The death scene. The cinematic equivalent of an orgasm. The film slips along steadily, building up momentum and just a little fear, climaxing with a fatal release of tension, upon which the narrative and themes rest comfortably. It is the ecstatic cornerstone of movie substance.
In other words… they get the punters in.
We all know the titles: Scarface, Braveheart, Citizen Kane. Been there, done that. So here are a few other death scenes that really stick in the memory.
Videodrome (1983) – … or “Reality TV with a bit more edge”. David Cronenborg’s creepy body-shocker hits today’s audiences even harder with its troubling meditation on virtual entertainment. James Woods’ suicidal fate in the finale, as a victim of the modern age, is a tragic note in a film largely devoid of humanity. Pretentious, gaudy… strangely affecting.
Wit (2001) – This theatrical adaption, heavy on the dramatic monologue and bitter realism, sees hospital-bound uni professor Emma Thompson on her last legs with cancer. Erudite to the last, the final moments are made all the more poignant by the contrast of her status; stripped and undignified in front of the doctors, a life of learning about the world has not allowed her to beat it’s laws.
Licence to Kill (1989) - And damn is it a good kill. Head honcho Sanchez (ruthlessly portrayed by Robert Davi) squares up to Dalton’s bond after a wild tanker chase. Ready to skewer the hero on a machete, Bond grunts one of the coolest lines in action movie history: “Don’t you want to know why?” The vengeful cig-lighter payoff, featuring a nasty fire stunt and gargantuan explosion, is completely quip-less and fittingly callous.
Bullet in the Head (1990) - John Woo’s powerful brotherhood epic pulls no punches… the death of Jacky Cheung’s character, assisted by loyal friend Tony Leung, is a real gut-wrencher. The visceral puncturing of flesh is grisly and harrowing, but for all it’s melodrama it is genuinely emotional. The persistently melancholy score and committed performances make for a brutal head-trip… even the hardest guys in the audience will have a lump in their throat.
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983) – The occasionally inspired, often plain odd final entry in the Monty Python film canon ends on a high musical note. After a grumpy Grim Reaper piss-takes a gathering of newly-deceased Brit and Yank tourists, we are led through a black hole into the ultimate celestial holiday resort. It’s hard to describe this camp extravaganza, headlined by a shiny-toothed Graham Chapman… best just to watch it yourself with jaw well-slackened.
Part Two coming soon folks!
My favourite death scene is Beth in the 1995 film ‘Little Women’ – can’t keep a dry eye, even though I’ve watched it many many times.
Really nice post. Very Informative and helpful post.