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This Scene Is The Reason the Movie was Made

post #1 of 59
12/26/10 at 12:11am
Thread Starter 
This thread is inspired by this article, Scenes Every Film Fan Should See over at Salon.

Looking it over, I knew most of the choices listed and I agreed with a lot of what I saw. But then I got to number one. I've never seen the Parallax View, and I was kinda surprised to find there was a sequence that was so essential it could top this list.

So I watched on Netflix Instant the other day. It's fine, a standard 70's paranoid political thriller with a sold performance from Beatty. I'd put it below both Klute and All The Kings Men in Pakula's 70s paranoia trilogy.

But the "testing sequence" is indeed, amazing, even if I disagree with how much it has any bearing into the plot whatsoever. It seems important because Beatty is being tested on whether or not he'd be a good assassin, but ultimately that doesn't matter because it's never referred to again, and even his shadowy contact seemingly assumes he'd be good for the job. (I know this is probably just because he's being set up to be a patsy, but it just adds evidence that the inclusion of the test stands alone and was probably the reason they made the movie).

It's the most interesting sequence by far. Everything else is stuff we've seen better in Hitchcock yarns and other political suspense masterpieces like The Manchurian Candidate. And yet that sequence is brilliant; the audience being given the same test as the protagonist, and then left with no results, being forced to consider their own reactions and what they mean. The sequence alone rises above the rest of the film.

So, long story short, I'm wondering if anyone else can think of sub-par movies with fantastic sequences that might be the reason they made the movie. I'd be curious to see how often people discover this in movies.
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post #2 of 59
12/26/10 at 12:18am
Not a sub-par film, of course, but you could say that Pacino & DeNiro's duel at the coffee stop scene is the reason HEAT was made.
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post #3 of 59
12/26/10 at 12:41am
*"Kaneda.. What do you see?!"

For the record, I love SUNSHINE, but even it's more vitriolic detractors would have to admit the Kaneda Sun Shield Immolation Sequence is stunning

PS *10 000 BC. The Mammoth Hunt, the Watery Sabertooth, and the Pyramid Sequence! Three key scenes from a terrible movie. First two, must see FX. Last one, must see crazy


PPS: The reveal of NYC population 32 million in BABYLON AD
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post #4 of 59
12/26/10 at 12:44am
Pretty much any _____ vs. _____ movie (Aliens/Predators, Freddie/Jason) is an excuse to see the two protagonists go at it.
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post #5 of 59
12/26/10 at 1:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
Pretty much any _____ vs. _____ movie (Aliens/Predators, Freddie/Jason) is an excuse to see the two protagonists go at it.
But most of them are just as bad as the rest of the movies they're in. In fact, most of these movies fail because they somehow use restraint when it comes to putting these forces together. That never made sense to me.

I kind of thought of an example. I hate 500 Days of Summer but I love that musical number. It makes me wish the whole movie was a musical and not the glum, overly-serious, smugly "hip" crap that it was trying to be.
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post #6 of 59
12/26/10 at 1:27am
I guess you could make the argument that the entire Prequel trilogy was made simply to depict the Anakin vs. Obi-Wan duel.
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post #7 of 59
12/26/10 at 1:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratty View Post
I guess you could make the argument that the entire Prequel trilogy was made simply to depict the Anakin vs. Obi-Wan duel.
But much like the "VS" films, by the time it gets to it, it's not that great a set-piece.
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post #8 of 59
12/26/10 at 2:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_Cellophane View Post
But much like the "VS" films, by the time it gets to it, it's not that great a set-piece.
Agreed. I'd take the Duel of the Fates fight over that one any time. It seems to have more energy, and more purpose, despite the Anakin/Obi-Wan being the most important part of the prequel trilogy (arguably both trilogies).

