I love this bit of dialogue from Boardwalk Empire (episode: “Broadway Limited“) for its brevity and how Nucky controls the scene. (This post is more for me than you. You’re welcome.)

NUCKY
How is he still alive after three days out in the cold?

ELI
He’s fat.

NUCKY
What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?

ELI
He’s insulated. I dunno. How the fuck should I know? The cold, and the buckshot–I’m no doctor.

NUCKY
Really?

JIMMY
I thought we killed them all.

NUCKY
‘Thought.’ Fuckin’ Aristotle. [To Eli] So, what are they doin’ to him?

ELI
What difference does it make? Guy’s got a hole in his stomach big as a grapefruit. He thaws out a little–he’s a goner.

NUCKY
Now you’re a doctor.

ELI
What are you mad at me for?

NUCKY
I’m late. Let nature take its course, help it along if you can. And you better hope he dies real soon.