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Powerful standalone scenes in film

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annebeeche watching down on us from by the long tidal river Since: Nov, 2010
watching down on us
#1: Dec 8th 2011 at 6:28:34 PM

Think of a scene in a film that moved you, and will still move you out of context.

This is about cinematic execution. This scene must stand alone, and be capable of moving or stunning an audience outside the context of the film.

While I did enjoy most of Across the Universe, this scene is the one part of the movie that truly sticks out to me. I see it as an isolated story in a series of stories. This is the only time you ever see this kid, yet he is the character whom I most cared for.

Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.
Kerrah Since: Jan, 2001
#2: Dec 8th 2011 at 11:30:47 PM

[up] That scene could well work as a short film with some editing.

The opening of The Unknown Soldier, which I watched for the first time in ten years and reviewed for my blog three days ago.

The movie overall suffers from severe pacing problems and other faults, but this scene totally justifies why it's a classic of Finnish cinema.

It's the first three minutes and ten seconds here:

There's no dialogue. They let the camera angles and Jean Sibelius' "Finlandia" speak the emotion of the scene. That is a mask of good movie making to me.

edited 8th Dec '11 11:35:25 PM by Kerrah

Buscemi I Am The Walrus from a log cabin Since: Jul, 2010
I Am The Walrus
#3: Dec 8th 2011 at 11:39:40 PM

I found the "Let It Be" scene a very pointless scene in an already very pointless film. Big-Lipped Alligator Moment at its finest, ladies and gentlemen (not to mention that it's completely anachronistic as the scene takes place in 1968 and Let It Be wasn't released until 1970).

An obscure but good one (there probably isn't even a clip) is Brad Dourif's introduction scene in Graveyard Shift. It's an average King adaptation but Dourif is easily the best thing about it. What makes the scene stand out is how Dourif delivers the dialogue. He is so into the character that you can even see him crying while he says his lines.

More Buscemi at http://forum.reelsociety.com/
Schitzo HIGH IMPACT SEXUAL VIOLENCE from Akumajou Dracula Since: May, 2009 Relationship Status: LA Woman, you're my woman
HIGH IMPACT SEXUAL VIOLENCE
#4: Dec 9th 2011 at 12:18:11 AM

ALL CREATURE WILL DIE AND ALL THE THINGS WILL BE BROKEN. THAT'S THE LAW OF SAMURAI.
EgregiousEric from space (I am from space) Since: Jun, 2009
#5: Dec 9th 2011 at 12:30:34 PM

It might want a bit of context to know the characters, but the end of The Last Of The Mohicans. (spoilers, of course)

edited 9th Dec '11 12:31:29 PM by EgregiousEric

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johnnyfog Actual Wrestling Legend from the Zocalo Since: Apr, 2010 Relationship Status: They can't hide forever. We've got satellites.
Actual Wrestling Legend
#6: Dec 9th 2011 at 12:49:52 PM

I don't have sound at work, so this could very well be in Spanish. tongue

I'm a skeptical squirrel
Ronnie Respect the Red Right Hand from Surrounded by Idiots Since: Jan, 2001
Respect the Red Right Hand
#7: Dec 10th 2011 at 6:29:34 AM

The Married Life montage in Up- a short-film in itself.

AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#8: Dec 10th 2011 at 8:24:13 PM

The final scene from Doubt

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
Mort08 Pirate AND writer! from Oklahoma Since: Feb, 2011 Relationship Status: Shipping fictional characters
Pirate AND writer!
#9: Dec 10th 2011 at 8:44:20 PM

I nominate "Forbidden Friendship" from How To Train Your Dragon. The soundtrack helps. Can't find it on You Tube, but most of you probably know what I'm talking about.

edited 10th Dec '11 8:44:54 PM by Mort08

Looking for some stories?
SurrealDog1966 Since: Oct, 2011
#10: Dec 10th 2011 at 9:53:39 PM

The part in Manhunter when Will Graham finds out he can get The Tooth Fairy just before he kills again. The soundtrack totally makes it.

Tenkohime Since: Jan, 2001
#11: Dec 22nd 2011 at 6:29:31 PM

I second the final scene from Doubt.

0dd1 Just awesome like that from Nowhere Land Since: Sep, 2009
Just awesome like that
#12: Dec 23rd 2011 at 12:28:14 PM

Spoilers in this whole post if you haven't seen The Truman Show.

The scene at the end of The Truman Show where Truman finally talks to Christof. It speaks volumes about the shelteredness of celebrity life (even though the film isn't about that, it can be arguably seen as an allegory for that) as well as just in general talking about the choice between a sheltered, safe little bubble and going out there and exploring the world on your own.

About 2:22 into the following clip:

edited 23rd Dec '11 12:30:14 PM by 0dd1

Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.
Kayeka (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#13: Dec 23rd 2011 at 1:02:42 PM

There is also Al Pacino's EPIC HAM RANT at the end of The Devils Advocate. Man, that was awesomewaii.

0dd1 Just awesome like that from Nowhere Land Since: Sep, 2009
Just awesome like that
#14: Dec 23rd 2011 at 5:56:30 PM

Should we add an "unmarked spoilers" warning in the OP?

Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.
PiccoloNo92 Since: Apr, 2010
#15: Jan 5th 2012 at 8:21:20 AM

I can't find a video but the scene in Never Let Me Go when Kathy and Tommy are driving back from Madame's house and Tommy gets out and starts losing it in a field broke my heart. He had tried everything and put so much hope in trying to postpone his donations so he could be with Kathy only for everything to be taken away from him and to be consigned to his fate to donate his organs until he dies or as it is termed in universe 'completes'. Powerful scene in a very tear jerking movie.

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