As a follow up to my September post commemorating the 30th anniversary of the movie Pulp Fiction, which included a list of 43 films that bear rewatching, this post features an overview and call out of a particular scene from many of the films covered in my September post. Additionally, I have included a memorable quote from either the noted scene or movie. In addition to scenes from the films covered in my previous post, I've also noted some scenes and quotes from a handful of other films that were on my honorable mention list and fell just short of making it onto my Rewatchable list. Enjoy!
Once upon a Time in Hollywood
The ending scene of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a wild and unexpected reimagining of history. The entire film builds up to the night of August 8, 1969, when members of the Manson Family infamously killed actress Sharon Tate and her friends. However, this movie is non fiction and Tarantino offers his own take on how this night ends. Tarantino is the master of shocking scenes and this 20 minute segment may be his best work. This may also be the best 20 minutes of acting in Brad Pitts career, one filled with great performances.
Rick Dalton: "I torched her. I burnt her ass to a crisp!"
Boogie Nights - Sister Christian
When I saw this movie the first time, my perception of what a movie could be was altered. While this movie is fiction, it sure feels like Paul Thomas Anderson is telling a real life documentary style story. This particular scene shook me the most. Featuring the incredible use of Night Rangers famous song Sister Christian, the characters plan to steal money from their pseudo friend/dealer (played by an out of control Alfred Molina) is ill conceived and stupid. That said, they probably couldn't have imagined the bizarre scene they were walking into (which includes random use of firecrackers). If you have ever found yourself reluctantly joining friends in a questionable situation, this scene will make you feel like you're right there with them.
Eddie Adams: "When I close my eyes, I see this thing, a sign, I see this name in bright blue neon lights with a purple outline. And this name is so bright and so sharp that the sign - it just blows up because the name is so powerful...It says, "Dirk Diggler."
Pulp Fiction - Overdose
The overdose scene in Pulp Fiction is tough to top in terms of sheer high stakes intensity that is life and death. You can feel the time ticking away in one of the most memorable scenes from any film. After a mix up on the chosen substance that was ingested by Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), a frantic Vincent Vega goes to the only place that makes sense to him, the person (Lance) that sold him the substance. Lance instructs Vincent to administer a shot of adrenaline directly into Mia's heart. Nothing else needs to be said.
Lance : "You're going to give her an injection of adrenaline directly to her heart. But she's got, uh, breastplate...
[taps Mia's chest]
Lance : So you gotta pierce through that. So what you have to do is, you have to bring the needle down in a stabbing motion."
Pulp Fiction - Travolta and Jackson
The second scene in Pulp Fiction, featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Jules and John Travolta as Vincent, includes interesting dialogue that blends laughter, interrogation and menace with philosophical undertones. It also features the memorable delivery of a Bible passage that any Pulp fan holds dear. The scene begins with the two hitmen driving to an apartment to collect a briefcase for their boss, Marsellus Wallace. The scene opens with them casually chatting about life in Europe, leading to the famous "Royale with Cheese" conversation about the differences in fast food between the U.S. and Europe. The intensity builds as they enter an apartment building and confront a group that works for Marsellus, led by Brett. The intensity rises as Jules interrogates Brett, delivering lines with power, humor and menace. Eventually, we get to the Ezekiel passage and then Brett and his team face the music.
Jules: “The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and goodwill shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy My brothers. And you will know My name is the Lord when I lay My vengeance upon thee.”
The Big Lebowski - Larry Sellers High School Paper
John Goodman is an incredibly gifted and versatile actor who probably won't ever really get the credit he deserves. He has been featured in numerous Coen Brothers films (Raising Arizona, Inside Llewyn Davis, Barton Fink, Hudsucker Proxy, Lebowski), starred in an all time great sitcom (Roseanne), and has also had terrific support roles in some really good movies like Revenge of the Nerds, Sea of Love, Fallen, Bringing out the Dead, Argo and Flight. I think his role as Walter Sobchak (what a name) is probably his best work. This particular scene, where he interrogates a 15-year-old in the child's suburban home on the couch, believing that the teenager, Larry Sellers, stole money as part of a cockamamie scheme, is both ridiculous and amusing. For me, this is one of the most entertaining scenes in any Coen Brothers film.
Walter: "This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."
