CHUD.com Community › Forums › THE CHEWERS › Drafts & Lists › Favourite movie 'Reveals'
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Favourite movie 'Reveals'

post #1 of 100
7/15/08 at 8:16am
Thread Starter 
You know the sort of thing...A film you're watching has hinted at a certain something, someone, location, whatever...yet NEVER properly shown said thing...until about 2/3rds through the running time.
'Harry Lime', is a good example, in 'The Third Man'.
Beautiful...

My love for the reveal of 'The Devil's Tower' in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' surpasses that.
It's JUST such an amazing build-up.
Pillows, shaving foam, Gary's mud-pyramid ("I KNOW this, this MEANS something..."), Roy's sketches, mashed potato, clay, the mock-up in the living-room where he's on the phone to his wife trying to convince her he's NOT gone insane...when he (and Melinda Dillon in her motel room) finally sees the image on TV of the real thing...
Breathtaking...

But this is as nothing when they both take a seemingly suicidal trip across country, crashing through fences, and Dreyfuss just stops the car and stares out at 'something'...the way William's music hits all the beats as the get out and starts to swell as they both walk up a rise...pull-back...and there is 'The Devil's Tower' right in front of them...

"I can't believe it's real..."

Fucking Brilliant.



You guys/gals got any?
Reply
post #2 of 100
7/15/08 at 8:21am
I love how the image of Devil's Tower just casually pops up on the television, no fanfare, it's just there. Like LeCombe says, how many people were having the same visions but just missed the shot on the television that day?

And you have to love the reveal of Barbosa at the end of Dead Man's Chest. That sold at least a couple of million tickets to At World's End all by itself.
Reply
post #3 of 100
7/15/08 at 9:47am
The whole end of Usual Suspects. From the dialogue review, to Chaz's realization, to Spacey's "straightening out". Still awesome.
Reply
post #4 of 100
7/15/08 at 10:30am
Indy stepping out from the shadows in Raiders.
Reply
post #5 of 100
7/15/08 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Clark View Post
Indy stepping out from the shadows in Raiders.
Outstanding.

I'd argue that Spielberg is the king of the reveal. In addition to the previous mentions, I'll add the reveal of the brontosaurus in Jurassic Park: Sam Neil and Laura Dern stumble out of the Jeep, music swells up and there they are... the most mind-blowingly photorealistic dinosaurs ever set to film. Chill-worthy.
Reply
post #6 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:01am
Actually, if we're gonna go with recent Spielberg, the way he milks that Dutch assassin's death in Munich for all it's worth was just brilliance.
Reply
post #7 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:11am
If we're gonna go with Spielberg at all, the first full shot of the shark in Jaws has to be near the top.
Reply
post #8 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:16am
Another favorite (that is in no way Spielberg related) of mine: the first reveal of the werewolf in American Werewolf in London. Sure, we see David's painful transformation, we see bits and pieces of the wolf as it rampages around London, but our first decent look at the beast is shot from above as it steps into the bright fluorescent lights of the tube's exit. I always loved how freaky that scene is.
Reply
post #9 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattioli View Post
I'd argue that Spielberg is the king of the reveal.
If we are talking Spielberg I would definitely vote for War of the Worlds as well. The scene where the first Tri-pod is revealed, cracking it´s way to the surface on the streetcrossing is nothing short of amazing. The sound-design alone makes this scene haunting.

And this thread is not complete without the first real appearance of Kevin Spacey in Seven.
When he gives himself up to Pitt and Freeman in the lobby of the police station all covered in blood and screaming Lt. is a jaw dropper.
Reply
post #10 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattioli View Post
I'd argue that Spielberg is the king of the reveal.
I feel weird quoting myself, but this comment reminded of an old "Bloom County"* strip where Breathed breaks down the triumphant resurrection of Bill the Cat as though it were being storyboarded by Spielberg, complete with low angles of Milo and Binkley, swelling John Williams score, and a backlit, silhouetted shot of Bill as he stumbles through the door. I wish I could find a copy to post here.






