"Finally, when the money was high enough, the script suddenly revealed itself as being very clear to me"
About this Quote
The joke turns on the phrase "the script suddenly revealed itself". That’s the language of revelation, of actors speaking reverently about discovering meaning between the lines. Vaughn hijacks that sacred talk and pins it to something blunt: the money. Subtext: the script didn’t change, he did. Or rather, his willingness to find coherence did. It’s not that he can’t read; it’s that the emotional labor of taking a role, defending it publicly, and lending your face to it requires a reason. Sometimes the reason is rent, leverage, or the simple fact that a paycheck can smooth out narrative bumps.
Context matters. Vaughn came up in a studio-to-New-Hollywood transition era, built a suave screen identity ("The Man from U.N.C.L.E.") and later became a familiar hired gun in films and TV: dependable, professional, often playing authority. That’s the actor who knows the difference between prestige and work. The line is a wink at audiences who romanticize the craft and a nudge to younger performers who’ve been told to treat every gig as destiny. Vaughn’s intent isn’t cynicism for its own sake; it’s a practical dignity: you can do good work for the wrong reasons, and the world still turns.
Quote Details
| Topic | Writing |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Vaughn, Robert. (2026, January 15). Finally, when the money was high enough, the script suddenly revealed itself as being very clear to me. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/finally-when-the-money-was-high-enough-the-script-153218/
Chicago Style
Vaughn, Robert. "Finally, when the money was high enough, the script suddenly revealed itself as being very clear to me." FixQuotes. January 15, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/finally-when-the-money-was-high-enough-the-script-153218/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"Finally, when the money was high enough, the script suddenly revealed itself as being very clear to me." FixQuotes, 15 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/finally-when-the-money-was-high-enough-the-script-153218/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.



