Top 10 Movie Death Scenes

Top 10 Movie Death Scenes

Death is a consistent theme within cinema, a human inevitability that is completely unavoidable yet mysterious and unknown. These properties have caused much in the way of intrigue and even obsession throughout our species long history- maybe explaining why we’re so drawn to cinematic interpretations of death.

10. Melted Face – Raiders of the Lost Ark

I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Indiana Jones series, but this death scene is brilliantly gruesome, totally deserved and completely ahead of its time. I won’t delve into plot intricacies or anything, however I can assure you if anyone in this movie deserves such a fate it is indeed Maj. Arnold Toht. After all he is in the Gestapo.

9. Sonny’s Car – The Godfather

Certainly the most bullish of the Corleone sons, Sonny seems next in line for his father Vito’s role at the head of the crime family. Whilst elder brother Fredo lacks the cunning needed to take over and younger brother Michael the will, Sonny can’t wait. Sensing this, rival families plot to have him killed- and succeed, resulting in one of the most iconic death scenes of all time. As Sonny approaches a toll-booth in his car, he is ambushed by several mobsters wielding tommy guns (of course), eventually succumbing after taking about 457 bullets to the abdomen.

8. Eaten on the Toilet – Jurrasic Park

Although the story would indeed lend itself to intense gore, director Steven Spielberg instead opted to go for the family friendly approach with this early 90’s triumph. Despite this, there is however one particularly frightful death scene which comes to mind, perhaps the most memorable scene in the entire feature (for me anyway). I am of course referring to the scene in which that guy tried to take refuge in a toilet, only to be discovered and subsequently swallowed whole by a rather massive T-Rex.

7. Borimir Meets His Maker – The Fellowship of the Ring

If there’s one thing that Sean Bean is good at, it’s wearing armour and swinging a sword around his head. The one downside (is it a downside?) to this being that whenever he does it, he usually ends up dying in some grim manner. In this case he is protecting pesky Hobbits Merry and Pippin from an Orc war party when he takes several arrows to the chest at close proximity. Although able to fight on (it is Sean Bean) after the first couple of hits taken, he eventually runs out of steam and dies (it is Sean Bean).

6. Freeeeeeeeeedom! – Braveheart

Although it is almost definitely a miss-quote, William Wallace’s execution is about the only mildly historically accurate scene in this movie, as it is known that the great Scottish patriot was indeed hung, drawn and quartered in London for his involvement in rebel activity against the English King, Edward I. A heart breaking piece of cinema, Wallace (Mel Gibson) has his life taken very slowly- facing an end so bleak that even the damning mob who look on feel sorry for him by the time he’s put out of his misery.

5. Marvin Gets Shot in the Face – Pulp Fiction

Combining that always present comical genius that exists between Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L Jackson) with a definite sense of bloody death, this scene is a complete howler. The casual manner in which Vincent reacts after blowing young Marvin’s head clean off at point blank range, coupled with Jules’ flamboyant reaction- is cinematic gold. Whilst there are many other righteous death scenes in this movie, this one stands out as a highlight simply due to the ensuing argument it causes.

4. Death by Jack’s Axe – The Shining

The axe in this movie is just about as synonymous with the plot as any of the actors. Jack, despite swinging it around quite a lot as the plot climaxes, only gets one clean kill in with it- but what a kill it is. After sensing something terrible may be going down up at the Overlook hotel, an unsuspecting Dick Hallorann (Scatman Crothers) gets the axe buried into his chest for his trouble. The scene confirms Jack’s mind has indeed completely snapped, as well as displaying impressive realism for its time, all hail Kubrick.

3. I’m Finished – There Will Be Blood

Telling the tale of ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview and his rise to wealth in a turn of the century US, There Will Be Blood is a movie of several dark themes. The scene in question comes towards the end of the movie, so it may be wise for me to leave out any real plot description, for the sake of those who are yet to see it, you understand. All that needs to be said is Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) brutally murders a long-term nemesis in the sinister surroundings of his home bowling alley.

