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  1. The Tourist

    The Tourist Banned

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    I cannot remember the right word!

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by The Tourist, May 2, 2012.

    I need some help.

    In my story, one of the characters needs some kind of pain-killer for the plot. In the movie "Gladiator," the emporer's sister makes him some form of tonic or elixer to help him sleep. When I saw the film for the first time I was struck on how the use of the word was perfect for the scene.

    I cannot remember what it was!

    I've tried to find snippets of the movie showing that scene, and I've cross-checked my Thesaurus, but none of those words really fit my situation.

    Anyone know that word or remember the movie scene?
     
  2. MissRis

    MissRis New Member

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    Do you remember any more details from the scene? I have the film and I could scan through it to see if I can find it.
     
  3. superpsycho

    superpsycho New Member

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    Is it a type of potion or something. A sleeping potion or concoction.
     
  4. The Tourist

    The Tourist Banned

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    Commodus can't sleep, so he asks his sister to mix him some form of drink. I get the feeling that this is something she has made for him for years. As I remember, he had bloodshot eyes.
     
  5. superpsycho

    superpsycho New Member

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    Would it be valerian root?
     
  6. The Tourist

    The Tourist Banned

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    That might have been in the dialogue, but it had more of a generic name, like potion, elixer or concoction. I just cannot remember the word and I do not have the DVD.
     
  7. MissRis

    MissRis New Member

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    Is it tincture?
    Sorry I'm having difficulties finding my DVD - I'm looking for it though.
     
  8. MissRis

    MissRis New Member

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    Lucilla hands a potion to Commodus (after she catches Commodus looking at her son) and says: "Drink this tonic."
     
  9. Kaymindless

    Kaymindless New Member

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    Don't have the movie and haven't watched it but draught def - a portion of liquid to be drunk, esp a dose of medicine

    Which, apparently isn't the American spelling but whatever. I occasionally hate spell check.
     
  10. MissRis

    MissRis New Member

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    I scanned through the entire DVD and the only thing Lucilla (the emperor's sister) gives to Commodus (the emperor) is something she refers to as a tonic. Other than that there was no mention of anything else. I hope this helps!
     
  11. live2write

    live2write Senior Member

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    I believe what is used is Nutmeg Oil, which is often called a tonic. It is used to help relax and sleep and cure insomnia.
     
  12. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    A tincture is any pharmaceutical in an alcohol solution.
     
  13. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    Why don't you download the movie and get to the scene and check it for yourself??
     
  14. The Tourist

    The Tourist Banned

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    Thanks guys. I appreciate your help.

    @Mckk, you're right, I could have done that. You have to remember I'm more of a nuts-and-bolts guy, not a cyber nerd. I just didn't think of it.
     
  15. Nakhti

    Nakhti Banned

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    Yes, tonic. She definitely called it a tonic. I've watched that movie about 57 billion times...

    It's tonic ;)
     
  16. live2write

    live2write Senior Member

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    Wouldn't it be easier to find the movie script??

     
  17. Nakhti

    Nakhti Banned

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    Ya see, Live2write, that's not how the movie dialogue actually ended up - the version you found could be an early draft, there could have been on set rewrites, improvised lines... various things could have caused the words that finally apeared in the movie to deviate from the published script. That's why online movie scripts are generally less useful than watching the movie itself ;-)
     
  18. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    Infusion?
     
  19. The Tourist

    The Tourist Banned

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    ...okay, guys, I got it. It's a 'tonic.' Meeting adjourned...
     
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