Greatest Shot Sequences in Film History (in progress)
- 1. "Jupiter & Beyond the Infinite"-2001: A Space Odyssey-Kubrick (1968)
- 2. "The Mirror" [entire film]-The Mirror-Tarkovsky (1974)
- 3. "Opening Gunfight"-The Wild Bunch-Peckinpah (1969)
- 4. "Rosemary's 2nd Dream Sequence"-Rosemary's Baby-Polanski (1968)
- 5. "Odessa Steps Sequence"-Battleship Potemkin-Eisenstein (1922)
- 6. "Funeral: Watanabe's Legacy"-Ikiru-Kurosawa (1952)
- 7. "Finale: Hal Phillip Walker Replacement Party Concert"-Nashville-Altman (1975)
- 8. "Recording Captain Quinlan's Descent, 'He Was Some Kind of a Man'-Touch of Evil-Welles (1958)
- 9. "Concluding Gunfight"-The Wild Bunch-Peckinpah (1969)
- 10. "Suicide Mission"-Taxi Driver-Scorcese (1976)
- 11. "Shower Scene"-Psycho-Hitchcock (1960)
- 12. "Finale: Ascending the Mission Tower"-Vertigo-Hitchcock (1958)
- 13. "Chinatown"-Chinatown-Polanski (1974)
- 14. "Opening: Crossing the Border"-Touch of Evil-Welles (1958)
- 15. "Air Raid"-Underground-Kusturica (1995)
- 16. "Opening Narrated Presentation"-The Magnificent Ambersons-Welles (1942)
- 17. "A Night On The Town"-Ikiru-Kurosawa (1952)
- 18. "Norma Desmond's Photo Shoot 'Grand Entrance'-Sunset Boulevard-Wilder (1950)
- 19. "Down With the Dons, Baptize My Son"-The Godfather-Coppola (1972)
- 20. "Title Fight: Final Bout vs. Ray Robinson"-Raging Bull-Scorsese (1980)
- 21. "News on the March!"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 22. "Transformation Complete, Kissing into Vertigo"-Vertigo-Hitchcock (1958)
- 23. "Library Study: Searching for Rosebud Through the Ages"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 24. "Opening: 'No Trespassing' to 'Rosebud'"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 25. "Opening: 'The End', Captain Willard's Psychological Warfare"-Apocalypse Now-Coppola (1979)
- 26. "Rosemary's Baby"-Rosemary's Baby-Polanski (1968)
- 27. "Death Valley"-Greed-Von Stroheim (1925)
- 28. "Finale: Johnny Boy Gets His Comeuppance"-Mean Streets-Scorsese (1973)
- 29. "Scottie's Nightmare"-Vertigo-Hitchcock (1958)
- 30. "'Just What Do You Think You're Doing, Dave?' Shutting Down HAL"-2001: A Space Odyssey-Kubrick (1968)
- 31. "Ride of the Valkyries Battle Sequence"-Apocalypse Now-Coppola (1979)
- 32. "La Motta vs. Jimmy Reeves & Riot"-Raging Bull-Scorsese (1980)
- 33. "Captain Quinlan Strangles in Grande Style"-Touch of Evil-Welles (1958)
- 34. "Kane For Governor to 'A Toast to Love on My Terms'"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 35. "He Acted Kind of Funny Sometimes, Like the Time His Wife Left Him"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 36. "From Hominid to Waltzing Through Space, Dr. Floyd Arriving at Orbiting Space Station"-2001: A Space Odyssey-Kubrick (1968)
- 37. "Susan Alexander: Opera to Suicide"-Citizen Kane-Welles (1941)
- 38. "Long Take: Aunt Nanny's Breakdown, Scope of Losses Revealed"-The Magnificent Ambersons-Welles (1942)
DEFINITION OF "SHOT SEQUENCE": Any series of shots clearly directed towards a single presentation within the whole of a film.
Also, can be a single shot so long as it illustrates a sequence by moving.
Selections are chosen and ranked based on their emotional power as depicted on screen, meaning everything within that shot sequence is to be considered, from the camera movement, to the acting performance(s), to the ingenuity and techincal feat(s) that make it so astounding, etc. This is also a microcosm of how to understand my greatest film choices: you take in everything while watching the film--all of it together is the complete emotional experience of the film (I say this because I think many viewers tend to focus on just the characters--not noticing the emotion within the camera or the emotional power within the ingenuity of the narrative structure, and so forth--film is a much more powerful art if one experiences the entire medium on display).
