Favorite Film Scenes?

Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
edited November 2013 in General Movies & TV Posts: 40,372
While writing up my thoughts on a film in a different thread, I came upon this idea - couldn't find a thread for it, but if it exists, please post the link.

In short, what are your favorite scenes in films? It can range from a twenty second discussion that has always stuck with you to a finale of a film that simply blows you away. Are there any scenes you can think of that made a film better solely because of it? If these scenes bring up massive spoilers (plot twists, character deaths, etc.), please have the courtesy to use the spoiler tags. I'll start it off with a few of mine (in no particular order):

'Munich': The phone-bomb scene. When Eric Bana and Ciaran Hinds find out that their target's daughter has picked up the phone they plan on detonating, the scene goes silent as they sprint through the streets to stop their colleagues from detonating the bomb. I'm pretty sure I stop breathing and get chills every single time I watch it, even though I know the outcome of the scene. If you haven't seen this movie, please, do me a favor and watch it. Now. It's fantastic, and I'm still upset to this day that it lost out to 'Crash'.

'Man On Fire': The ending. Part of me wishes it ended differently, part of me absolutely loves the last ten minutes with what happens. If you've seen it before, you know what I'm talking about.

'Heat': This movie gave me the idea for this thread: the bank robbery scene. Incredibly realistic (sans a few moments), intense, grand in scale, everything about it is what I look for in a big payoff scene for a movie like this. I read up on the trivia after re-watching it last night, and apparently there's a group of people (the Marines, perhaps? Don't recall.) that watch this scene to train recruits on how to properly fall back during a firefight. That says something.

'Django Unchained': The shootout at
Candieland
is so brutal and gory as Django flies through kill after kill. Traditional slow-paced Tarantino build-up to an explosive scene, ala the bar scene in 'Inglourious Basterds' (which I also love).

There are countless others, but these are the ones that popped up as I was typing this. What are yours?
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Comments

  • TheWizardOfIceTheWizardOfIce 'One of the Internet's more toxic individuals'
    Posts: 9,117
    Not sure it would be in my top 10 or anything but I watched the Long Good Friday the other day and the final scene is an absolute acting masterclass by Hoskins (plus an appearance by a Pierce Brosnan who hadnt started shaving yet as an IRA hitman to boot).
  • Posts: 6,396
    Goodfellas.

    June 11th 1970.

    "Atlantis" by Donovan...
    Tommy's revolver...
    Jimmy's shoe...
    Billy Batts' face.
  • Posts: 6,396
    Not sure it would be in my top 10 or anything but I watched the Long Good Friday the other day and the final scene is an absolute acting masterclass by Hoskins (plus an appearance by a Pierce Brosnan who hadnt started shaving yet as an IRA hitman to boot).

    Oh you couldn't be more right. Hoskins doesn't speak, doesn't move and yet everything he needs to say is in his eyes. Just sublime. I always marvel at how really great actors can do this.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,728
    Not sure it would be in my top 10 or anything but I watched the Long Good Friday the other day and the final scene is an absolute acting masterclass by Hoskins (plus an appearance by a Pierce Brosnan who hadnt started shaving yet as an IRA hitman to boot).

    Oh you couldn't be more right. Hoskins doesn't speak, doesn't move and yet everything he needs to say is in his eyes. Just sublime. I always marvel at how really great actors can do this.

    Yes, and I remember reading that Bob Hoskins is a big James Bond fan, too.
  • edited November 2013 Posts: 1,817
    Great thread, @Creasy!

    The Empire Strikes Back: Darth Vader shows the true power of the Dark Side and throws everything in the room against the room. The scene and the music is so intense, as it is Darth Vader, which doesn't have to utter one word to show how powerful he is.

    The Godfather Part II: "We were like the Roman Empire", Tom and Frank Pentangeli discussion, not only synthesizes the glory and fall of the Corleone family but also determines the fate of Frankie Five Angels.

    Casino: the House of the Rising Sun sequence, when everything falls apart, with one of the best uses of music in the cinematic history.

    Patton: "many faces, but always me", General Patton talking about immortality.

    Batman Begins: Bruce training in the ice with Ra's al Ghul.

