When you watch as many movies as I do over the course of a year, sometimes you look back and realize how quickly some films will fall out of your consciousness. There are some instances when I will read about a film and forget it even came out that year. But this list isn’t limited to bad or forgettable movies, but the ones that aren’t discussed frequently. Specifically, I wanted to highlight amazing scenes from those type of films. Check out my list of memorable scenes you might have missed and I’ll be sure to shoot you a spoiler warning if need be.
The Peephole /// Opera (1987)
Director: Dario Argento
As a self-proclaimed Argento fan, I’ll be the first to admit that his films aren’t for everyone. There is a certain charm and style to his work that some people (like me) connect with, and others will find distracting. Moreover, if you aren’t making a point to go through the director’s filmography or delve into the Giallo genre, then you have probably missed the 1987 film Opera. This is a perfect film for a list like this. The movie isn’t stunning overall, but has a handful of memorable sequences. This one in particular showcases a novel execution of a otherwise boring death scene.
Spoilers? Because the scene below contains a death scene, there will be a minor spoiler, but it is doubtful that it would ruin the slasher film for you.
The Opening /// Sucker Punch (2011)
Director: Zack Snyder
The 12 year old masturbatory fantasy epic called Sucker Punch unanimously disappointed the FTS crew. With Snyder’s gravitation towards visual flare, it was difficult to see so many aesthetically pleasing ideas fall flat into the giant, muddled mess. But we didn’t write off the film from the get go, it was in fact, quite the opposite. Sucker Punch had a gorgeous opening scene that served as the movie’s brief, almost dialogue free, back story. As with Snyder’s previous film opener for Watchmen, the musical choice may make or break this scene for you, but I found it to be suitability hypnotic. Star Emily Browning provided the voice behind the cover.
Spoilers? Not at all. This scene is an intro to the film.
Ancient Chinese Proverb /// The Losers (2010)
Director: Sylvain White
The ill-fated comic book adaption The Losers made my list of 5 Movies I Wish Did Better at the Box Office for 2010 . It seems that not many folks came out to see the movie but it’s played heavily on cable so maybe it’s gained a little more awareness since then. The Losers is ridiculous and familiar but works really well thanks to the charismatic cast. Leading the pack is the impressive Chris Evans, who plays slightly against type as the talkative cornball hacker. He lends his comedic talent to the best scene in the movie that features a Journey song, classic rap lyrics and a really neat shootout.
Spoilers? Nothing major. It doesn’t exactly give away any surprises but does showcase a cool action scene in the film.
Back Seat Attack /// Let Me In (2010)
Director: Matt Reeves
There wasn’t a lot of love from audiences for this American remake of the Swedish film Let the Right One In. Even though critics seemed to enjoy this adaptation, it still had trouble standing alongside it’s predecessor. Having seen both, it was hard to justify the existence of Let Me In but I still felt that it was strong adaptation. One scene in particular is absolutely wonderful, though. It follows an attack of an unsuspecting driver and a car crash that follows. It’s a breathtaking shot made possible by innovative camerawork and intense effects props. The entire sequence isn’t available in one video, so below I posted the car attack (first clip) and then a visual effects breakdown video that shows how they pulled it off.
Spoilers? This could indeed be considered a spoiler but again I don’t think it would necessarily ruin the film.
Brandon St. Randy /// Zach & Miri Make A Porno (2008)
Director: Kevin Smith
Many fans and critics looked at Zach & Miri like a mixed bag. It wasn’t a typical ‘Kevin Smith’ movie or the usual Seth Rogen vehicle either, and people struggled to find common ground among the two. My personal feeling towards the film are much less analytical, as I think it’s a laugh-worthy comedy but nothing too exceptional. I like it enough to give it repeat viewings though, and again it’s largely thanks to the reason highlighted here. The scene centers around a high school reunion where Zach (Rogen) strikes up a conversation with a man named Brandon St. Randy, who is played to overwhelming perfection by the criminally underrated Justin Long. The term scene stealer is entirely too apt anytime Justin’s Brandon St. Randy character appears on screen. If this movie comes on TV, I will always tune in just for the few minutes he’s working the set. I cheated a bit with this one because the character isn’t limited to just one scene, so I included the initial meeting with Brandon and Zach (clip 1) and then another interaction with Bobby Long (Brandon Routh.)
Spoilers? Nah. This is early in the flick.
The Abduction/// Fire in the Sky (1993)
Director: Robert Lieberman
I took a look at Fire in the Sky (available on Netflix Instant Watch) after a recent discussion I had with my sister about movies that terrified us growing up. I kind of vaguely remembered this one and after noticing it was so easily available, I thought “What the hell, let’s give this film a try.” The verdict? Plus one imaginary movie point for my sister. While this movie was a made for tv film, it still featured a lot of strong performances that kept the alien abduction story line grounded . What makes Fire in the Sky so special though, is it’s ability to deliver the goods. There is a lot of talk in the film about “what happened” to a man that was seemingly teleported into the heavens, and when the movie decides to break that down, you are treated to a monumentally chilling display of horror. The scene is one that would frighten any child for sure, but as an adult I was overcome by the impressive use of create effects and atmosphere created.
Spoilers? Yes. It’s a pretty large chunk of the film and a climax of sorts for the viewer. If you want to watch the whole film, don’t hesitate to seek it out through Netflix, but if you are just interested in the scene I described above, you can see it below in two parts.
Winkie’s/// Mulholland Drive (2001)
Director: David Lynch
Director David Lynch is best known for his bizarre, surreal films and Mulholland Drive might be his most recognizable. The movie kick started the career of the lovely Naomi Watts and was critically praised, but I don’t know if it’s a movie that is as easily accessible now. I first watched the film in high school after searching for movies that were ‘a little on the weird side.’ Well, this film certainly had that shit covered. It’s a dreamy masterpiece of strange and confusing, changing narrative and character focus more times that the viewer can count. But I love it. I was memorized and curious and yearning for more after the credits rolled. And admittedly there are a lot of special scenes in Mulholland Drive, but none so perfect as the one chosen here. The scene below describes a man’s dream in eerie detail and prompts the viewer to question the reality of the event. The scene works wonders because of Lynch’s absorbing direction and an unnerving performance from Patrick Fischler.
Spoilers? Considering most people have no clue what’s actually happening in this film anyways, I’d hardly scream spoiler, but I do happen to think that this scene works better within the movie than just on it’s own. So if you are looking forward to a little Lynch later in life, skip the clip til then.
What were some of your favorite scenes from undiscussed films?