True Romance - Gary Oldman/Drexl Spivey
Gary Oldman is a terrific actor known for his remarkable ability to transform into such a variety of different roles and characters. It is almost mind boggling to consider all the historical figures he has played as part of his career which features 3 Oscar nominations (winning for Darkest Hour as Churchill). He has played Harry Truman (Oppenheimer), Beethoven (Immortal Beloved), Dracula (Bram Stoker's Dracula) and Lee Harvey Oswald (JFK). However, what I most remember him for are his unique performances in Leon: The Professional, Romeo is Bleeding, State of Grace, and True Romance. As a menacing, dreadlocked, hardcore, multifaceted criminal, he introduces us to an all-time movie scumbag in True Romance. Describing his interaction with Christian Slater in this intense scene as bizarre doesn't quite capture it, as they discuss egg rolls and the pulsating music heightens the tension until Drexl's time runs out.
Drexl: “He must have thought it was white boy day. It ain’t white boy day, is it?”
Gone Girl
In one of the most powerful and compelling female acting performances of the 21st century so far, this scene features Amy (portrayed by Rosamund Pike) after she has gone into hiding and is in a state of desperation. That's what old boyfriends are for, particularly old boyfriends you outgrew that are still obsessed with you. Desi, played by Neil Patrick Harris, invites her to his luxurious lake house, where he tries to shower her with money and gifts while keeping her captive because he believes, sincerely, that he's helping her. I guess you "could" feel sorry for her based on what I just wrote, but not if you've seen the movie. Amy is in control and that becomes abundantly clear in this violent scene, which is reminiscent of scenes from the classic film Basic Instinct. By the way, watch Basic Instinct again too!
Amy Dunne: "I need you to trust me, Desi."
American Gangster - No more Tango
Denzel Washington, a GOAT candidate, has to make an appearance on any credible movie or movie scene list. With many scenes from Training Day in my head, I'm going to pivot and go with this powerful scene from the terrific mob and drug film American Gangster. The scene, where Frank Lucas shoots Tango (played by Idris Elba), in American Gangster occurs in the context of a power struggle and a business dispute. It starts with a family business meeting at a local diner and somehow also ends there, as Frank Lucas' family gets to witness upfront what he's capable of and willing to do in order to build his criminal empire. Tango, a rival gangster, had been given Frank's "Blue Magic" heroin to sell but refused to pay Frank his 20% share of the profits. A confrontation ensues in broad daylight on a crowded street, where Tango dismisses Frank's demand for his money. In response, Frank pulls out a gun and shoots Tango at point-blank range, killing him instantly. Tango doesn't get a chance to negotiate or plead his case. I guess you can say he took a calculated risk, but it didn't work out for him.
Frank Lucas: "Success. It’s got enemies. You can be successful and have enemies or be unsuccessful and have friends."
Sideways - Retrieving the Rings
This is a terrific sequence of suspenseful situational humor. Jack leaves his wallet, which includes the rings for his upcoming wedding, in the home of a waitress he had a fling with the night earlier. Realizing this may jeopardize his wedding in a few days, he convinces an understandably unexcited Miles to break into the woman's house to retrieve the rings. Miles manages to sneak in, and after searching the room, finds the rings—but the tension builds when the woman's husband, who isn't clothed, discovers him and a chase ensues.
Miles: "Excuse me, sir, my friend was the one balling your wife couple of hours ago. Really sorry. He seems to have left his wallet behind. I was wondering if I come in, just poke around, I don't know."
There Will Be Blood - Bowling
Daniel Day Lewis is often viewed to be on another level as an actor and his performance in this film, which goes from guarded to manipulative to completely insane, is one of his best. The ending scene of There Will Be Blood is intense, brutal and bizarre. It takes place in the private bowling alley of Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), who has become an isolated, bitter man. Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), the preacher who was once a thorn in Daniel's side, comes to him seeking money. Eli is now desperate and financially ruined, and Daniel takes this opportunity to humiliate him. The scene escalates further when Daniel chases Eli around the bowling alley, eventually beating him to death with a bowling pin. As Eli lies dead, Daniel slumps down, exhausted, and delivers the final, cryptic line, “I’m finished.” The camera pulls back, revealing Daniel’s butler standing at the edge of the scene, cementing Daniel’s descent into madness and total moral and emotional collapse.
Daniel Plainview: "I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed.
