Death Race (2008)

Joan Allen: Hennessey

Photos 

Quotes 

• Hennessey : [having always shown before a distinct aversion to foul language]  Okay, cocksucker. Fuck with me, and we'll see who shits on the sidewalk.

• Hennessey : This prison is the home to murderers, rapists, and violent offenders of every kind. The United States penal system sends me the worst of the worst. But the men you've provoked, well, let's just say, Mr. Ames, that the life term you've joined us for may be a lot shorter than you think.

  Jensen Ames : I understand tradition. Shuffling up the new guy, having an ass-slapping good time up my butthole...

  [Jensen Ames is sharply nudged in the side by Ulrich] 

  Hennessey : Foul language... is an issue... for me. While looking over your record, I couldn't help noticing your occupational history. It seems you have some talent behind the wheel. Out of curiosity, when was the last time you raced?

  Jensen Ames : It's been a while. I lost my license.

  Hennessey : What if I could help you?

  Jensen Ames : Get my license back?

  Hennessey : I had something else in mind. You're familiar with the Death Race, and the driver the fans call Frankenstein. A man so disfigured by crashes that he's forced to wear a mask. His return to the track is highly anticipated, and therein lies my problem. No one knows yet, but poor Frank died on an operating table not long after his last race. Anyone can wear the mask, but not just anyone can drive the car. You have the skills required to keep the legend alive. I want you to become Frankenstein.

  Jensen Ames : No thanks. He's dead. Why don't you just tell the truth?

  Hennessey : The audience wants to see Frank again. He moves them. Inspires them. And in this world, that's not easy to come by.

  Jensen Ames : What makes you think for a second I would risk my life doing this for you?

  Hennessey : Win five races, you go free. Those are the rules, and Frank has won four. Win one more, you walk. Call it intuition, but I don't think you belong in here with the rest of these animals.

  Jensen Ames : I might surprise you.

  Hennessey : The race is Friday, and I need your decision. You're a skilled driver. Your chances are good. I'm offering you your freedom, Mr. Ames. If it's not worth risking your life for, what is?

• Ulrich : Ma'am, with all respect, what're we gonna do?

  Hennessey : We're going to kill him, of course.

  Ulrich : You want me to kill Frankenstein?

  Hennessey : Don't be stupid. Frankenstein can't die. After all, he's just a mask.

• [the bomb planted underneath Jensen Ames' car does not go off] 

  Hennessey : [screaming]  Son of a BITCH! Get the choppers in the air!

• Jensen Ames : You sure are lucky a driver like me just happened to turn up in your prison when I did.

  Hennessey : Oh, I'm more than lucky. I'm blessed. Sometimes, it's like the right hand of God is sitting on my shoulder.

• Hennessey : Release the Dreadnought.

• Grimm : [as Warden Claire Hennessey walks by]  Good morning, ma'am.

  Hennessey : Good morning.

  Grimm : [to a prisoner]  There goes the baddest ass in the yard.

  Prisoner : Sounds like you're in love, homey.

  Grimm : I am.

• Ulrich : You win again.

  Hennessey : Mr. Ulrich, I always win.