Has anyone seen the Parallax View? I'm curious about thoughts concerning the sequence in comparison to the rest of the film.
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post #9 of 59
12/26/10 at 2:24am
The Spirit of the Beehive when the girl sees Frankenstein's Monster. There's a lot more going on in the film, but I can't help but think of this as a moment everything else was created for. It's certainly one of my favorite scenes in cinema.
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post #10 of 59
12/26/10 at 2:41am
While not the real reason the film was made at all, but I'd wager that the "Stealing the NOC list" scene in the first Mission: Impossible is what got DePalma involved.
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post #11 of 59
12/26/10 at 2:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Clark View Post
While not the real reason the film was made at all, but I'd wager that the "Stealing the NOC list" scene in the first Mission: Impossible is what got DePalma involved.
That's a good one and it totally makes sense. That scene is masterful and feels like DePalma had a boner filming and conceptualizing it. The rest of the film feels flat in comparison.
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post #12 of 59
12/26/10 at 2:53am
Yeah, I think it's a great example for this thread. A scene so good that it justifies the rest of the film's existence. Like the musical number (with Han Solo cameo) or even the Expectations/Reality sequence of 500 Days of Summer, as previously mentioned.
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post #13 of 59
12/26/10 at 3:20am
The first time I ever thought this about a film was after watching Girl With A Pearl Earring in theaters. I was positive the movie existed just for the dissolve from ScarJo's face to the painting.
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post #14 of 59
12/26/10 at 3:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parker View Post
Agreed. I'd take the Duel of the Fates fight over that one any time. It seems to have more energy, and more purpose, despite the Anakin/Obi-Wan being the most important part of the prequel trilogy (arguably both trilogies).
Absolutely. The Anakin/Obi-Wan duel came off as an afterthought in comparison.
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post #15 of 59
12/26/10 at 6:00pm
The Guggenheim sequence in the THE INTERNATIONAL. Not a great or very memorable movie, even though I'm probably warmer to it than most, but that sequence where they completely demolish a classic piece of architecture is some pretty gripping action filmmaking and is far more effective than the rest of the film.
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post #16 of 59
12/26/10 at 6:17pm
Fitzcarraldo. Boat over the mountain.

Kind of a special case, since Herzog made it so he could get that boat over the mountain in reality, something the actual Fitzcarraldo didn't even do.
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post #17 of 59
12/26/10 at 6:31pm
Independence Day was made specifically so they could have a teaser where the White House gets blown up. Fact.
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post #18 of 59
12/26/10 at 6:34pm
Role Models exists solely for that epic LARP battle. The focus for the entire third act of the film resting on it just screams that this is the movie they really wanted to make, but knew that wouldn't sell.
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post #19 of 59
12/26/10 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Clark View Post
While not the real reason the film was made at all, but I'd wager that the "Stealing the NOC list" scene in the first Mission: Impossible is what got DePalma involved.
To continue with the series, I'd say the only reason Woo was brought onto MI2 was because Cruise wanted to look good in action sequences.
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post #20 of 59
12/26/10 at 8:49pm
Jet Li vs Jackie Chan fight scene in The Forbidden Kingdom
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post #21 of 59
12/26/10 at 8:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcnooj82 View Post
To continue with the series, I'd say the only reason Woo was brought onto MI2 was because Cruise wanted to look good in action sequences.
Well, that was a failure on everybody's part then...
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post #22 of 59
12/26/10 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sphere_Monk View Post
Jet Li vs Jackie Chan fight scene in The Forbidden Kingdom
Damn. Good one.

As for MI2 (which, forgive me, I actually still like for silly reasons), I'd argue that the movie did such a good job making Cruise look cool that the one-sidedness made it come across silly. It like... REEKED... of effort, man!
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post #23 of 59
12/26/10 at 8:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcnooj82 View Post
Damn. Good one.

As for MI2 (which, forgive me, I actually still like for silly reasons), I'd argue that the movie did such a good job making Cruise look cool that the one-sidedness made it come across silly. It like... REEKED... of effort, man!
It definitely reeks....
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post #24 of 59
12/26/10 at 8:59pm
You monster! You ARE meaner on the boards than you are in the chat room!


EDIT: I haven't seen the movie (and it's not really a sequence), but from what I've heard of the movie's middling execution, it seems like The Expendables was thrown together for one reason only.