Kingpin - Paying the Rent
One of the funniest scenes in Kingpin (1996) has to be the infamous "landlord" scene. After Roy Munson (played by Woody Harrelson) is unable to pay his rent, his sleazy, revolting landlord implies there’s another way for him to settle his debt. The scene cuts to Roy vomiting in the toilet, and the elderly female landlord, smug and satisfied, is standing in the doorway, and says "Oh, stop it. It wasn't that bad." It's one of those shock-humor moments that catches you completely off guard.
Roy: "Morning! I hope you don't mind, I got up a little early, so I took the liberty of milking your cow for you. Yeah, it took a little while to get her warmed up, she sure is a stubborn one. Then, POW, all at once.
[Takes a drink of "milk" from the bucket]
Mr. Boorg: We don't have a cow. We have a bull.
Roy: I'll brush my teeth."
Inglourious Basterds - Introduction Scene
Its hard for me to recall a better opening sequence to a film. Inglourious Basterds, directed by Quentin Tarantino, presents Colonel Hans Landa, a cunning and ruthless officer of the SS, showcasing an incredible acting discovery by Tarantino that introduced the world to Christoph Waltz's talent. The scene is set in rural France during World War II, where Landa visits a dairy farmer, Perrier LaPadite, under the pretense of interrogating him about the whereabouts of a Jewish family hiding in the area. As Landa questions LaPadite, the tension builds, in a charming yet menacing demeanor, with a level of consequence to those decisions that makes you feel like your in the room. A moral conversation ensues where no decision is a good one. Do you sacrifice the tortured people your trying to save or your family?The conversation reveals Landa's intelligence and manipulation, features the terrific use of a large, delicious glass of milk and ends in an escape which sets up the rest of the film. It's an incredibly well done and powerful piece of film making.
Hans Landa: "I love rumors! Facts can be so misleading, where rumors, true or false, are often revealing."
Eastern Promises - Shower Scene
The Eastern Promises (2007) shower scene is intense, violent and one you will not forget. Directed by David Cronenberg, the movie stars Viggo Mortensen as Nikolai, a Russian mob enforcer, and this scene showcases one of the most visceral and realistic fight sequences in modern cinema history. Nikolai is ambushed in a sauna by two Chechen assassins after which a hand to hand battle for survival ensues.
Nikolai: "You can't escape your fate."
Parasite - Birthday Party
This is the scene of scenes in a movie about class, society and an entertaining mix of servant and elite class dynamics where no one is completely at fault and no one ends up with a good outcome. Things really spiral out of control in this scene when all the pent up tension comes to a climax during a birthday party for the "elites" child. This is an incredible film that won best picture and is a must see film!
The Father: "You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan at all. You know why? Because life cannot be planned."
The Killer - Florida Fight Scene
The Killer, a terrific 2024 film by David Fincher, features one of the top fight scenes in cinema history. Contract Killer (an extremely high end and costly one) Michael Fassbender (named The Killer in the film as he has no stated name), heads to Florida with revenge on his mind. He faces a formidable muscle bound brute in a battle to the death. To say the scene is intense is an understatement as you can almost feel the blows and hear the flesh tearing. There's no martial arts or anything too cute. This is a knock down, drag out fight where you grab whatever you can (glass shards, furniture and a cheese grater) and fight until no one else can.
The Killer: [watching Florida thugs horsing around on a lawn] "Ah. The Sunshine State. Where else can you find so many like-minded individuals, outside a penitentiary? Hope they're not planning a sleepover."
Rocky - Apollo vs Rocky
The final 15 minutes of the first Rocky film showcase an amazing fight scene between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. It's a classic confrontation between a determined underdog and a clearly superior opponent. Watching this movie as an 8-year-old who had never seen a boxing match before, it left a significant impression on me, as did the entire film. I strongly recommend this film to people of all ages, as it offers many life lessons.
Rocky: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
Fugitive - Waterfall Jump Showdown
The waterfall scene in The Fugitive (1993) is particularly memorable, featuring a tense confrontation between Dr. Richard Kimble (played by Harrison Ford) and U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (played by Tommy Lee Jones). In this scene, Kimble, wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife, is on the run. The chase leads him through a tunnel and up onto a dam, where he finds himself trapped at the edge of a towering waterfall. With no clear escape route, Kimble turns to face Gerard, who has been relentlessly pursuing him. Gerard, gun drawn, orders Kimble to surrender. Kimble, knowing he’s innocent but out of options, delivers a memorable line: "I didn’t kill my wife!" To which Gerard famously responds, "I don’t care!" Rather than be captured, Kimble makes the risky decision to jump off the dam into the waterfall below.