2. Elias is Left Behind – Platoon

In a movie full of automatic rifle related deaths, this is the one that stands out. You’ve all seen it, Wilem Defoe hopelessly running after a chopper full of his comrades as they hover off back to safety leaving him at the mercy of around 3million North Vietnamese soldiers. It’s made all the more painful by the fact that you are previously led to believe he is already dead, after being shot by that villain Sergeant Barnes. What this scene does is give you a slither of hope that Elias will survive, after all he’s a great character- the use of the mournful ‘Adagio for Strings’ playing tribute to this.

1. Tony’s Last Stand – Scarface

Tony Montana was a bad guy, but at least he could admit it. Having had a terrible night, he retired to the office of his mansion to take several kilos of cocaine, perhaps not expecting what occurred next. A, frankly quite large, group of Bolivian drug cartel guns raid his premises- shooting his sister before his eyes and wiping out with great precision those few men still left loyal to him. This annoys Tony, so with aforementioned cocaine coursing heavily through his veins- he reaches for his m-16 w/grenade launcher. The ensuing gun fight is truly something to behold, with Tony and his ‘little friend’ taking out a considerable amount of foes before falling face first from a ledge into a water feature as a result of a shotgun to the spine.

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Top 10 Music Festivals in the World

Top 10 Music Festivals in the World

The music festival is unarguably a modern musical institution. Finding its feet in the same tie-dyed 60’s setting as most modern guitar music, festivals have grown in popularity over the last few decades- becoming an annual coming together of like-minded music fans in most parts of the world. Although beginning as much more nomadic and roots-based affairs, many are now much more precise and showboating corporately backed affairs. Here’s a pick of 10 of the best around today.

10. Roskilde Festival – Denmark

Beginning, like many other festivals, as an outing for local hippies in 1971- this festival which takes place annually at a location on the south side of the Danish city of Roskilde, is one of the largest in Europe. Now a far more mainstream affair, Roskilde boasts an eclectic line-up annually stretching across some nine stages. Accommodating a diverse range of musical tastes, the festival remains as popular now as ever- with tickets in extremely high demand year after year.

9. Festival Internacional de Benicassim – Spain

This festival, commonly abbreviated to ‘FIB’, was first held in 1995 with a line-up including Supergrass, The Charlatans and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Held in the coastal sun-blessed town of Benicassim (around a 2 hour drive from Barcelona), festival goers have the choice of several beaches upon which to relax over the course of the weeklong event. Music does not start until around 5pm due to the intense Spanish summer sun, often running through until early the next morning. The festival is not only notorious for its line-ups, but the young party-going crowd it attracts each year.

8. Reading and Leeds – England

Originally just the Reading festival, this institution of British summertime began in 1971- again as a result of the whole 60’s movement thing. Quite oddly, the original order of the day was Jazz, however this had soon (thankfully) graduated into prog rock and heavy metal by the middle of the decade. The festival now boasts a northern site near the city of Leeds (although I’ve heard it’s actually closer to York…) with the two having the exact same line-up which interchanges each of the festivals 3 days.

7. Lollapalooza – USA

Created initially by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, this festival enjoyed an initial run for seven years between 91’ and 97’ before being side-lined until its eventual revival in 2003. What makes this festival standout internationally; is the fact that it was one of the first to hit the road all over North America. Instead of remaining in one place, the whole shabang moves all over the country maximising exposure, not to mention sheer awe.

6. Fuji Rock – Japan

Often described as the most picturesque music festival in the world, Fuji rock has been bringing western rock music (as well as showcasing home-grown talent) to Japan since 1997. Originally the festival was held at the base of the famous Mt. Fuji (hence the name), however the event has since been relocated to a ski resort some 187 miles north of Fuji. Retaining its original name however, the festival features around seven main music stages and in recent year’s attendees have been treated to the likes of Radiohead, The Stone Roses and Jack White.

