The pandemic certainly curtailed my frequent movie going to a once in a blue moon experience. Ugh! I’ve watched a few new flicks on demand at home but it’s not the same. Anyway, I thought to offer up some of my very favorite scenes from various movies of the past. These are the kinds of situations and scenes that in my opinion MAKE a movie special.
Here’s Take 1 of scenes on film that I cannot get enough of.
“THE COLOR OF MONEY” (1986) A decades later sequel to “The Hustler” where Paul Newman’s character “Fast Eddie Felson” is a successful liquor salesman who plays mentor to young pool hotshot ‘Vincent’ played by Tom Cruise. In this scene Eddie discovers not only how good Vincent is at nine-ball but also how green and unprepared his girlfriend is in the game of hustling strangers. Newman is too cool for the room in this clip.
“WAKING NED DEVINE” (1998) One of my top ten favorite movies of all time and I knew it would remain that way ever since the first time I saw it. In this eulogy scene Jackie O’Shea pays sincere tribute to his dear friend Michael O’Sullivan who’s in the audience, despite Ned Devine being the actual dead man in the casket. This touching scene shares what deep rooted friendship is all about.
“GOOD WILL HUNTING” (1998) The late Robin Williams earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Sean, a teacher/counseling therapist assigned to guide ‘Will’ played by Matt Damon through court ordered anger management. In this scene former college roommates Sean and Will’s math instructor Jerry argue over the kid’s progress and where his life is headed.
“THERE WILL BE BLOOD” (2007) Another Oscar winning performance, this time it’s Daniel Day Lewis as the amoral and money hungry oilman Daniel Plainview. In this scene Plainview and his brother meet with fellow oil barons who want to buy him out. This clip takes a dark turn to match Plainview’s persona but what I like is how controlled and calm he is at the start of the negotiations. It quickly becomes obvious that Daniel Plainview has all the answers before questions and propositions are brought up by the others. He’s the smartest man in the room and also the most wicked.
BONUS SCENE- Another one from “There Will Be Blood”, from earlier in the film when Plainview shows little tolerance for arguing townspeople.
Next Blog– Some of my favorite opening song lyrics, Pt. 1.