Gerard: "All right, listen up, ladies and gentlemen, our fugitive has been on the run for ninety minutes. Average foot speed over uneven ground, barring injuries, is 4 miles per hour. That gives us a radius of six miles. What I want from each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in that area. Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Your fugitive's name is Dr. Richard Kimble. Go get him."
Boogie Nights - Pool Party
The pool scene in "Boogie Nights" is a pivotal moment that captures the tension and chaos of the film's exploration of the adult film industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In this scene, the characters assemble at the residence of Jack Horner, a prominent film producer portrayed by Burt Reynolds, during a party that spirals into debauchery and drama. As the camera moves through the pool area, we observe a variety of characters, each embodying different aspects of the adult film industry. This scene features everything: expert camera work, engaging music, and outstanding character performances, and it is celebrated in film history. This particular scene helped make and elevate the careers of many of the actors featured in it, and paid homage to the Copacabana scene from Goodfellas.
No Country for Old Men - The Coin Flip
The gas station scene in No Country for Old Men is nuanced and seems to do a terrific job of encapsulating the complex sociopath Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem). In this scene, Chigurh enters a small, rural gas station and has a tense, unsettling conversation with the elderly attendant behind the counter. This kind man is enjoying the innocent conversation before it gets intense and ultimately dark with probing questions about the attendants family and his life. The delivery by Chigurh, an all time great movie villian, is delivered as he casually eats peanuts, tossing them into his mouth, a few at a time. There aren't any direct threats but the attendant begins to sense he should fear for his safety. Eventually, there interaction ends in a "you call it" coin flip with the stakes of the outcome unclear. This powerful scene is one of many great scenes in this film that speaks to fate, chance, the triviality of life (to Anton) and really embeds the overpowering presence of Chigurh in this film in such a way that your eyes are always on him in every scene.
Anton Chigurh: “It’s your lucky coin. Don’t put it in your pocket. You put it in your pocket, it becomes just another coin.”
Casino
I think sometimes this movie gets overlooked a bit and that it's not appreciated at the level of mastery that Martin Scorsese delivered in this amazing historical biopic film. The first 45 to 60 minutes, to me, are the best extended opening sequence to a film I can recall (with all due respect to Steven Spielberg's film Munich). It's a Las Vegas Business Operations Documentary that introduces you to the characters, gives a hint of their personalities, and explains the interworkings of casinos and gambling (and how they take your money). It even gets into the jobs and specific responsibilities of the casino employees. This is absolutely incredible, impeccable filmmaking by Martin Scorsese.
Sam "Ace" Rothstein: "In the casino, the cardinal rule is to keep them playing and to keep them coming back. The longer they play, the more they lose, and in the end, we get it all."
Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Rental Car
The rental car scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles is the scene that sticks out the most to me and one I find to be maybe the shiniest moment in Steve Martin's gem filled career. John Candy is a phenomenal comic actor but lets not overlook Martin's unbelievable work in so many classic comedies including The Jerk, The Man with Two Brains, Three Amigos!, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, My Blue Heaven and The Spanish Prisoner (not a comedy but maybe Martin's best work). He's on top of his game here, as a sort of no nonsense, transactional traveling businessman who lacks empathy. That's his starting point and then he's faced with a cacophony of transportation issues trying to get home for Thanksgiving, made even more frustrating by the presence of the random traveler he meets and becomes attached to, played by annoying nice guy John Candy. This particular scene is a culmination of many attempts to secure a way home that have failed leading to a long car ride looking like a desirable option. When complications with the rental ensue, Martin's character Neal, has had enough. He confronts the rental car clerk, played by cheerful Edie McClurg, who’s having a perfectly lovely Thanksgiving chat on the phone, oblivious to Neal's desperation. What follows is a hilarious (and infamous) rant with Neal dropping F-bombs in every line, unleashing a perfect storm of frustration. The clerks retorts appropriately! Anyone who has encountered travel disruptions can empathize with Neil's situation, which makes it that much more endearing and funny to the viewer.