Suggestions are welcome.
Very good.
But really, you forgot the final sequence of "Chinatown" and the last part of the shower sequence in "Psycho".
Crap! I can't believe I forgot the Psycho shower sequence!!
I was deliberating with myself about the Chinatown scene. I'm just not sure how to rank it yet. It's not as much of a shot sequence as the others.
I'll define my criteria more clearly as soon as I figure it out for myself, but even so, please keep the recommendations coming!
I have now defined what I mean by "shot sequence" above.
The Godfather when Michael Corleone is at the christening of his nephew and all the old dons are being 'taken out'. Classic.... (imho)...
xx
I absolutely agree. I'll have to think about where I want to place it first though. Thanks.
have you seen Brazil? There is a funny mock Potemkin scene, the "odessa steps sequence" at the end. You would definitely get a kick out of it if you think that it is one of the best of all time. one more thing, shouldn't this list be called: Greatest Moments In Cinematography? maybe i am confused of the definition.
Interestingly enough, I've seen almost all of Brazil (years ago) but somehow never finished it. I must've had to leave or something because it is a fascinating, inventive and stylish film that I should make a point to watch again...and finish of course.
These are composed shot sequences (multiple shots), not single shots or moments.
I've now changed my definition to include single shots, so long as the camera moves to illustrate a sequence. This means it can be one continuous shot such as the opening of Touch of Evil.
Rocket Morton takes off again into the wind!!!
meow
Is "News on the March!" really your favorite part of Citizen Kane? Really? I mean, it's supposed to be a bad, shallow representation of Kane's life, and for that I guess it's well-done, but there are so many artistically fascinating moments in that film that I really wonder why you pick the newsreel. I would pick the scene where Kane finishes writing the review, or the room-destroying scene, or the fantastic ending. Well, at least you also have the amazing opening on here too.
Well, as you say there are so many amazing sequences. It's possible a different one will top it, as this list is far from complete.
I think the "News on the March" sequence is astonishing for the very reason it is a bad, shallow representation of his life and that it deliberately depicts him in a very superficial manner, not to mention that, on the surface it presents the story of Citizen Kane in its entirety before we've hardly begun. We only find out in small portions of the film that he was actually human, and we aren't given enough to dispute "News on the March's" depiction until the revelation of 'Rosebud' at the very end. "News on the March" is a totally unprecedented sweep of his life ingeniusely placed at the beginning of the film, using an assortment of tricks to display documentary-like realism. Part of the genius of it is that it becomes more saddening every time one watches it, because once one knows the humane side of Kane it seems less and less a valid depiction of who he really was. "News on the March" represents how he is viewed and how he will forever be viewed by the rest of the world, but it infact is a cold lie that paints the man as how he presented himself to others--not how he felt inside, which is a representation he only reveals to himself. It is amazing how 'Rosebud' destroys the entire persona. It is amazing that the opening 'Rosebud' is the real Kane, on his deathbed and then we're led to the false Kane with "News on the March". An impressive, double-edged intro of the man.
You're right. I don't disagree with you. It's just that there's so much brilliant filmmaking in that movie, I wonder why you'd pick the only intentionally bad filmmaking as the superior sample - even if it's supposed to be bad and is very effective as such.
Well, I expect more sequences of Citizen Kane to be added to the list. I'll be watching it again soon, as I tend to come back around to it a few times per year, and probably even more now that I am particularly targeting film over all other arts.
I know the idea of adding Titanic on any greatest list is like pulling teeth, but I have to add the shots of Titanic sinking or even the direction during the "I'm flying" scene. If those shots don't completely capture those moments, I don't know any that would. Brilliant filmmaking.
While I don't recall these being particularly masterful compared to what's on this list(especially considering they were done in 1997 and weren't particularly new and exciting techniques), I would have to see the film again to be sure, which I am afraid is unlikely to happen soon. I've seen it 2 times I think (one of the rather unfortunate side effects from having a girlfriend in 1997), and by memory I would rate the film maybe a 6.0/10. The set design was spectacular and the sinking scenes inside the boat were indeed very well done--there is no doubt Cameron is a very good action director, but the performances were mostly awful, not much better than a daytime soap opera. DeCaprio, a much better actor today than he was then, is almost completely unconvincing, and Winslet (usually a very good actress) seems too much like she is acting. Anyway, I'm ranting a bit, I know all you were pointing out were shot sequences--but, that's my take on "best picture" Titanic--one of the most overrated films of all time.
