quote:Originally posted by k_wor: The best opening scenes (sequances) are the one that make you want to watch the rest of the film. The best ones in recent for me have already been listed. Gladiators opening battle. The Omaha beach in Saving Private Ryan. Trainspotting opening monologue. But heres some more to get ya teeth into. The tracking shot at the begining of Snake Eyes. The urban myths sequance in Magnolia. The concentration camp in X-Men. The fatmans aprtment in Seven.
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Its may tree and I will get out of it when I wish....
I thought the opening to gangs of new york stank. As did much of the movie. The direction looked like a media student had done it. And who would have guessed who was going to kill who. At least the opening sequence is better than the ending sequence, which looked like they'd scanned in a few GCSE textbook pictures to explain the next hour's worth of storyline that they'd run out of budget for.
I know it's cheesy, but for me it had to be the opening sequence to Top Gun. The planes in the early morning light, with HArold Faltermeyers "Top Gun Anthem" playing.... then a dog fight at Mach 1! What more could you ask???
Ah, yes the opening sequence of Gladiator. Has slow motion ever been used in a more manipulative, effective way?! Absoloute genius. One of the all time great films with a stunning opening to go with it. The music is so good too. Hell, even the background information at the beggining is brilliant.
Agree with bambi earlier about the Magnolia opening sequence. But can't believe no-one's mentioned Star Wars - the huge space ship that takes ages to come into view. Seems quaint now but was jawdropping at the time.
For me, it has to be the genius opening of Once Upon a time in the West. Everything about that train station scene was perfect. Star of the show - Jack Elam's amazing short role as the mercenary. breathtaking.
Have to agree with alot of you about the start of trainspotting, it's the best film, the opem*** is the best part and iggy pop "lust for life" is just too damn catchy for it's own good. Also the start of Velvet Goldmine when the glitter kids (including Placebo!) are running to the concert.
<\/\/\/***\/\/\/***\/\/\/***\> "Choose Life" "Find Me In The Matineé" "All That Jazz" "Spam spam spam spam!"
quote:Originally posted by alan236: Agree with bambi earlier about the Magnolia opening sequence. But can't believe no-one's mentioned Star Wars - the huge space ship that takes ages to come into view. Seems quaint now but was jawdropping at the time.
Star Wars was mentioned on one of the earlier pages, and It's a good opening scene but heres three of my fave's
The Rock Now most jerry brookheimer films open the same, watch a few an you will see, but the very start where Ed Harris is smoking that cigar in a smoke filled room and getting his full military dress on and having flashbacks about fallen comrades, its so atmospheric and one of the best opening scenes ever.
The Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers I really like the scene where it starts with a view of the mountains and then goes inside to see Gandalf fighting the Balrog and then falling and continuing to fight it.
The Matrix reloaded The scene where Neo kicks the crap out of those agents and then takes offf and two smiths appear
quote:Originally posted by Discodave200983: The Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers I really like the scene where it starts with a view of the mountains and then goes inside to see Gandalf fighting the Balrog and then falling and continuing to fight it.
I totally agree, i love that shot where it follows the spine of the mountain.
Also i know a few people have alredy said it but Saving Private Ryan has a fantastic opening sequence.
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. " Albert Einstein
Gladiator and saving private Ryan are both good calls. But one that always sticks with me as a fantastic opening sequence that hooked me for the rest of the film is swordfish!! Quality movie and John Travolta is a legend!
I also like Gladiator's opening scene, but then it's one of my most favorite films.
I too like The Two Towers opening, but I also liked The Fellowship of the Ring opening as well, don't know why really, just did. The opening to The Return of the King explained a lot, but thought it should have been in The Two Towers or The Fellowship.
quote:Originally posted by micky: Why didn't you watch anymore?
It's a fantastic film well worth watching.
I'm sure I will one day. Think I just got busy or distracted. That pregnant woman and her waddle might've had something to do with me giving up on it. I'll look again.
Absoloute genius. One of the all time great films with a stunning opening to go with it. The music is so good too. Hell, even the background information at the beggining is brilliant.
Sounds good in surround sound though, the first 20 anyway.
I'll look again.
