Published on 12, July, 2020
What the title says.
Post some favourite scenes from your favourite films.
Something funny, something serious... something to make us laugh or cry.
I'll kick off with this. An Oscar-winner for Frances McDormand...
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - Father scene
The "Doors" scene from the 1960s film comedy "The Knack ... and How to Get It":
www.youtube.com/watch
The Siege of Jadotville (2016)
Set against the backdrop of the beginning of the Cold War, with the US and the USSR both seeking access to the cobalt being mined in the Congo - a vital ingredient for the nuclear weapons they were both constructing.
In 1961, the UN sent a small Irish peacekeeper troop to Katanga, in Congo, to protect the inhabitants of the mining town of Jadotville at the beginning of the civil war, triggered by the assassination of President Mubumba, who sought to nationalise the cobalt mines. They come under attack from French and Belgian mercenaries, sent in after the coup to protect the interests of the mine owners.
Similar to 'Zulu', it's a true story about a few men taking a stand against a vast army. And the Cold War political machinations behind it all.
Here's a favourite scene, where the commander of UN troop meets the leader of the French mercenaries in a bar. A 'friendly' drink before the fighting starts. And a sizing up for each man of the quality of his foe.
The Siege of Jadotville - Bar Scene
This film is a classic late night cult film, and in my opinion has the best sidekick ever. Subotai's line in this is great. Gerry Lopez is a legendary surfer, the guy who played Subotai. He just played Subotai as a favour for a friend. Worked out well in my opinion!
https://youtu.be/znWCBpWFYPU
This is a pretty old film, but I love the way it keeps you guessing. Was Rocky truly scared, or did he do it to make the kids see him as a punk, so that they wouldn't follow his path. It also presents the idea that some people's lives can go totally different because of one event. Cagney was great.
https://youtu.be/oTE6VT_2SKI
nobody puts baby in the corner...
Some great films mentioned here. I guess film must be one of my main obsessions. I watch at least one a night as I don't have a TV. YouTube, Netflix, etc. Actually, I think Netflix doesn't have an especially good selection. Lots of films, but a lot of duff ones.
Here's a scene from another favourite film, 'Margin Call', which I must watch about 6 times a year. Great script and performances.
Stanley Tucci is a fine actor, who also writes and directs. Any fans of numbers will like this...
Margin Call - 'Did you know I built a bridge once?'
Rutger Hauer's monologue at the end of Blade Runner
Another favourite film - The Big Short.
About the run-up to the bursting of the sub-prime housing bubble which triggered the 2008 financial crash.
Here, banker Ryan Gosling explains how it all came tumbling down - using a Jenga set!
The Big Short - Jenga scene
Shrek - Welcome to Duloc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X81AoBcVnaA
And my second all-time favourite film...
Withnail and I - Camberwell Carrot
And a scene from possibly my all-time favourite film...
The Big Lebowski - Ashes scene