Funny how the mind works. These are the scenes that stick with you forever, and when someone mentions the movie it's the first scene that pops into your head. There are probably hundreds of more memorable movie scenes than these, but the list below is what popped into my head during a 20-minute drive:
10. Bad guy Laurence Olivier asking the the immobile Dustin Hoffman, "Is it safe?" under the menacing threat of dentist's tools in "Marathon Man."
9. The zombies fighting over intestines of the few people who leave the safer confines of the house to gas up the truck in the original "Night of the Living Dead" (1968). This may have been the first time I was exposed to gore.
8. Gene Hackman leading the few survivors underwater as the only route to higher ground in "The Poseidon Adventure." It's scary, daring and necessary.
7. Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia playing "Chopsticks" on the floor keyboard in FAO Schwartz from "Big." The scene pulls you in and it's impossible not to smile.
6. The dinner scene in David Lynch's "Eraserhead." The camera slowly pans across each person sitting at the table as an uncomfortable silence stretches out way too long. Allen Joseph asks Jack Nance what he does for a living and he answers, "I'm on vacation." Lynch at his finest.
5. Members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox entering the outfield through the cornfield for the first time in "Field of Dreams." Even if you're not a baseball fan, it's a goosebump-inspiring scene.
4. Tom Cruise's freefall in the conclusion of "Vanilla Sky," his life passing before his eyes through a sonic-speed montage of classic album covers, landmark news stories and personal snapshots. Brilliant editing.
3. Mark Wahlberg's growing nervousness while sitting in the living room waiting for a dope deal to go down in "Boogie Nights." The Chinese kid shooting off firecrackers while the dealer sings to Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" is masterful staging and directing.
2. John Cusack holding the boom box above his head, playing Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" to Ione Skye, who's in her bedroom in "Say Anything." If this isn't true love...
1. Margaret Hamilton pedaling on the bicycle outside Judy Garland's bedroom window as the house is caught in the center of the tornado in "The Wizard of Oz." This image caused many sleepless nights for me as a kid.
I agree with the Boogie Nights scene and Mark Wahlberg. That was creepy. Say Anything is another classic. John Cusack is the best.
Posted by: Casey | May 16, 2004 at 04:59 PM
I will never, I repeat never get over the "Marathon Man" scene. One of the most psychologically horrifying scenes in movie history, IMO.
"Say Anything" is pitch perfect. Cusack at his best.
Posted by: Cyn | May 17, 2004 at 02:43 PM
I like your 10 most memorable movie moments, especially "Is it safe."
My favorite: 1939 Gone with the Wind, when Scarlet O'Hara raises her dirt-filled fist in the evening dusk and says, "I have to steal or kill-- as God is my witness, I'm never going to be hungry again."
Posted by: Liz | May 17, 2004 at 05:11 PM
"Marathon Man" seems to always get a reaction when the movie is mentioned. That's quite a different Laurence Olivier from the one who played Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights."
Thanks for the comments.
Dan
Posted by: Dan | May 17, 2004 at 05:39 PM
What a faggot! Top 5 are the worst movies ever.
Posted by: Andrew | August 03, 2004 at 10:30 AM
What about the pawn shop scene in Pulp Fiction? I can't believe that's not on here.
Posted by: Neil | September 01, 2005 at 03:39 AM
Neil - the Pulp Fiction pawn shop scene is a good one.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dan
Posted by: Dan | September 01, 2005 at 04:02 PM
what about the scene in "The Untouchables" Grand Central Station with the Kid in the Pram and all the slo mo's etc.. this must deserve a mention!?
Posted by: nick | August 16, 2006 at 05:30 AM
I cannot believe you dont have the last scene in the godfather. he just told her he didnt kill his brother in law.. and that everything is normal . she goes to mix a drink for him and others walk in the room . one kissing his hand saying godfather . his bodyguard walks over . no emotion on his face and shuts the door . the camera comes to her face . as the door closes and you see she realizes.. just what she married into .. its intense and mesmorizing . Coppala is a master filmmaker. or the scenes with Brando from Apocolyps now . the horror.!! .. you need to watch more movies
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Posted by: Term paper | February 19, 2010 at 12:45 AM
I like number 4 scene. I remember this. its really an adrenaline rush!
Posted by: Nollywood | April 03, 2010 at 04:04 AM
Chopsticks from Big in my opinion is one of the most memorable scene it should be on everybody's list.
Posted by: Ray | August 07, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Just to say Bravo! I'm going to get around to it soon. Thanks for sharing it so briefly.
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