* When is this strip going to get the "Complete" treatment given to "Calvin and Hobbes" and "The Far Side"?
Reply
post #11 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:27am
Harry Lime
Mrs. Bates
Reply
post #12 of 100
7/15/08 at 11:43am
The reveal of Eomer atop the hill just outside of Helm's Deep. Gandalf shows up and we're like, 'alright, Gandalf is here', but then the music starts swelling and the lines...oh the lines...

"Theoden king stands alone."
Eomer enters.
"Not alone." And then the full force of the Rohirrim's is revealed. Aah...magnificent.
Reply
post #13 of 100
7/15/08 at 12:03pm
For all their flaws, the Pirates movies have handled Jack Sparrow's first appearance with style each and every time.
Reply
post #14 of 100
7/15/08 at 12:03pm
Cliched, I know, but The Crying Game.
Reply
post #15 of 100
7/15/08 at 12:48pm
Boogie Nights' penis reveal is one of my favorites. He's talking to the mirror, psyching himself up, intense, he's been through hard times but the fact remains that he's the motherfucking man. Then he whips his penis, which is an inherently funny thing to witness in a film, and it's just goofy. Love it.

I don't like the movie, but the reveal of the alien at the birthday party in Signs was REALLY well done.
Reply
post #16 of 100
7/15/08 at 1:04pm
Thread Starter 
Outstanding, folks!

Keep it up!!
Reply
post #17 of 100
7/15/08 at 1:11pm
The Emperor. We'd seen this gigantic hologram in Empire. Vader practically wields his name as a weapon at the beginning of Jedi. This absolutely epic rendition of the Imperial March plays as every TIE Fighter on the Death Star flies formation for his arrival, every trooper is assembled on the deck, Vader fucking kneels in preparation for his arrival, the ramp descends, this eerie music plays ... and this small creepy old man limps down the ramp. Totally against expectations, and it works.
Reply
post #18 of 100
7/15/08 at 1:43pm
"She is my sister."
She is my daughter."
"My sister - my daughter."

Dunaway sells it pitch-perfect. Goosebumps ensured.
Reply
post #19 of 100
7/15/08 at 1:44pm
Joker card - Batman Begins
father - Empire
Hannibal escaping the cell, revealing the monster - Silence of the Lambs
Reply
post #20 of 100
7/15/08 at 1:50pm
The revelation of the identity of the Elevator Killer in The Man With Two Brains.
Reply
post #21 of 100
7/15/08 at 2:16pm
Once Upon a Time in the West. An entire family is gunned down, and only the six year old kid is left to watch as men in dusters step out from the tall grass. The leader walks out in front, and the camera slowly swoops around as Morricone's motherfucker of a score rises to reveal...the cold blue eyes of Henry Fonda. And then...

"What do we do with the boy, Frank?"
"Well, now that you've gone and called me by name."

Anyone sitting in the audience then got terrified, because they now had NO IDEA what to except out of this movie they were watching. I mean, Henry Fonda, perennial nice guy, symbol of moral justice, just shot a six year old kid in the face! What the hell?!

I still goosebumps watching that scene.
Reply
post #22 of 100
7/15/08 at 2:46pm
Superman's reveal in Donner's first movie.

"You've got me? Well who's got you?!?"
Reply
post #23 of 100
7/15/08 at 4:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Clark View Post
Indy stepping out from the shadows in Raiders.
RAIDERS is chock full of them (and Harrison sells many of them with that "grin turned horror" expression). Just in the beginning:
  • Satipo turns to show his back full of spiders (it's funny because Indy is turned away when the audience sees the reveal).
  • The loose root/vine!
  • Satipo skewered!
  • The boulder!
  • The guide that collapses, revealing his entire backside is covered in darts (yet, the natives develop StormTrooper aim when they go after Indy ha!).

INDY 4 (amongst other complaints) was severely lacking in this great slight of hand/misdirection/cause & effect type visual storytelling.
Reply
post #24 of 100
7/15/08 at 4:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratty View Post
The revelation of the identity of the Elevator Killer in The Man With Two Brains.
That was great. "Hey, you're Merv Griffin!"

