1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992)

Sigourney Weaver: Queen Isabel

Photos 

Quotes 

• Queen Isabella I. : [referring to Columbus' proposed expedition]  The costs would be ruinous.

  Sanchez : No more than the costs of two state banquettes.

• Queen Isabella I. : Rise. Come forward. I should not even be listening to you since my council has said "no". But Santangel tells me you are a man of honor and sincerity. And Sanchez that you are not completely mad.

  Columbus : No more than the woman who said she would take Granada from the Moors.

  Queen Isabella I. : They believe the ocean to be uncrossable, signor Columbus.

  Columbus : What did they say about Granada before today?

  Queen Isabella I. : That it was impregnable.

• Columbus : May I speak freely?

  Queen Isabella I. : You show no inclination to speak otherwise.

• Queen Isabella I. : [During her last audience with Columbus]  I have looked for a reason why I should allow you to go back and although I've tried I couldn't find one. Help me find one.

  Columbus : All my life I have dreamt of reaching the continent. I thought my dreams grandiose. But reality was beyond my expectations. Far beyond. And now I want to explore that land before I die.

  Queen Isabella I. : I allow you to undertake another voyage. But without your brothers. Nor for you to return to Santo Domingo or any other colonies. The New World is a disaster.

  Columbus : And the old one an achievement?

  Queen Isabella I. : [after Columbus leaves]  I know. I shouldn't tolerate his impertinence.

  Sanchez : Then why?

  Queen Isabella I. : Because he is not afraid of me.

• Queen Isabella I. : I thought he was an idealist.

  Duenna : Idealism and ambition are not incompatible.