Some recs:
The brainwashing in A Clockwork Orange
The axe chase in The Shining
Dawn of Man from 2001
End shot from Citizen Kane
the napalm bombings in Apocalypse Now
Hope you will consider some of them :)
Hey man, thanks. ( :
The brainwashing in A Clockwork Orange
Maybe. Personally, I find the film more style than substance (though the style is indeed fascinating) but this is certainly one of the more intense scenes.
The axe chase in The Shining
Been a long time since I watched it so I'm not sure...maybe.
Dawn of Man from 2001
This sequence below covers the part of this portion of the film I find to be the most significant:
33. "From Hominid to Waltzing Through Space, Dr. Floyd Arriving at Orbiting Space Station"-2001: A Space Odyssey-Kubrick (1968)
End shot from Citizen Kane
A very good choice. However, I think the opening is superior as it does some very inventive and powerful things with Welles in his deathbed, plus features virtually all of the emotional aspects already present in the end shot (everything except the smoke leaving the chimney, which is a strong personification of Welles' losses, as well as the characters' loss of ever understanding him). This one may show up on here as the list gets longer though. Thanks.
the napalm bombings in Apocalypse Now
28. "Ride of the Valkyries Battle Sequence"-Apocalypse Now-Coppola (1979)
Thanks for the recs. Anything new on the rock/jazz music side of things?
Sorry I don't know all the names of all the sequences which is why I missed the Apocalypse Now and 2001 ones.
I have Ys downloading as well as the Doors - Doors so I will get back to you on them asap on my thoughts, harp players are very rare so I was intrigued upon finding that Joanna Newsom plays it.
No biggie. They're not known titles--I made them up myself--so of course they should be read over and over before anyone is expected to 'get' them. ( :
The Doors debut is so friggin' astonishing I don't know what the hell to say about it anymore. I listened to it last night on a powerful system and it just annihilated me. As highly rated as it commonly is, it is still very underrated if that makes any sense. I think the problem is many listeners take it for granted because it's so catchy, and by doing this miss the astonishing degree of emotional outpouring in not only Morrison's ferocious vocals, but also the climactic, religious fervor and dramatic epiphany of the compositions.
Ys is amazing. Probably the best album of the decade. Newsom is an artist that gives me hope for music of the coming few years.
Yes, very good.
"Silent Exchange between Hannay and the crofter's wife"-The Thirty-Nine Steps-Hitchcock (1935)
and
"Stairway/Elevator Chase"-Bound-Wachowski siblings (1996)
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to check those out. It's been years since I've seen 39 Steps and I've never seen Bound.
Nice list. It's good to see the opening of Ambersons included on here, as well as Death Valley from Greed. Here are some recommendations:
"Finale: Balthazar's Death" - Au Hasard Balthazar (Robert Bresson, 1966)
"Finale: Caribou Sacrifice" - Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979)
"Finale: Eclipse" - L'Eclisse (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1962)
"Finale: Locke's Death' - The Passenger (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1975)
"Finale: Come in Number 51, You're Time is Up" - Zabriskie Point (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1970)
"Finale: Rosebud Up in Smoke" - Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941)
"A Story All Mixed Up: Escape From Marianne's Apartment" - Pierrot le fou (Jean-Luc Godard, 1965)
"Cosmos in a Coffee Cup" - Two or Three Things I Know About Her (Jean-Luc Godard, 1967)
"Traffic Jam" - Week End (Jean-Luc Godard, 1967)
"Interrogation of Sanchez" - Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958)
"The Battle of Shrewsbury" - Chimes At Midnight (Orson Welles, 1965)
"Finale: Fight on the Staircase" - Faces (John Cassavetes, 1968)
"Projectionist Enters the Movie" - Sherlock, Jr. (Buster Keaton, 1924)
"The Tornado/House Collapses on Buster Keaton" - Steamboat Bill, Jr. (Charles Reisner, 1928)
"Finale: The Tramp and His Girl Walk Down a Country Road' - Modern Times (Charles Chaplin, 1936)
Wow, I appreciate your recommendations here. I'll only discuss the ones I've already seen. All the rest, I plan to at some point in my lifetime...