Neal: "I want a fing car. Right. Fing. Now."
The Deer Hunter - Russian Roulette
The Deer Hunter is a terrific film about the aftermath of coming home from Vietnam back to your small hometown not knowing who you are or whats next. Maybe it speaks to me on a deeper level because my father faced this predicament, but there's no debating that this is a tremendous film. It also features a prisoner of war scene centered around a game of Russian roulette that raises the level of intensity to a degree rarely achieved on screen. I have a high tolerance for intensity and this nearly crossed my threshold, which speaks to the unbelievable acting by Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War, a group of American prisoners, including Michael (played by Robert De Niro), is forced to participate in a sadistic game of Russian roulette. The captors pit the prisoners against each other in a brutal demonstration of power. The stakes are horrifyingly high, with the threat of death looming over each player.
Michael: "One shot is all it takes."
Godfather - Take the cannoli
The "take the cannoli" scene in The Godfather (1972) is a memorable scene that blends chilling violence with humor and triviality when it comes to human life. The scene takes place after Peter Clemenza (a trusted enforcer for the Corleone family) and his associate, Rocco, carry out a mob execution of Paulie Gatto, who betrayed the family by conspiring with a rival. In the car ride, Clemenza tells Paulie to stop the car, under the pretense of needing to relieve himself. As Clemenza steps out, Rocco shoots Paulie in the head from the backseat. Paulie trusts Clemenza and has no idea he is in any danger. This aspect of the scene and Clemenza's nonchalance regarding putting a bullet in the back of the head of someone he knows intimately, before moving on with his day as if nothing happened, really sticks with the viewer. The most iconic part of the scene follows immediately after the hit. Clemenza, walking back to the car, tells Rocco, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli." This line, partly ad-libbed by actor Richard Castellano, merges the brutal reality of mafia life with the mundane, everyday priorities. It emphasizes the normalcy with which violence is treated, while also highlighting Clemenza's focus on the trivial (the cannoli, a pastry he'd promised to bring home to his wife).
Clemenza: "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."
Kill Bill: Volume 2 - Trailer Fight
This scene takes place between The Bride and Elle Driver (played by a one eye patch wearing Daryl Hannah) in Budd’s trailer in the desert. This is a brutal "it ends in only one way" scene that features everyday objects (lamps, TV sets, bathroom fixtures), that are leveraged in this desperate fight for survival. This fight is raw with intense hand to hand combat and ends with one character walking away and the other screaming for the last few minutes of their time on earth. BTW, a samurai sword makes an appearance in this scene.
The Bride: “B****, You Don't Have A Future!"
Kill Bill: Volume 1 - Buck
There are so many terrific scenes in both Kill Bill movies but I'll go for the "Buck" scene in Volume 1 as my pick. An orderly who violates a comatose patient of 4 years in the worst possible way would place this Buck character, which is in some ways presented as affable, into a category of scumbag few belong. As the scene unfolds and we learn more about Buck, including his, interesting to say the least truck, any possibility of empathy at seeing him meet his demise disappears. This scene, featuring the main character of both films (The Bride played by Uma Thurman), really sets the tone (revenge) for the rest of Kill Bill 1 and 2. Your kind of completely on Uma's side after this and don't feel much empathy for the people she extracts that revenge upon. Little does Buck know that this comatose husk of a human he has been abusing is one of the baddest human beings to walk the face of the earth.
The Bride: “Your Name Is Buck...Right?”
Heat - Chase and Shootout
Its hard for me to think of a better car chase and shootout scene in movie history. The Town and Point Break have some fantastic ones but Michael Mann went for the championship belt on this one and he may have won. This scene gives the audience a good view of each character before each of their independent paths diverge (resulting in many bad outcomes) and spiral out of control when they go for the vault. I'm not sure if Mann intended it but there's a moral statement made in this scene and its about greed. Greed brings down empires, destroys relationships and careers and ultimately leaves you with a thirst that will never be quenched.
Neil McCauley: "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner."
The Hangover - Fat Jesus
This particular Hangover scene features Alan, played by Zach Galifianakis, as the quirky and socially awkward character of the group delivering one of his many hilarious diatribes. This one is particularly memorable given the ridiculousness of the comments which are delivered with complete seriousness. The scene takes place when the Las Vegas bachelor party hasn't yet spiraled out of control, but this scene gives us an idea of what is to come.
