How long does it it take a film to have a classic scene?

[Jeff Beachnau]

When Casablanca was first shown in 1943 do you think people knew they were watching so many classic scenes? Or when The Wizard of Oz was first shown did you think they knew every moment would be remembered more than 70 years later?

The thread title doesn't sound like a list thread, but the question is, what movie of the past 10-15 years do you think has a truly classic film scene?

A couple that come to mind:

Almost Famous - "Tiny Dancer" on the bus
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - You shall not pass!
Million Dollar Baby - The stool in ring
Little Miss Sunshine - She gets accepted
There Will Be Blood - milkshake
Hurt Locker - The discovered mines
The King's Speech - The speech

[taloson]

Agreed with most of those. Some more:

Black Swan - The last performance *spoilers*


The Dark Knight - the interrogation


Inglourious Basterds - The theater scene


Kill Bill - The Bride vs. The Crazy 88


Mulholland Drive - "Llorando"


Precious - Mo'Nique's monologue in the last scene

[with_one_voice]

For Black Swan, I would say the lesbian sex scene.

Social Network - perhaps the opening scene?

[Hatshepsutely]

In the vein of Tarantino:

Pulp Fiction




Reservoir Dogs

[simplican]

Using Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz as examples, "classic" film scenes would be ones that practically everybody is aware of, even if they haven't seen the movie. That makes me think that Million Dollar Baby, Mulholland Drive, and Precious wouldn't really qualify. From the past 20 years or so, it would probably skew more towards the popular comedies.

[raguabros]

There are some which are instantly known, like Anne's "I Dreamed a Dream".

[taloson]

Using Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz as examples, "classic" film scenes would be ones that practically everybody is aware of, even if they haven't seen the movie. That makes me think that Million Dollar Baby, Mulholland Drive, and Precious wouldn't really qualify. From the past 20 years or so, it would probably skew more towards the popular comedies.

True. I was thinking more along the lines of classic scenes in film circles rather than the general public.

In terms of the general public, and staying within movies from the 2000s, "THIS. IS. SPARTA!" from 300 has definitely become a classic.

[Jeff Beachnau]

True. I was thinking more along the lines of classic scenes in film circles rather than the general public.

In terms of the general public, and staying within movies from the 2000s, "THIS. IS. SPARTA!" from 300 has definitely become a classic.

You know, I was tempted to put that on my list as well.

[Artimus]

If we go by public consciousness (why not?) the list becomes rather interesting. One of the most bizarre is probably "It's not your fault." I don't know anyone who doesn't know that line/scene. It's maybe the most commonly parodied psychiatry line among people my age (e.g. when mocking psychs or therapy). I'm sure many here will scoff at the line (and film) but I don't mind, except insofar as the entire scene/plotline is a blatant rip off of a much better scene in a much better film.

[RRA]

Not surprisingly, its usually scenes that people comment upon critically and among the masses. I mention "disapearing pencil magic trick," I think most folks would know which movie I'm talking about.

I think parody movies usually a good example of "classic" scenes recreated (beat by beat sometimes), when the audience is assumed to catch the references. (Which can backfire if they don't get the jokes. The hilarious TOP SECRET! mocked Elvis movies and 60s spy thrillers, both which weren't exactly on the tongue of 80s audiences.)

[Atonenent.]

If we go by public consciousness (why not?) the list becomes rather interesting. One of the most bizarre is probably "It's not your fault." I don't know anyone who doesn't know that line/scene. It's maybe the most commonly parodied psychiatry line among people my age (e.g. when mocking psychs or therapy). I'm sure many here will scoff at the line (and film) but I don't mind, except insofar as the entire scene/plotline is a blatant rip off of a much better scene in a much better film.

Where's that from?

[Jeff Beachnau]

I'm guessing he's talking about Good Will Hunting.

[siowafc]

I'm guessing he's talking about Good Will Hunting.

He's probably about the only one still talking about it.

Not so classic.

[Donezo]

My first thought when I saw this thread was "I'm the king of the world!" and "I'll never let go," both of which became ubiquitous pop culture moments as soon as Titanic was released.

[City Lights]

Where's that from?

I have no clue, either. ops:

YOU SHALL NOT PASS is definitely a classic.

Show me the money & you complete me are, too.

[makemeameteor]

He's probably about the only one still talking about it.

Not so classic.

Er, I actually think he's pretty much right. I know a ton of people who use that line in the exact way he mentions.

It's certainly more classic than any of the Black Swan mentions in here.

[Atonenent.]

A lot of my friends that don't really watch movies that much know "Never go full retard" as well.

[Addison de Witt]

I have no clue, either. ops:

YOU SHALL NOT PASS is definitely a classic.

Show me the money & you complete me are, too.

The other classic one from that movie is the infamous "You had me at hello"