My parents took an interest in nothing, at home no books, no records. My mother and my father are the emblem of indifference, dryness and bad taste. My father is also terribly stingy, in life as well as in feelings: I have never seen him filling up the bathtub.

In this quote, Vincent Gallo describes the emotional detachment and lack of nurturing he experienced in his childhood. He reflects on his parents' indifference, highlighting that there were no books or records in the home, symbols of a lack of intellectual or cultural engagement. This absence of enriching experiences and personal care is central to his portrayal of his upbringing, painting a picture of an emotionally barren household.

Gallo uses strong language to describe his parents as the embodiment of indifference, dryness, and bad taste, suggesting that they were not only emotionally unavailable but also lacked an appreciation for the finer things in life. His choice of words, such as "dryness" and "bad taste," points to a lack of warmth, creativity, and personal interest, emphasizing how these characteristics deeply affected his perception of them and shaped his own views.

He specifically singles out his father as being stingy both in terms of material wealth and emotional expression. The comment about never seeing his father "filling up the bathtub" serves as a metaphor for how his father never showed generosity, even in the smallest acts of care or affection. This lack of warmth and openness is central to Gallo’s sense of emotional alienation from his parents.

Ultimately, the quote reveals Gallo’s frustration and feelings of neglect. The absence of affection and cultural stimulation in his household left a profound impact on him, shaping his worldview and emotional development. His words convey a deep sense of disappointment with his parents, highlighting how their lack of emotional availability and generosity influenced his sense of self and his approach to relationships.