    Gladiator: "At my signal, unleashed hell", the Battle in Germania.

    Kingdom of Heaven: Saladin accepting the surrendering of Jeresulem. What is it worth? "Nothing... everything".

    Layer Cake: the whole opening sequence.
  • edited November 2013 Posts: 6,396
    0013 wrote:
    Great thread, @Creasy!

    The Godfather Part II: "We were like the Roman Empire", Tom and Frank Pentangeli discussion, not only synthesizes the glory and fall of the Corleone family but also determines the fate of Frankie Five Angels.

    So refreshing to see someone pick a very underrated scene from that film. Well done.
  • Posts: 5,745
    Just saw Gravity-

    Have to go with the Soyuz capsule scene between the two leads.
  • Posts: 1,817
    0013 wrote:
    Great thread, @Creasy!

    The Godfather Part II: "We were like the Roman Empire", Tom and Frank Pentangeli discussion, not only synthesizes the glory and fall of the Corleone family but also determines the fate of Frankie Five Angels.

    So refreshing to see someone pick a very underrated scene from that film. Well done.

    No one should underrate anything from Godfather Part II.
  • Gorky Park - Peter Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture truimphantly sounds out as Lee Marvin's captive pine martens are set free over the snow

    Die Hard II - the ending at Dulles international as McClane and Colonel Stewart fight on the outside before McClane torches the fuel trail, and blows the enemy 'plane to pieces. "Yippee-ki-yay-motherfuc" etc

    The entire opening of Midnight Express after William Hayes tapes the drugs to himself at his Turkish apartment, right through to being busted at the airport seconds before boarding back to the United States. One of the very best opening 20 minutes in film history - ever

    Casino - Nicky Santoro can't get Ace Rothstein to give him the money he wants after losing heavily at the Casino, and 'gets irritated', (as only Pesci can)

    Ice Cold In Alex - the final arrival at the bar in Alexandria

    A Clockwork Orange - Alex Delarge at the theater being forced to watch horror clips to solve his personal issues, during treatment process

    An American Werewolf In London - The transformation from man to beast over the sound of Creedence Clearwater Revivals 'Bad Moon Rising'
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    Speaking of Scorsese's films, it's not a scene necessarily, but I've always loved the part in 'The Departed' when Baldwin's character scrounges surveillance together without letting Damon's character in on it, and almost in one sentence, Baldwin looks at Damon and asks:

    "I'm gonna go have a smoke break, do you wanna smoke? You don't smoke, do ya, right? What are you one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go f*** yourself."

    He says it so lightning fast that it's almost one word, and then he just takes his leave. It's hilarious.
  • I should of included the sequence from The Untouchables when De Niro's Capone is giving a talk with the dinner guests and gets angry with someone and goes wild on them with a baseball bat. A bloody mess ensues and it's one of the most memorable scenes from that years release. The slow-motion baby scene at the rail station with Costner and Garcia goes on far too long and gets irritating the more you see it, but I also enjoyed when Costner's Ness pushed Nitti off the roof of the building - "did it sound anything like that.."
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,328
    Star Trek VI: Spock (forcefully) Mind melds with Valeris.

    Die Hard: John McClane and Hans Gruber meet for the first time

    Skyfall: Silva get's touchy with 007.

    Back to the Future: Roads, where were going we don't need...roads!

    Spaceballs: Dark Helmet reveals his deadly ring.


    Only to name a few..
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    What's also great about that scene in 'The Untouchables' is that it's based off of something that Capone actually did: murder someone with a baseball bat. Can't remember the specifics, though.

    I've only seen 'The Untouchables' straight through a few times, but I love that finale. I love when Garcia's character runs up, throws Ness the gun, then catches the stroller. It's really intense.
  • Posts: 1,817
    Creasy47 wrote:
    Speaking of Scorsese's films, it's not a scene necessarily, but I've always loved the part in 'The Departed' when Baldwin's character scrounges surveillance together without letting Damon's character in on it, and almost in one sentence, Baldwin looks at Damon and asks:

    "I'm gonna go have a smoke break, do you wanna smoke? You don't smoke, do ya, right? What are you one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go f*** yourself."

