding work is shown using a montage, in which Brian's hair becomes longer and shorter rather erratically. Eventually he is told that he should go to college. He stumbles through Manhattan's upper east side - 'where the angel's are!' apparently. This where he encounters The Chinese Elvis Angel, carrying his soul in a cardboard box. * Brian enters TGI Friday's and meets Doug Coughlin (this might be where he gets his idea for a "chain of bars" later in the film). Brian is introduced to Coughlin's Laws (all elsewhere on the internet). Brain begins working at the bar.
Meanwhile he attends City College. He loses faith in education when he sees what he perceives as bullying of people like Ronni Lamaster (whose college idea is make-up for pets). He informs his tutor (the "twisted old fruit" from Spinal Tap) that, 'he hides here because he can't make it in the real world!' Brian tells Doug that, 'not a goddamn word any of those professors says make a difference on the street.' Doug tells him he is ready to graduate.
Meanwhile he attends City College. He loses faith in education when he sees what he perceives as bullying of people like Ronni Lamaster (whose college idea is make-up for pets). He informs his tutor (the "twisted old fruit" from Spinal Tap) that, 'he hides here because he can't make it in the real world!' Brian tells Doug that, 'not a goddamn word any of those professors says make a difference on the street.' Doug tells him he is ready to graduate.
He realises that the bartender is 'the aristocrat of the working class'. He learns a trick called the Fish In The Hand Trick, which means simply, "nothing".
This is an indication of life's futility. ** A customer notices raw talent and they are offered job at CELL BLOCK.
They are soon dismayed that no one seems to want a drink. Instead they enjoy watching the "Yuppie Poet". Brian finds extra talent as a poet himself. Introduction of Coral. She falls in love with Brain and doesn't really shag him but rolls around a lot in bad laughing and then Brian leaves and reacts like he's just been shagged. Brian and Doug take up smoking and betting on basketball shots in short shorts.
Decision to work in Jamaica, includes unnerving shot of Brian with topless model's body.
Brian starts shouting, 'POSTIVE THINKING!'
Brian offers Doug some day old pizza and he refuses and tells him that his diet is 'Cocktails & Dreams.' Brian replies that that is 'not a bad name for a joint'. I am unsure of the drug references. Brian expounds the value of positive thinking, but unfortunately Doug shags his missus.
Brian offers Doug some day old pizza and he refuses and tells him that his diet is 'Cocktails & Dreams.' Brian replies that that is 'not a bad name for a joint'. I am unsure of the drug references. Brian expounds the value of positive thinking, but unfortunately Doug shags his missus.
Doug insists it shouldn't come between friends. Brian says, 'The fuck I will!' oddly reminiscent of John Wayne.
* - may not have happened
** - may not have been the intention of the scene