5. T in the Park – Scotland

T in the Park is one of the UK’s largest music festivals- showcasing talent from many genre’s over its 7 stages. Originally taking place in Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire from its conception in 1994 until 1997, but later moving to a larger site at Balado Airfield, Kinross – the festival is one of the most anticipated on the British and indeed European festival calendar. Although Scotland is a country not exactly celebrated for it’s great weather- T in the Park retains a reputation as having one of the best party-orientated atmosphere’s available annually, usually selling out each year.

4. Isle of Wight Festival – England

Taking place on the Isle of Wight off England’s southern coast, this festival initially ran between 1968 and 1970. It was reprised in 2002 and has been expanding gradually every year since. In its early years the festival featured the likes of The Who, Jimi Hendrix (1970: one of his last performances) and Pink Floyd- with the current incarnation opting to maintain these musical themes for the most part. Although perhaps not the most popular festival in the country (or even the Isle of Wight, see ‘Bestival’)- this gathering does carry a weighted history- having acted as influence upon many future figures of musical importance.

3. Wacken Open Air – Germany

Each year some 80,000 metal music fans descend on the quiet German town of Wacken to celebrate their genre. Most of the huge amount of subgenres existing within modern metal are represented here- attributing to one of the most diverse crowds of any other festival worldwide. First held with humble intentions in 1990, the festival quickly mutated into a phenomenon- drawing in some of the biggest cult acts in the world. Staying true to its original intentions, the festival continues to do well showcasing all kinds of crazy and obscure acts- surely acting as proof that metal is one of the most stable genres there is.

2. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – California

A festival I’ve always dreamed of attending, Coachella takes place in the Californian desert during the month of April. Running (pretty much) annually since 1999, the festival has been celebrating all kinds of popular music with style in temperatures exceeding 110*F ever since. With headliners as diverse as Bjork, The Beastie Boys and Kraftwerk featuring over the years, the festival does not dwell on just music- instead choosing to include the arts as a whole. Featuring a number of artwork installations yearly, the festival encourages links to be drawn between the musical and visual arts.

1. Glastonbury

Easily the most famous music festival ever, Glastonbury began its long journey to becoming what it is now in the early 1970’s. Based heavily around the hippy ethic of free art and expression, the festival has grown from humble beginnings into a mecca of contemporary music. Whereas the first was attended (for free) by around 1,500 people and headlined by The Kinks (1970), the most recent event in 2011 saw some 150,000 attendees descend on the Pilton Farm, Somerset site to see headliners Coldplay, U2 and Beyonce’. Either way you look at that alteration in character, it is astonishing.

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Top 10 Movie Portrayals

Top 10 Movie Portrayals

Over the years, many great actors have portrayed many great people. There’s also been a good few movies produced which focus on those most evil and notorious. It’s incredibly tedious a task to shortlist just 10 such performances as being the best, but something that must be done.

10. Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Lester Bangs in ‘Almost Famous’

An under-rated actor taking up the role of an under-rated literary and pop culture figure. Although not the lengthiest or most central role in the movie, Hoffman portrays rock writer Lester Bangs with an even mix of humour, insight, tragedy and radicalism. Acting as a mentor for the young protagonist, Hoffman’s role brings to life an important figure in music criticism in a very imaginative and effective manner.

9. Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network’

In this movie marking the rise to prominence of the ominous and all-consuming Facebook, the role of creator Mark Zuckerberg is played authentically by a young man at the top of his game. Although the real Zuckerberg denies the likenesses (in most cases very forcefully) put forward by the film, it is non-the-less a very entertaining watch- documenting the rise of a modern wonder from day one until now.

8. Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’

Whitaker tackles this role as 1970’s Ugandan dictator/psychopath Idi Amin as though he was born to. Doing extremely well to animate a repressor who gained notoriety worldwide for his apparent charm and fondness of genocide in equal measure, Whitaker really made his mark with this joint lead shared by an up and coming James McAvoy- even snatching an Oscar for Best Actor in the process.

7. Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in ‘Goodfellas’

Who doesn’t love a good gangster flick? Who doesn’t love said gangster flick even more if it’s based on true events? Exactly. Ray Liotta made his breakthrough with this portrayal of mob foot-soldier Henry Hill, who was active in New York’s famous criminal underworld during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Far from being the only outstanding performance to be seen in this movie (Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci co-star, of course) Liotta pulls off Hill as a purely charismatic and self-justified hoodlum, getting into all sorts of trouble with his equally intriguing friends and foes alike. Excellent role, excellent film

6. Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abegnale Jr, in ‘Catch Me If You Can’

Steven Spielberg directs this biographical crime film which tells the story of the famous Frank Abegnale Jnr. A teenage con-artist who successfully passed himself off as a Pan-Am pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, turning over millions of dollars in fraudulent cheques in the process- all the while on the run from the law. DiCaprio captures the precarious nature of Frank with stunning vividness, giving a performance which contrasts the extreme confidence and insecurity of the character effectively. Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken co-star as the cop chasing his paper trail and the estranged, perhaps responsible father.

5. Adrian Brody as Wladyslaw Szpilman in ‘The Pianist’

In this story of pure human adversity, Adrian Brody makes a career defining performance as a Jewish musician hiding from the Nazi’s in an occupied Warsaw. Documenting the Fuhrers first steps towards his ‘final solution’, the film shows with striking realism how restraints were placed on the Jews in occupied countries during these first stages of the war. Leading first to their imprisonment in impoverished ghetto’s and culminating finally with transportation to concentration camps, Brody enacts the true story of the defiant Szpilman, hiding out in the ruins of a once vibrant city- forced to live like a nomad.

4. Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’

Few men could pull off the role of infamous bandit and gang leader Jesse James. Brad Pitt is one of the exceptions however- as he proved with a stunning performance in this psychological, biographical mega-drama. Starring alongside an also excellent Casey Affleck, Brad portrays James as a man true to his legend. Both outlaw and family man, there is an abundance of interesting dialogue to be discovered here. Capturing Jesse James in the final chapters of his life, he reflects exhaustively on a criminal existence- all the while contemplating his reputation.

3. Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in ‘Downfall’

Focusing equally on the story of Traudl Junge, one of Hitlers secretaries- Downfall is the tale of the final days of the Third Reich. Set primarily inside the Fuhrers besieged Berlin bunker, a series of flashbacks coupled with the skills of Ganz help to construct an intense image of Hitler and indeed his intentions. The fact that the movie is entirely in German of course adds authenticity, making it a very dark yet fascinating and necessary watch from start to finish. Bruno Ganz does not only look strikingly similar, but does well to capture the inherent passion and eventual madness and denial of this infamous historical figure.

2. Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in ‘Walk the Line’

A godfather of modern music, Johnny Cash is captured brilliantly by a precise Phoenix in this truly inspirational biopic. Capturing Mr Cash from his troubled beginnings, through his troubled rise to fame and during his troubled glory years, this drama sheds light on the many demons haunting a seminal figure in music. Joaquin Phoenix does well to portray the troubles faced by JC without distracting from the genius of his work at all, and his chemistry with co-star Reese Witherspoon (as June Carter) is simply phenomenal. A hard hitting yet at times comical and joyous watch, more movies should be made like this.

1. Johnny Depp as Hunter S. Thompson in ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’

And here it is, my top movie portrayal of all time. The fabulous Mr Depp taking on the role of influential journalist/madman Hunter Thompson. The movie is based on Thompsons book of the same title and tells the tale of a journey, shared with his attorney (vigorously portrayed by a hilariously intense Benicio Del Toro), ‘to the heart of the American dream’. The story is one of total deabauchery and chemical fuelled madness, which makes this a hilarious yet substantial and worthwhile watch. Terry Gilliam directs in a fashion which keeps true to the beatnik, sparse nature of Thompsons writing- and the man himself even makes a small appearance. Excellent soundtrack also.

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