The Bat Scene in The Shining
The thing with Stanley Kubrick films is that whichever one I’ve just watched becomes my favorite one. This scene from The Shining is among the many in this film that bring it back up to the number one spot for me. Jack Nicholson is absolutely scary in this, and Shelly Duvall totally sells her exhaustion and terror.
Eric Bana Long Take in Hanna
There’s a lot from this film I could put in a post like this, but I’ll restrain myself and instead draw your attention to the scene where Eric Bana’s character gets tailed by the “bad guys.” Christopher Nolan needs to take note of this scene and how one can still get pulse-pounding action without managing to make a single cut. Not only that, the action here is set in normal time and space and you can tell where everyone is.
The Shootout Long Take in Children of Men…
There are a lot of long takes in this film, but these two have stuck with me ever since the first viewing.
…and The Car Scene.
Unfortunately, I can’t embed the car scene so you’ll have to click on the image to go to the video itself.
The Final Showdown in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
It’s impossible to make a list like this and not include this scene. It beats out the final showdown in For A Few Dollars More, but only by a stray bullet.
The March Scene in Spartacus
Seeing Spartacus at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater was nothing short of a delight. This scene in particular was breathtaking on such a huge screen. Oh, look at that. This is ALSO a Kubrick film. Hrm.
The Uncool Scene in Almost Famous
There are way too many scenes from this film I could put here. I REALLY like this film. So, hopefully I’ve picked the right scene that encapsulates everything I love about Almost Famous.
Those Precious Bodily Fluids in Dr. Strangelove
Two scenes from the film that had me in stitches. What a comedic masterpiece!
McFly Grows A Pair in Back to the Future
I think I cheered a little when McFly finally got that punch in. “Hey you, get your damn hands off her!”
The Dance Scene in Metropolis
It’s difficult to pick just one scene from this film, but I did.
The Accents in Fargo
Yes. They’re “mostly” accurate. Click to watch the clip.
The Night Vision Scene in Silence of the Lambs
It’s a thrilling scene and my favorite in the film.
The No Faces Scene in Julia’s Eyes
There’s a scene in this film where the main character loses her sight completely, and as such we become unable to see anyone’s faces. This goes on for about twenty minutes or so and it’s the most suspense I’ve felt in awhile.
The Opening to Manhattan
My girlfriend introduced me to this film not too long ago, and as a writer I’ve definitely gone through the kind of writing process that Woody Allen’s character goes through in the narration. It’s just a great moment in a really great film and I appreciate that I’ve now seen it.
A Man of Constant Sorrow from O Brother, Where Art Thou
I actually didn’t like this film when I first saw it, but upon repeat viewings I changed my tune. I guess it was just a matter of “getting it.” This song might be what won me over.
Ellen Ripley in Alien and Aliens
My favorite character in sci-fi cinema.
Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate
Say what you will about the film, but Mrs. Robinson sure knows how to seduce.
Quote from The Princess Bride
“There’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.”
The Peephole Scene from Opera
I saw this on a double-bill with Deep Red, and while it wasn’t nearly as good as that film, it had it’s share of great scenes. This isn’t just my favorite scene from the film, it’s the best.
Men and Women Can’t Be Friends in When Harry Met Sally
Billy Crystal’s rant about men and women being friends is pretty much the crux of the film, and probably my favorite bit from it.
I’m blaming you now for the hours I’m going to spend doing the same exercise! Curse you, Hardesty! But, also, well done, sir. The cabin scene in A Night at the Opera was one of the very first to leap mind for me and will be on my list as well.
Thank you! I had fun putting this list together. And that Night at the Opera scene pretty much takes the cake. If I had to organize this into any sort of order, that scene would have probably made it to the top. :)
Nicely done — Saw this @cdogzilla and I may borrow the meme also.
Go ahead! It’s quite the fun meme to participate in. I linked to a few others in the beginning of the post who also did this meme and they also had some good stuff listed.
I just now discovered that I didn’t comment a month ago when I read this! Terrific choices, all, and more than a few I wish I’d thought to include in my own list. Seriously, I’m ashamed “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Wayne’s World isn’t on my list, because whenever I think about music in movies, that’s one of the first things that comes to my mind. How I overlooked it, I have no idea.
Full credit for the meme goes to Beau Kaelin, though, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge this. He originated the prompt. Also, the original prompt was simply, “100 Things I Love About Films.” They could be things you love about movies you don’t love, or even more general ideas and concepts. For instance, one of the things on my list is the thrill I get of walking into a movie theater. It was exciting as a child, and it’s exciting now. I don’t say this to nitpick your tremendous list; you’re, of course, free to tinker as you see fit, but for those who might take this idea and run with it, I thought it prudent that they know the original concept did allow for selections outside their 100 favorite movies.I’m thinking about revising mine at the end of the year to reflect some of the things I’ve seen and fallen in love with since creating my initial list. Not sure I’ll go all out with video clips like you and others have done. I’m impressed by the work you guys have put into these lists since taking up the challenge, though!
I’m quite proud of how the list turned out, actually. It seems to be a good mix of everything that encapsulates my film influences and experiences, and some of the clips even get a nice little look into my psyche. But more than anything: this list was just plain fun to make.
I had thought about going beyond the films themselves and discussing elements from the “theater experience” that really grabbed me, but most of that was just working at the theater and not so much attending. I’ll definitely go back into my post after this comment and add the credit to Beau Kaelin for the prompt. I had really only looked to the few I read before this that finally made me take the plunge. :)
As to the whole revising idea: I’m intrigued. There are certainly a few films this year that could be added to this list in terms of moments and experiences. I’ll be interested in seeing what you come up with!