Alan: "You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack." Then he later adds, “I didn’t know if they were aware of it, but I consider myself the Fat Jesus.”
Wall Street - Greed is Good
Michael Douglass is one of the best actors to ever grace the screen. He can butt heads with any of the greats including De Niro, Pacino, Nicholson, Penn, Day-Lewis, Hanks, DiCaprio....you get the point. From Basic Instinct to Disclosure to The Game, War of the Roses, Falling Down, Wonder Boys, Behind the Candelabra, and so, so many others, he has delivered timeless and memorable performances time and time again. This role in the incredible Oliver Stone film Wall Street is particularly memorable. His speech at a shareholders meeting where he shocks and awes but is also brutally honest , is a scene I don't believe could be delivered better by any actor, ever!
Gordon Gekko: "The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms—greed for life, money, love, knowledge—has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the U.S.A."
Glengarry Glen Ross - Put that Coffee Down
Only a few actors can deliver words with the emphasis, power and conviction of Alec Baldwin. He will never be given the kudos I believe he deserves and there's little separating him from the all time greats noted in the Wall Street entry above. While Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tom Cruise are closer to his age and more a part of his acting generation, he is a must-see actor with noted roles in The Closer, Malice, Miami Blues, Blue Jasmine, The Hunt for Red October, and The Departed. His performance in Glengarry Glen Ross is an unbelievably powerful performance that foreshadowed his amazing "I am God!" scene in the terrific and vastly underrated movie Malice. Thanks Alec!
Blake: “You see this watch? That watch costs more than your car.”
Anchorman - Street Brawl
The street brawl scene in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is hilarious. It features a spontaneous, over-the-top fight between various rival news teams, led by Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and his Channel 4 News team. The scene begins innocuously as Ron and his team are walking through an alley, when they suddenly encounter rival news anchors. Things quickly escalate into an all-out battle as different news crews, including those led by Wes Mantooth (Vince Vaughn) of Channel 9, the Spanish-language news (led by Ben Stiller) and the public television news team (led by Tim Robbins) all join the battle. What starts as some trash-talking soon turns into a chaotic and hilarious brawl, with an array of increasingly ridiculous weapons being used including chains, a pitchfork, and even a grenade. The scene features medieval level violence delivered in an all time comedic film after which the characters shrug their shoulders and walk away as if nothing happened, glossing over the carnage they've caused. It's a perfect example of the film’s absurdist humor and surreal tone.
Ron Burgundy: "Boy, that escalated quickly!"
Your Friends and Neighbors - Sauna
This 1998 Neil Labute film is filled with dark humor and a terrific cast of actors including Ben Stiller, Aaron Eckhart and Catherine Keener. The scene stealing star, though, is Jason Patric, a successful doctor who is also a narcissistic scumbag womanizer. That said, no one can imagine the depths of his depravity when the 3 friends get into a conversation about their most satisfying romantic experience during a post workout sauna.
Barry: "What, did you have a co-ed gym or something?"
Goodfellas - Copacabana
This 3 minute scene from Goodfellas is renowned as one of the most impressive long takes in movie history. Often cited and copied, this is a beautiful piece of technical filmmaking. It captures the thrill of Henry Hill's ascent in the mob world and symbolizes the power, luxury, and seduction that comes with his gangster lifestyle. The scene starts with Henry (played by Ray Liotta) and his date, Karen (Lorraine Bracco), arriving at the Copacabana nightclub. Instead of waiting in line at the front like everyone else, Henry leads Karen through a side entrance, navigating a maze of hallways, kitchens, and back rooms. As they walk, the camera follows them in one uninterrupted shot, capturing Henry’s interactions with various employees and mobsters who greet him with deference. Workers open doors, hand over money, and clear paths for him, showing how deeply embedded he is in this world of influence. The scene ends with Henry and Karen being seated at a prime table right in front of the stage, moments before a performance begins, with a waiter setting up a table just for them. As the music booms and drinks are sent their way, Karen is both impressed and curious at the same time.
Karen: "What do you do?"
Henry "I’m in construction."
[Karen grabs his hands]
Karen: "They don't feel like you're in construction."
Henry: "I'm a union delegate."
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