"Finale: Caribou Sacrifice" - Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979) Certainly a possibility, but more likely as the list is extended
"Finale: Rosebud Up in Smoke" - Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941) this one is discussed with Blind above
"A Story All Mixed Up: Escape From Marianne's Apartment" - Pierrot le fou (Jean-Luc Godard, 1965) An intriguing choice. I'll have to see it again.
"Traffic Jam" - Week End (Jean-Luc Godard, 1967)
Thanks for reminding me. This should be added. I'll decide where soon.
"Interrogation of Sanchez" - Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958) Perhaps later on down the list
"Finale: The Tramp and His Girl Walk Down a Country Road' - Modern Times (Charles Chaplin, 1936) I've thought about this one before. It's a possibility, but it would be far down the list once extended. I think some other scenes in the film would better serve, such as the famous "gears" scene. There are many other silent film scenes that need to be added: plenty from Metropolis, Sunrise, Passion of Joan of Arc, Faust, and so forth.
Again, thanks for the recommendations. These are superb, intriguing choices!
How about the entrance of Omar Sharif in Lawrence of Arabia, or any of the wonderful epic camera shots over the desert?
It's a great shot no doubt. I'm not sure if it belongs here at this point. For some reason though I find Lawrence of Arabia to be one of the most overrated films in history (second perhaps to Maltese Falcon). I just don't get what all the fuss is about. I'm sure I'll see it again at some point, and maybe it will turn around for me.
Even though you already have 3 sequences from Kubrick's 2001, I would still highly recommend 'The Dawn of Man' be included, as I believe it lays out the philosophy of the entire film (as well as being on of the most imaginative sequences in all of cinema). What do you think?
It could be worthy of inclusion. I have included its most significant sequence already and I'm not sure the rest of it would be included as a
whole unless I extended the list a bit.
Don't forget the final shootout/flashback sequence in "Once Upon a Time in the West".
Seconded, along with the finale from The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
That's a great one too. I especially love the "Ecstasy of Gold" sequence.
For Once Upon a Time, I'd also have to vote for Jill McBain's arrival in Flagstaff. The music, the way time stands still, the craneshot over the station, the carriage ride through the town, the whole dreamlike quality of that sequence is unforgettable. Also killer, more like a minor masterpiece, is the entire scene at Lionel Stander's trading post.
One of the very last scenes in Pather Panchali where Apu reaches for the top shelf (intentionally being vague in case you haven't seen it). It is the most devastating moment in cinema I've ever witnessed. I feel as if the whole movie built up to that point, it destroyed me in ways that art seldom does.
The Dance of Death sequence in The Seventh Seal. Chills.
Of course every shot in it was incredible and I can't argue with you putting down the whole movie, but the single most incredible shot I've ever seen was in the Mirror: this one.
The opening of Last Year in Marienbad where the camera floats through the endless hallways, exploring the architecture... wow.
All of those are amazing. I've seen all of them but I'll have to rewatch Pather Panchali, Seventh Seal & Last Year At Marienbad before I could place those.
Yes, that is an astonishing shot in The Mirror. I chose the whole film, not only because it is so continuously amazing, but because the whole film is one continuous stream-of-consciousness sequence.
Can we expect any updates to this list these days?
Soon. At this point it is way outdated. Though most of the top choices would still stick, or perhaps move around a little bit, many of the lower ones would not hold up to a revision of this list.
The opening to Brian De Palma's Snake Eyes.
The crossing of the pool and the... part where Ode to Joy is played (don't want to spoil it for anyone) in Nostalghia.
The last shot in Tarkovsky's Sacrifice, it might be the greatest shot ever.
Russian Ark ('nuff said).
That tracking shot in Children of Men was quite something...
Harry Lime's first appearance in the Third Man. Although in reality it's not a particularly outstanding shot, I just dig Welles expression.
The crucifixion in Bresson's The Trial of Joan of Arc... dear lord. It packs such an emotional punch.
All of those are amazing, though I haven't seen Trial of Joan of Arc yet. I definitely need to update this list...