Honourable mentions- Pitch Perfect finale, Accordion interlude in Holy Motors, Calvin J. Candie and the skull in Django Unchained.
10.
Johnny Depp's cameo in 21 Jump Street
For a film that was surprisingly hilarious, its funniest moment comes when original 21 Jump Street man and my movie god (who still very much has it going on if he'd stop coming in crap) reveals his secret identity. Laughter ensues.
9.
The flight scene in Argo
I admit that I did not know about this whole part of history until I watched the film so the finale was actually really nail-biting for me. However, from what I have read, it thrilled even those who knew about it. The plane lifting off is one of the happiest, most uplifting moments of last year's movies and in my eyes, warrants that Best Film Oscar.
8.
The voting scene in Lincoln
Speaking of uplifting scenes, this part of Lincoln really stood out for me. I am not the biggest fan of the movie and I was pretty bored throughout but here, when I did know the result and was still so moved by it, I loved the film (but that's it).
7.
The beach dance in Moonrise Kingdom
Heaven would be being in a place and a time and a scene like this.
6.
The cell breakdown in The Master
In a way, this could have been in my favourite fight scenes. I just love the contrast between these two men which is most prominent here. Freddy goes batshit crazy in the cell, and Dodd just stands there, cool and composed, looking on. Brilliant.
5.
Gena's and Clyde's kiss in Bachelorette
What makes this scene even more amazing is the fact that the song that leads to the kiss in the film, The Proclaimers' legendary "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)", was put in afterwards. I love Lizzy Caplan and Adam Scott and their chemistry here is to die for.
4.
"Who Were We" sequence in Holy Motors
Holy Motors is a film full of unforgettable, incredibly original scenes. This one, though not the most unique sequence in the film, is my favourite because it is so poignant and mysterious and beautifully shot. In a way, it is the antithesis of the beach scene in Moonrise Kingdom, but it is just as touching.
3.
Hester underground in The Deep Blue Sea
I realise also that my list is full of either really happy, life-affirming moments or incredibly sad ones. This one is both in a way. Hester, played immaculately by the lovely Rachel Weisz, comes to the train station to commit suicide after another fight with her lover when she is transported back to the time when she, along with her husband and many other people, were hiding out there during the London air raids. There was a song and a glimpse of hope in a lot of misery and Hester finally realises that life, however terrible it may become, is still worth living.
2.
"I Dreamed a Dream" in Les Misérables
This scene gave me shivers when I first saw it. I understand why Anne Hathaway is going to win an Oscar for a scene that barely lasts five minutes. The range in it is astounding- sadness, nostalgia, disappointment, bitterness, anger, and finally, the acceptance of such a faith. The way I see it, this song captures the last moments of hope in a person, how it does fight to stay alive but life has other plans. I cried.
1.
The final dance scene in Silver Linings Playbook
This scene was made to be loved by me. A kooky dance number in a ballroom competition- come on! It is fun and romantic and sexy and has one super uncomfortable moment but that just makes it better and they play "Fell In Love With A Girl" and there is tap dancing and the leads staring into each other's eyes a lot- TOTES AMAZEBALLS! Happiest, most awesome scene of the year.
Oh yes to the: dancing scene in SLP, Argo flight scene, the beach dance in Moonlight Kingdom, I dreamt a dream, Calvin and the skull! Great choices Nikhat!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad you liked them too :)
DeleteI've only seen three of those scenes, but if I were to make such a list they'd be there for sure:
ReplyDeleteDepp in 21 Jump Street - freaking hilarious, the biggest surprise of the year for me. I was NOT expecting to laugh so hard. And when Depp appeared... just epic.
Kiss in Bachelorette - completely agree, such great chemistry between two of my favorite comedy actors, really liked it. Though I'd probably pick Dunst's freakout in the bridal shop instead, I loved her in the film. oh or Isla Fisher in pretty much every scene. Great cast.
Dance in Silver Linings - I think that scene was perfect to sum up Pat and Tiffany's personalities/relationship. I loved the fact that they kind of screwed up the jump (for lack of a better word) sequence. Also would've picked one of De Niro's scenes -- I was practically in tears during the whole thing because of how great he was.
I'd had the phone call scene in The Impossible, one of the final scenes of Ruby Sparks where he's typing with her in front of him, and something from Skyfall.
Oh cool.
DeleteBachelorette was full of awesome moments but I've been a fan of the kiss ever since I first saw it.
De Niro was amazing. It's just that I am biased towards dance scenes :P
Oh Ruby Sparks was almost there. Skyfall is there in my fight scenes. Technically my favourite scene of the year is from Skyfall.
Love the Depp cameo inclusion. That was hilarious, the way he said he fucked this guy's sister - Oh God, I couldn't stop laughing.
ReplyDeleteI kept waiting for his cameo, half-expecting to not be that impressed and then it happened and it was hilarious!
Delete10. I didn’t like this film too much, but that scene was priceless.
ReplyDelete6. Whoa. Just… whoa.
1. That was such a ballsy scene to attempt, but it worked on so many levels. Performance, directing, cinematography, and, of course, song choice. A masterful sequence.
Great list!
10. I thought it was a nice enough film but yes, that scene was genius. Depp's still got it!
Delete6. Yep.
1. It was ballsy. Quirky dances are not easy.
Thanks!
That Depp Cameo was hilarious. I too, couldn't stop laughing.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scene of the year is the accordion interlude in Holy Motors.
Accordion was almost there, as was the lights bit in the beginning. I had to choose just one sequence from Holy Motors though.
DeleteYay! Thrilled to see Holy Motors (both scenes would make my top 5), "I Dreamed A Dream", The Deep Blue Sea, The Master, and Depp's cameo on here. Though, the whole list is full of great scenes. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are great scenes :)
DeleteThat scene from The Master was hilarious; the contrast between the two characters was so overwhelming to the point of laughter. Phoenix was phenomenal in this, as were the other actors.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see SLP as your #1. I've been pretty vocal about my adoration of that film, and that scene was probably the most uplifting of 2012.
It was brilliant. Phoenix was phenomenal indeed.
DeleteIndeed. It was lovely and happy.