EDIT2: And to finish off the MI series, I'd say the Vatican sequence is really the only reason MI3 exists (along with PSH performing the shit out of a barely-written character). It's the only part of that movie I revisit.
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post #25 of 59
12/26/10 at 9:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcnooj82 View Post
EDIT2: And to finish off the MI series, I'd say the Vatican sequence is really the only reason MI3 exists (along with PSH performing the shit out of a barely-written character). It's the only part of that movie I revisit.
I literally remember only two things concerning MI3. Firstly, I remember being excited that Philip Seymour Hoffman was playing the villain, as I felt he didn't get enough good roles in movies at that time. Second I remember the "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall!" catchphrase, and thinking "really? That's your goto action line for this moment?" That was when I checked out mentally.
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post #26 of 59
12/26/10 at 9:26pm
Hahahaha! I have a friend who could NOT get past that Humpty Dumpty line. It really bugged the shit out of him.
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post #27 of 59
12/26/10 at 9:53pm
The Chariot Race: 'Ben Hur'
The Walken/Hopper scene: 'True Romance'
The doubledecker bus scene: 'The Mummy Returns'

Great call on the Guggenheim sequence from 'The International'.
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post #28 of 59
12/26/10 at 9:53pm
James Bond cradling his murdered wife at the end of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
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post #29 of 59
12/27/10 at 12:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcnooj82 View Post
You monster! You ARE meaner on the boards than you are in the chat room!

LOL. I love ya, Nooj.


Quote:
EDIT2: And to finish off the MI series, I'd say the Vatican sequence is really the only reason MI3 exists (along with PSH performing the shit out of a barely-written character). It's the only part of that movie I revisit.
I'd argue that the only reason MI:3 exists is to see the bomb go off in Keri Russel's head. Best part of that whole movie.
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post #30 of 59
12/27/10 at 7:41am
Die another day The final scene with the plane going down and Berry coming out of the water.
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post #31 of 59
12/27/10 at 12:52pm
Getting to delve into the psychology of what would make a serial killer is the reason why Rob Zombie agreed to do a remake of Halloween.

eta: er, well, getting to depict the behavior of a budding serial killer.
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post #32 of 59
12/27/10 at 1:03pm
I swear Swordfish exists just to get Halle Berry topless for all of five seconds. Even that rack couldn't justify the existence of the rest of the movie.

I haven't seen The International, but being the curious type, I looked up the Guggenheim shootout. Excellent use of sound, lack of shaky cam and finally! an action scene that is aware of distance and spatial relationships. Also, perhaps the most exciting and visually pleasing thing to ever be in the Guggenheim Museum.
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post #33 of 59
12/27/10 at 1:31pm
The chestburster scene in ALIEN. According to producer David Giler, it's the scene when he was reading the script that he realized it was something special and worth producing.

Oh, and that little "Ride of the Valkyries" sequence in APOCALYPSE NOW.
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post #34 of 59
12/27/10 at 1:46pm
Masters of the Universe: When the Dolph raises his sword in the air and says "I HAVE THE POWER"

Rocky II: Rocky winning

To hold onto the rights of Superman: Zack Synder's Superman

Star Wars Episode III: NOOOOOOOOO (I'll get shit for it, but this is my favorite scene right up with the ESB I'm Your Father. Everything from the birth of the twins to the end credits is great).
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post #35 of 59
12/27/10 at 2:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAIRUS View Post
Star Wars Episode III: NOOOOOOOOO (I'll get shit for it, but this is my favorite scene right up with the ESB I'm Your Father.).
Hi, Sairus.

This is the other guy round here who likes the prequels. Especially Episode III. How are you today? Hope your holiday went smoothly and your family is well. Now that we've gotten the pleasantries out of the way, let's get down to business: It appears you have a rather large brain tumor. It seems to be lodged in the center of your brain affecting clear judgment. I would highly suggest you have this looked at by a trained medical professional before year's end. We, at CHUD, care for you, and are genuinely concerned for your well being, and statements like these indicate a progression for the worse that we cannot ignore. Please keep us informed of your progress. We'll be rooting for you every step of the way.

Love, and God bless,

Justin Clark.
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post #36 of 59
12/27/10 at 2:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Great call on the Guggenheim sequence from 'The International'.
Seconded. Just an absolutely brilliant and brutal action sequence in an otherwise fairly forgettable flick.
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post #37 of 59
12/27/10 at 4:05pm
This scene from the Manchurian candidate. The last scene from Adventureland. I'll probably think of some more later.

