20 Greatest Insults in Film History

2. Gone With the Wind

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." - Rhett Butler
Come on... like this quote wasn't going to be on the list? Not only is it one of the most famous lines from one of the most famous films in cinematic history, it's a classic putdown. After the breakdown of Scarlett and Rhett's marriage, Rhett is preparing to leave. Scarlett, as per usual, is freaking out and making it all about her. She's swanning around, being all dramatic like a true Southern belle, asking Rhett what she's supposed to do without him. And Rhett's just like, "I don't care, babe. Do whatever you want. Not my problem now." Then he just leaves. You have to be totally 100% done with a situation to watch Scarlett carry on and to still manage such a stone cold response. He's been trying for years to deal with her mercurial personality and truly win her love, but he's giving up. The use of profanity, as mild as it might seem now, was a big deal: the word "damn" was frequently censored out of films thanks to the production code, and its inclusion here shocked audiences.
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Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.