Brian's Favourite Scenes

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I have many favourite movies, and sometimes it's just one scene from each film that cements it's place in my mind forever. Here's my personal favourite scenes EVER!!!

 Batman interrogates The Joker from ‘The Dark Knight’

‘Batman Begins’ reinvented Batman for the older more intelligent audience, putting to rest the debacle that was ‘Batman & Robin’. When ‘The Dark Knight’ came along, expectations for the sequel were high, and as we all know it didn't disappoint. The big draw of this installment was the casting of a then 27 year old Heath Ledger in the role of The Joker. The trailers hinted at a characterization miles away from Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance in 1989’s ‘Batman’, and teased that Ledgers portrayal would possibly be even better than his predecessor. Then just six months before the film was due for release, Ledger tragically died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs... 

The Dark Knight would be his last major role and surely, the performance of his career. Sadly, the talented Ledger wasn't around to see his performance on screen, but almost the entire world showed up to watch it. His performance as The Joker in the Dark Knight was mesmerizing; he was intense, psychotic and had no empathy whatsoever. In this scene, my favourite from The Dark Knight, Batman interrogates The Joker after he’s been captured and arrested. As the scene unfolds, The Joker reveals his plan and the fact that Harvey Dent and Rachel have been abducted, leaving Batman with the choice of who he will save. This scene was a classic example of the genius villainy and psychological power The Joker has over Batman. Proving that even though he’s locked in a cell at police headquarters, armed only with his words and fading make-up, The Joker still has Batman in the palm of his hands. Watch this brilliant scene here, which apparently involved Ledger improvising most of his lines and acting mannerisms; a true testament to the incredible talent of this young Australian performer, who was taken away from us far too soon…  

 The Autobots Arrive on Earth from 'Transformers'

My favourite scene from the first film is referred to as "Arrival to Earth”. By this point, Sam (Shia LaBeouf) has met Bumblebee – the yellow Camaro he bought which turns into a robot – and he is joined by the rest of his Autobot counterparts. Majestically, they fall from the stars, like asteroids hurtling towards earth gradually, breaking apart piece by piece. In various random spots around LA, the Transformers crash land. Immediately, they rise from their craters, and look for a way to mobilise. Whichever vehicle is closest they assimilate themselves into, and roll out. Sam, Michaela and Bumblebee are joined in a darkened alleyway by Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet and Optimus Prime. Driving into the scene they then convert back into their robot selves. 

The fluidness and ease of which this scene comes together is brilliant. It’s powerful, well staged and exciting without being too over the top or “showy”. The score compliments it well; it’s rousing and motivational, backing up a scene in the film that portrays these alien robots as Visitors from the Heavens. The special effects are top notch and overall, this scene just takes me back to my childhood – wishing I was the kid who had been chosen by the Transformers to join them on their adventures. 

 The Lobby Shoot-out from 'The Matrix'

Wow! What else can I say? By this point in the film, the rules of The Matrix had been well established but Neo (Keanu Reeves) hadn't quite mastered them. He'd strutted his stuff in the dojo against Morpheus, but only tapped the surface of his powers. Here, he stepped outside of himself and his own fear to rescue the man who had initially rescued him. With Morpheus being held captive in the highest level of the building, Neo and Trinity simply walk into the foyer of the skyscraper housing The Agents. With a black bag full of guns and no hesitation, they shoot their way through a few security guards before going head-to-head against an entire swat team. Filmed in brilliant bullet time speed, Neo and Trinity run, jump, dive and literally fly through the air, dodging bullets and shrapnel with immense skill. I remember this scene the most after watching The Matrix for the first time. I recall the entire cinema was dead silent, frozen in awe and wonder by what was leaping off the screen. This scene owns action, and it's plain to see why. But I've gone on long enough. Relive it for yourself below...