EDIT: Shit, didn't get the intent behind the thread. My bad.
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post #38 of 59
12/27/10 at 4:23pm
How about the various destruction sequences in ID4, Day After Tomorrow and 2012? Seems like there's less and less plot as you move from film to film until 2012 is just basically disaster porn.
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post #39 of 59
12/29/10 at 6:51am
I'd say the galleon blowing up in Cutthroat Island and the opening few minutes of Cliffhanger off the top of my head.
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post #40 of 59
12/29/10 at 9:57am
The resurrection sequence in THE MUMMY RETURNS. It's actually really well done (sketchy CGI notwithstanding, but it's surrounded by a movie that wishes it were only sub-par.
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post #41 of 59
12/29/10 at 11:53am
In a film so special-effects heavy 'CE3K' kicks all manner of ass with "...I can't believe it's real..." and nary a 'cloud-tank' in sight.
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post #42 of 59
12/29/10 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelM View Post
The resurrection sequence in THE MUMMY RETURNS. It's actually really well done (sketchy CGI notwithstanding, but it's surrounded by a movie that wishes it were only sub-par.
I respectfully disagree with you on this, Michael. It's definitely not the worst sequence in the film (Scorpion King, anyone?) but it's still pretty cheesy. For my money, the double-decker bus sequence is the only part of the film that's worth a damn.
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post #43 of 59
12/29/10 at 12:42pm
The Brown Bunny.

I win.
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post #44 of 59
12/29/10 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
I respectfully disagree with you on this, Michael. It's definitely not the worst sequence in the film (Scorpion King, anyone?) but it's still pretty cheesy. For my money, the double-decker bus sequence is the only part of the film that's worth a damn.
I count that as part of the scene: from Imhotep's breaking free to destroying the warrior mummies on the bus. I really dig the creepy, quick movements they make leaping from stree to building to bus.

And I agree the museum scene is cheesy, but it works for me. From Imhotep laughing as he's shot to him thundering as he pours out the dust of the warrior mummies, it feeds the 9 year old monster movie lover in me handily. YMMV, of course.

The rest of movie is so, so horrible, though.
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post #45 of 59
12/29/10 at 12:48pm
Speaking of DePalma, does anybody remember what happens in Snake Eyes after the opening 20-minute Steadicam sequence?
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post #46 of 59
12/29/10 at 12:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelM View Post
I count that as part of the scene: from Imhotep's breaking free to destroying the warrior mummies on the bus. I really dig the creepy, quick movements they make leaping from stree to building to bus.

And I agree the museum scene is cheesy, but it works for me. From Imhotep laughing as he's shot to him thundering as he pours out the dust of the warrior mummies, it feeds the 9 year old monster movie lover in me handily. YMMV, of course.

The rest of movie is so, so horrible, though.
There's a distinct jump in overall quality when they actually get to the bus, though. The effects seem more complete and the direction is much more on the nose. It actually feels like something that Spielberg would have churned out in an Indiana Jones film. It's tense and legitimately thrilling, whereas the rest of the film is flat and boring.
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post #47 of 59
12/29/10 at 1:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
There's a distinct jump in overall quality when they actually get to the bus, though. The effects seem more complete and the direction is much more on the nose. It actually feels like something that Spielberg would have churned out in an Indiana Jones film. It's tense and legitimately thrilling, whereas the rest of the film is flat and boring.
Oh, I agree. The effects in the museum are pretty bad. No arguing that. For me - and it's a very subjective, personal thing - the whole scene smacks to me of the old Universal flicks. And I like Imhotep's personality, shitty CGI or no.

Like I said - it's really because it feeds the monster movie-loving kid in me. I can understand not digging it.
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post #48 of 59
12/29/10 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelM View Post
And I like Imhotep's personality, shitty CGI or no.
He had his moments (especially in the first film), but Vosloo's acting ranged from GREAT to EMBARRASINGLY AWFUL in the second film. Much of the blame for that could probably be attributed to Stephen Sommers; he's the one who didn't call for a second take.
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post #49 of 59
12/29/10 at 1:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dross View Post
The Brown Bunny.

I win.
Yes. Yes, you do.

Two Proyas entries: William Hurt's slow motion fall out of the cityship in Dark City, and Brandon Lee's slow-motion run on the rooftop in The Crow.
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post #50 of 59
12/30/10 at 2:08am
The Bill Murray scene in Zombieland.

The Mega Shark jumping out of the ocean and snatching a plane out of the air in Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus
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