I would second the Joker Card at the end of Begins. And also the use of "Brass Balls" in the Alec Baldwin speech.
Reply
post #25 of 100
7/15/08 at 5:57pm
A couple that come to mind:

The Duke in STAGECOACH (A legend is born)

The finale of NIGHTHAWKS (Surprise!-Stallone in drag)

Bruce Willis going beyond the door in PULP FICTION
Reply
post #26 of 100
7/15/08 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattioli View Post
Outstanding.

I'd argue that Spielberg is the king of the reveal. In addition to the previous mentions, I'll add the reveal of the brontosaurus in Jurassic Park: Sam Neil and Laura Dern stumble out of the Jeep, music swells up and there they are... the most mind-blowingly photorealistic dinosaurs ever set to film. Chill-worthy.
That was a Brachiosaurus and that is also my pick along with one other.

Bill in Kill Bill Volume Two. We've only seen his hands and his sword throughout Volume One, and what is he doing when we first see him? Just playing his flute and talking a good game with The Bride. Fantastic scene.
Reply
post #27 of 100
7/15/08 at 6:10pm
BATMAN 89: On the rooftops, when the winged freak drops down, cape-spread in the background.
Reply
post #28 of 100
7/15/08 at 6:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakespeare View Post

Bill in Kill Bill Volume Two. We've only seen his hands and his sword throughout Volume One, and what is he doing when we first see him? Just playing his flute and talking a good game with The Bride. Fantastic scene.
As much as I love KILL BILL, the reveal is kind of a comedown. In fairness, the way part one builds up expectations, probably inevitable.

Love the reveal of the PUSSY WAGON.
Reply
post #29 of 100
7/15/08 at 6:22pm
And not to forget the mother of all reveals:

Psycho - Norman Bates is Momma!
Reply
post #30 of 100
7/15/08 at 6:30pm
I'm not sure if this counts as a "reveal," (reveal of the title, maybe?) but when the opening title card for Raising Arizona comes up after the opening prologue, as the yodeler kicks in, it thrills me every time.
Reply
post #31 of 100
7/15/08 at 7:01pm
Forgive me for going small-screen but I love the moment in Season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when we first enter the Initiative facility.

Die Hard: When we see the gun taped to McClane's back.

Silence of the Lambs and/or Speed: Whoops, wrong house!

Rear Window: Grace Kelly introduced via extreme closeup.

Goldfinger: Jill Masterson's fate, accented by John Barry's startling music cue.
Reply
post #32 of 100
7/15/08 at 10:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratty View Post
The revelation of the identity of the Elevator Killer in The Man With Two Brains.
The size of the inside of Dr. Haffahar's apartment was great also. And, though it's not a reveal, I have to add that "Leapin Lizards" and "Get that cat outta here" always kill me.
Reply
post #33 of 100
7/16/08 at 1:27am
On the Indy front, I liked the KotCS reveal of Indy. I only wish it hadn't been thoroughly ruined by the trailer.
Reply
post #34 of 100
7/16/08 at 4:03am
Not necessarily a shocking reveal, but when the Predator takes of his mask to Arnold is a great one. Who the hell could've imagined he'd look like that?!
Reply
post #35 of 100
7/16/08 at 9:01am
The reveal at the end of Sleepaway Camp left me with a few sleepless nights. That girls face still gives me cold chills.
Reply
post #36 of 100
7/16/08 at 9:04am
There was a pretty classic reveal in JUST ONE OF THE GUYS.
Reply
post #37 of 100
7/16/08 at 12:51pm
Luke gently removing Vader's helmet and mask at the end of Jedi. This terrifying monster is nothing more than a scarred up, pale old man.
Reply
post #38 of 100
7/16/08 at 3:42pm
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!
Reply
post #39 of 100
7/16/08 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherm View Post
The reveal at the end of Sleepaway Camp left me with a few sleepless nights. That girls face still gives me cold chills.
Yes. In fact, all penis reveals are automatic nomination for the Favourite Movie 'Reveal' Hall-of-Fame. See also: The flashee turned flasher in Pink Flamingos.
Reply
post #40 of 100
7/16/08 at 3:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Cordo View Post
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!
Wins the thread. I'm ashamed I didn't think of that right away.
Reply
post #41 of 100
7/16/08 at 4:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Ripoll View Post
Yes. In fact, all penis reveals are automatic nomination for the Favourite Movie 'Reveal' Hall-of-Fame.
But, you don't like FEAST...
Reply
post #42 of 100
7/16/08 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Clark View Post
Once Upon a Time in the West. An entire family is gunned down, and only the six year old kid is left to watch as men in dusters step out from the tall grass. The leader walks out in front, and the camera slowly swoops around as Morricone's motherfucker of a score rises to reveal...the cold blue eyes of Henry Fonda. And then...

