Almost Famous2000

William:
[on the phone with his mother, Elaine] I'm fine! I'm fine! I'm flying back on Monday morning. I'll only miss one test. I'll make it up.

Russell:
Tell her you're a slave to the groove. You can't help it!

William:
[to Russell] No. [Russell reaches for the phone] No, Russell... Russell, no! [Russell grabs the phone.]

Russell:
Hi, Mom, it's Russell Hammond! I play guitar in Stillwater. It's my fault. How does it feel to be the mother of the future of rock journalism?... Hello? [Elaine says nothing.] You've got a great kid. Nothing to worry about. We're taking care of him. And you should come to a show some time — join the circus!

Elaine:
Listen to me: your charm doesn't work on me. I'm onto you. Of course you like him.

Russell:
Well, yeah.

Elaine:
He worships you people! And that's fine with you, as long as he helps make you rich.

Russell:
Rich? I don't think so—

Elaine:
Listen to me. He's a smart, goodhearted, 15-year-old kid with infinite potential. This is not some apron-wearing mother you're talking to. I know about your Valhalla of decadence, and I shouldn't have let him go. He is not ready for your world of compromised values and diminished brain cells that you throw away like confetti. Am I speaking clearly to you?

Russell:
[stands up straight] Yes, ma'am.

Elaine:
If you break his spirit, harm him in any way, keep him from his chosen profession — which is law, something you may not value, but I do — you will meet the voice on the other end of this telephone, and it will not be pretty. Do we understand each other?

Russell:
Uh, yes, ma'am.

Elaine:
I didn't ask for this role, but I'll play it. Now go do your best. "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." Goethe said that. It's not too late for you to be a person of substance, Russell. Get my son home safely. You know, I'm glad we spoke. [hangs up on Russell, who is speechless]