Cloquet watches someone dreaming while standing over him with a revolver, grappling with the contrast between dreams and reality. He reflects on how the dreamer is lost in fantasy while he remains anchored in the harshness of real life. This moment reveals Cloquet's disdain for reality, showcasing his internal struggle with the mundane aspects of life.

Despite his hatred for reality, Cloquet acknowledges its tangible benefits, such as enjoying a good steak. This highlights a paradox in his character—the desire to escape into dreams while still relishing the pleasures that real life offers. Woody Allen uses this tension to explore deeper themes of escapism and the human experience in "Side Effects."