    He says it so lightning fast that it's almost one word, and then he just takes his leave. It's hilarious.

    That is my favorite scene from Departed! And as I smoke too, I wish I could be as cool as Baldwin and actually use the line one day.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited November 2013 Posts: 40,372
    0013 wrote:
    Creasy47 wrote:
    Speaking of Scorsese's films, it's not a scene necessarily, but I've always loved the part in 'The Departed' when Baldwin's character scrounges surveillance together without letting Damon's character in on it, and almost in one sentence, Baldwin looks at Damon and asks:

    "I'm gonna go have a smoke break, do you wanna smoke? You don't smoke, do ya, right? What are you one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go f*** yourself."

    He says it so lightning fast that it's almost one word, and then he just takes his leave. It's hilarious.

    That is my favorite scene from Departed! And as I smoke too, I wish I could be as cool as Baldwin and actually use the line one day.

    Speaking of smoking lines, I was outside having a cigarette at college one day, and a colleague of mine walked by, looked at me, and said "You know smoking will kill you?" My mind instantly thought of Leonardo Dicaprio in 'Blood Diamond,' and I instantly replied with "Ehh, only if I live, right?"

    I felt so cool, I never get to hammer out a movie line on the spot like that.
  • Superman II - when Zod, Non and Ursa arrive on 'Planet Houston' and test their powers and get into altercations with the local community and the army is called and mayhem ensues. "Who is watching this ?, the whole Planet Houston ?. No, the whole Planet Earth' etc. Had to give it a mention. The battle with Superman and the aforementioned names in Metropolis later that same release, also provided some favorite scenes
  • Posts: 1,817
    Return of the King: the arrival of the Rohirrim at the Battle of the Pelannor Fields and their charge. It's my favorite moment of the three movies. The shot is amazing, with the sun behind. And the spirit of going to fight to their death is something always impresses me.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    'Miami Vice': Michael Mann at his best again, that finale shootout is wonderful. There's even a point where the camera (non-stop) follows the action for a few brief moments, showcasing the death of an enemy and we see blood fly on the screen, and with Mann's trademark cinematography and camerawork on his films, it just swoops by realistically and follows the rest of the action. I love it.

    And speaking of non-stop editing? 'Children of Men,' every scene in the movie that is notorious for not stopping, even if a cut happens but is spliced in carefully. The finale scene? Unbelievably well put together for just one shot.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,449
    I'm going to start with a few that pop up immediately:

    Bank heist in HEAT By now this forum knows how big a fan of Mann's work I truly am. Every single choice the filmmakers made for this long and brilliant scene, rocks. The shootout is perfect too. It's no wonder that Nolan showed HEAT to his screw when filming TDK. Also, De Niro is the epitome of cool in this scene, and in this film.

    Closing scene of TDK Gordon's monologue about the hero Gotham needs, gives me goosebumps every time. And how it segues into the end credits. Pure gold!

    John Hannah's funeral monologue in Four Weddings And A Funeral Puts tears in my eyes.

    He was my North, my South, my East and West
    My working week and my Sunday rest
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
    I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong


    Taking the space tunnel in 2001 My favourite film of all time, crafted to perfection by the master himself, Stanley Kubrick. And this is my very favourite scene. Try to pull that off without your precious CGI, Cameron! ;-)

    The final scene in Gone With The Wind Baby, this is the best! Scarlett against that purple sky... Heaven!

    Donald Sutherland's scary face at the end of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978) Hadn't seen it coming and my God was I scared out of my wits.


    I'll think of more in time.

  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    @DarthDimi, I'm right there with you with 'Heat.' Mann is one of my favorite directors, if not the favorite, and I'm in awe of his work. I wonder how long it took for them to shoot that scene, given they were only allowed to film on weekends.

    All I know is it's textbook perfection in terms of tense shootouts, and watching Pacino and his men book it down the road while Kilmer is cycling magazines with that M4...whew. Tense.
  • Posts: 1,817
    I can't believe I've never watched Heat. Two of my favorite actors in an acclaimed movie.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    0013 wrote:
    I can't believe I've never watched Heat. Two of my favorite actors in an acclaimed movie.