"What do we do with the boy, Frank?"
"Well, now that you've gone and called me by name."

Anyone sitting in the audience then got terrified, because they now had NO IDEA what to except out of this movie they were watching. I mean, Henry Fonda, perennial nice guy, symbol of moral justice, just shot a six year old kid in the face! What the hell?!

I still goosebumps watching that scene.
Love this one, and I'm only pissed that I didn't get around to mentioning it first.

Lots of good choices in this thread already, so I'll only add a few of my own:

- The first glimpse we get of the creature in The Thing, when the dog's head splits open. To this day, it's a shocking and effective moment.

- The first glimpse of "The Man" in Carnival of Souls, when he is lying under the water, and his eyes slowly open up.

- The first shot of Arnold Schwarzenegger looking up at the camera in Conan the Barbarian.

- A bloodied, knife-wielding, and undead Sarah bursting into Helena Marcus's room to torment Sarah in Suspiria.

- The first glimpse of the behemoth in The Mist.
Reply
post #43 of 100
7/16/08 at 4:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DARKMITE8 View Post
But, you don't like FEAST...
I stand corrected. Not all penis reveals are golden.
Reply
post #44 of 100
7/16/08 at 4:14pm
Shawnshank Redemption - "Hey, that is a lovely Rita Hayworth poster. - Holy shit!"
Reply
post #45 of 100
7/16/08 at 5:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat Elvis View Post
There was a pretty classic reveal in JUST ONE OF THE GUYS.
"You've got tits! Where do you get off having tits?!"

Ah, that movie had a big effect on my young eight-year-old eyes.
Reply
post #46 of 100
7/16/08 at 5:27pm
Narrator: Marla just answer the question. Did we ever have sex.

Marla: Ok. You fuck me, then snub me. You love me, you hate me. You show me a sensitive side, then you turn into a total asshole. Is this a pretty accurate description of our relationship, Tyler?

Narrator: Wait. What did you just call me?
Reply
post #47 of 100
7/16/08 at 5:34pm
ROTS: Anakin Skywalker's: "Sith Eyes". Again ruined by a trailer.

Willy Wonka in the original version of "Chocolate Factory".
Willy limps out all slow and feeble, falls to the ground, then springs up all rowdy. Classic.
Reply
post #48 of 100
7/16/08 at 6:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Ripoll View Post
Yes. In fact, all penis reveals are automatic nomination for the Favourite Movie 'Reveal' Hall-of-Fame. See also: The flashee turned flasher in Pink Flamingos.
Even in The Dreamers?
Reply
post #49 of 100
7/16/08 at 6:09pm
Finding out who 'Yuri' is in No Way Out.
Reply
post #50 of 100
7/16/08 at 6:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barkatthemoon View Post
[B]Willy Wonka in the original version of "Chocolate Factory".
Willy limps out all slow and feeble, falls to the ground, then springs up all rowdy. Classic.
Doesn't he even do a summersault roll for crissakes?

Awesome.

EDIT: To add... the one in GREMLINS, where Billy's Mom hears the commotion in the kitchen. After shutting off Johnny Mathis, she spooks herself, we see the shadow, then she walks into the doorway and you see the little metamorphosized creep fully for the 1st time, eating a cookie. Goldsmith's score does this weird twangy screech mixed with the strings that just sells the moment.

I also dig that BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF hides the fact that Fronsac is as much of a capable fighter as Mani until the time is right.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Drafts & Lists
CHUD.com Community › Forums › THE CHEWERS › Drafts & Lists › Favourite movie 'Reveals'