    Go watch it ASAP, then report back and let Dimi and I know your thoughts. It's such a great film, letting you sympathize with both sides of the law, and was even marketed as the "huge showdown between Pacino and De Niro" after they appeared together in 'The Godfather: Part II' without actually being on screen together, due to time differences. It's just one hell of a film.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,449
    Hell even Sizemore is brilliant in this scene. And the sound... Wow, my ears go numb when I watch this scene. Excellent music choices too, both the heist music and the absence of music during the shootout. HEAT rocks.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    Pacino is just so frantic and serious in it, too. Re-watched it last night, and the grocery parking lot scene, a woman runs by and he just throws her to the ground to get her out of the way and get a better shot.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited November 2013 Posts: 12,459
    Just a few of my favorite scenes in films: (one MAJOR spoiler given, so if you have not seen the film, don't read the spoiler)

    The entire ending of Shawshank Redemption - what a truly moving and elegant section that is. Maybe I mean longer than the final ending, I guess starting with
    when he breaks out of the prison, then Red is paroled and we are led to believe he just may end it all but doesn't but instead goes on a journey and then the final ending
    Cinematography by Roger Deakins, perfect music (sorry I don't remember who just this second). If you have not seen this film, please do. It starts out quietly but builds and builds.

    Layer Cake - the anticipated seduction scene with Sienna Miller and Daniel Craig finally coming to fruition, played to perfection; and I was in heaven watching this with the Stones Gimme Shelter playing thru the beginning of this scene.

    Bogey and Bacall in To Have and Have Not - the "whistle" scene; she was so mesmerizing and inspiring, sultry and sexy, and they were such a great true match. I always wanted to act that scene out in real life. "You remember how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together ... and blow." She slowly saunters out the door and Bogey then gives an appreciative soft, low whistle (like he's speechless and you see him just pondering about her). She well and truly knocked his socks off. (I'm sure 0Brady knows what I'm talkin' about.)

  • Posts: 6,396
    Don't Look Now.

    Donald Sutherland. The penny drops way too late...
  • edited November 2013 Posts: 7,653
    John Hannah's funeral monologue in Four Weddings And A Funeral Puts tears in my eyes.
    He was my North, my South, my East and West
    My working week and my Sunday rest
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
    I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong


    Indeed DD a brilliant scene that gets me every time, mostly due to the greatness of the movie.

    Jaws, 3 men in a boat comparing scars and stories when the subject becomes dark. Sheer brilliance in acting by three great actors.

    OHMSS, at the wedding when Bond & Moneypenny communicate through looks, whenever somebody says that GL could not act this bit showed a level of intimacy than none of the other Bonds have achieved so far, imho.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited November 2013 Posts: 12,459
    I love Four Weddings and a Funeral - witty, poignant; just a lovely, fun and very funny film. Brilliantly written and played. I think his character was quoting Auden if I remember right.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    JWESTBROOK wrote:
    Just saw Gravity-

    Have to go with the Soyuz capsule scene between the two leads.
    That was an impressive scene, and there are several others.

    APOCALYPSE NOW-the opening scene with The Doors on the soundtrack. Also the end with Martin Sheen in camouflage colors at the stairs.
    THE SIXTH SENSE-the first time we see what he sees, and the very ending.
    THE JUNGLE BOOK-"I Wanna Be Like You"
    BATMAN RETURNS-the repartee between Catwoman and The Penguin when he tries to seduce her and she almost swallows his bird. Sounds dirty, I know.
    THE RING-when the beauty crawls out of the well
    PANS LABYRITH-the murder at the beginning
    INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM-that heart gripping scene, you know.Or heart ripping.
    WATCHMEN-Rorschach in jail and the scene on Mars.

    Will think of others later. And yes, Al Capone with the bat was intense.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,449
    I love Four Weddings and a Funeral - witty, poignant; just a lovely, fun and very funny film. Brilliantly written and played. I think his character was quoting Auden if I remember right.

    Indeed, @4EverBonded. Auden's funeral blues gets me every time.

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