JAWS and other movies with hard-to-watch death scenes
“A good death is it’s own reward.”
Faora, Man Of Steel (2013)
Not every death scene has to be violent or gorey to be hard to watch. The magic of a memorable death scene is usually pre-cursored wiith the emotional journey we have been on with the doomed character in question. Spielberg’s pre-loading Quint’s death scene in JAWS with the classic Indianapolis speech just a few scenes prior makes Quint’s end so much harder to watch. He’s not just fish food, he’s a real person carrying a very personal trauma meeting his end through his own nightmare becoming an irreversable reality. Here is more about Quint and other hard-to-watch cinematic death scenes.
QUINT, JAWS (1975)
It's a challenge to single out just one scene from a film as filled with iconic moments as "Jaws," but the unforgettable demise of Quint, consumed by the massive white shark, etches itself into viewers' memories for a long time.
A now-deleted Reddit user aptly describes Quint's death in "Jaws" as both iconic and profoundly disturbing. As one of the central characters in the film, Quint's fate carries significant weight. "Jaws" seamlessly blends various genres, and while this death scene epitomizes horror, adventure, and thriller elements throughout, its importance to the overarching narrative is undeniable, given the victim's pivotal role in the story.
KANE, ALIEN (1979)
In Ridley Scott's "Alien," Kane's demise is not notable for the emotional connection to the character, as it occurs relatively early in the film. Instead, it captivates audiences with its sheer unexpectedness and the remarkable visual effects that accompany it. After being infected by a facehugger, Kane appears to recover, only to suffer a grotesque death when a creature bursts from his chest during a seemingly mundane meal scene. This shocking and visceral moment has solidified its place as one of cinema's most unforgettable death scenes.
MUFASA, THE LION KING (1994)
The climax of The Lion King's first act is marked by the heart-wrenching demise of Simba's father, Mufasa. After rescuing his son from a wildebeest stampede, Mufasa appears to be in imminent danger until his treacherous brother, Scar, intervenes. As Mufasa reaches out to Scar for help, his brother's betrayal becomes shockingly clear as he callously sends Mufasa plummeting down a cliff.
While the actual moment of Mufasa's death is not depicted on screen, the audience witnesses its immediate build-up and aftermath, intensifying the emotional impact. This tragic event is further compounded when Simba discovers his father's lifeless body, adding a layer of sorrow to an already devastating scene. Widely regarded as one of the most poignant moments in Disney cinematic history, Mufasa's death contributes significantly to The Lion King's enduring popularity and emotional resonance.
MARION CRANE, PSYCHO (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock, the mastermind behind numerous acclaimed films, is particularly renowned for his work on "Psycho," a movie that boasts one of the most iconic death scenes in cinematic history. The narrative begins with Marion Crane, seemingly the protagonist, embarking on a journey following an impulsive act of theft that leads her to seek refuge at the Bates Motel. However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when Marion's showering session is interrupted.
In a shocking twist, Norman Bates viciously attacks Marion in the shower, brutally stabbing her to death. While the scene may seem relatively tame by contemporary standards, its visceral impact was groundbreaking for its time in the 1960s. The staging of the scene, particularly the sudden onset of string music as Norman unleashes his assault, has since been imitated and parodied extensively, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone in the realm of pop culture.
ROY BATTY, BLADE RUNNER (1982)
In "Blade Runner," Roy Batty assumes the dual role of both antagonist and deuteragonist. The narrative partially revolves around his quest to prolong his own life and that of his fellow Replicants, while simultaneously depicting Rick Deckard's pursuit of Batty and his cohorts. As the story unfolds, tension mounts until the climactic confrontation between the two.
During their final showdown, Batty decisively outmatches Deckard. However, as Batty nears the end of his natural lifespan, he makes a pivotal choice—to save Deckard rather than pursue vengeance. In a poignant moment, he delivers the renowned "Tears in Rain" soliloquy, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences he has encountered and lamenting the futility of his manufactured existence. This monologue has since become legendary in cinematic history, elevating Batty into an iconic and multifaceted antagonist.
ALEX MURPHY, ROBOCOP (1987)
While "RoboCop" delves into a slew of deaths throughout its narrative, there's one that stands out as the catalyst for the entire story. This science-fiction action flick, first hitting screens in 1987, introduces us to Alex Murphy (portrayed by Peter Weller), who undergoes a harrowing transformation into the robotic RoboCop courtesy of Omni Consumer Products (OCP). However, manipulating someone's afterlife without consent hardly qualifies as an altruistic act. As RoboCop grapples with his newfound identity, his investigative pursuits threaten to expose OCP's dark underbelly.
While the demise of the film's antagonist is gruesomely memorable, Murphy's death is arguably just as brutal, if not more so. Ambushed and subjected to torture shortly after joining the Metro West precinct, Murphy meets his demise in a hail of shotgun blasts, reducing him to a mangled heap of destruction. Even within the context of the film's exaggerated violence, it remains a shockingly brutal exit.
WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST, THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
Despite her formidable magical powers, army of flying monkeys, and penchant for menacing threats, the Wicked Witch of the West harbors an unexpected vulnerability: water. This seemingly invincible foe is remarkably susceptible to the simplest of elements. When Dorothy inadvertently douses a burning Scarecrow with a bucket of water, the splashback proves fatal for the witch. As she dissolves into a green puddle, her demise is accompanied by some of the most iconic lines in cinematic lore.
TONY STARK, END GAME (2019)
"Avengers: Endgame" achieved iconic status for numerous reasons: the breathtaking action sequences, the reunion of the Avengers in battle, and the unforgettable moment when Captain America wields Thor's hammer. However, amidst all these remarkable scenes, one stands out above the rest—Tony Stark's death.
As the realization dawns on the audience that Tony, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., is about to make the ultimate sacrifice to thwart Thanos, the entire theater holds its breath. In the heartbreaking scene of Tony's passing, the palpable sorrow is felt deeply as Peter Parker, portrayed by Tom Holland, and Pepper, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, approach him. This moment marks a poignant farewell to a character whose journey audiences have followed for years.
The impact of Tony's sacrifice is intensified by the contrast of seeing him as a retired family man, underscoring the profound sadness and difficulty of his decision. Yet, in true superhero fashion, Tony Stark exemplifies courage and selflessness, embodying the essence of a genuine hero.
THE CRAZY 88, KILL BILL (2003)
"Kill Bill" unfolds as an intensely violent tale of Beatrix Kiddo seeking vengeance against the man who betrayed her on her wedding day. Her journey is a relentless onslaught, where her martial arts prowess consistently ensures her triumph. Yet, no scene in the film showcases her capabilities with such visceral brutality as the Showdown at the House of the Blue Leaves.
In this pivotal sequence, Beatrix finds herself pursued by the Crazy 88, a Yakuza gang hired by her archenemy, O-Ren Ishii. Adorned in business suits and domino masks, the gang encircles Beatrix, leaving her with no escape. However, with ingenuity and skill, she employs the reflection of her blade to monitor her surroundings, systematically dispatching each adversary with ruthless efficiency. With casual precision, she gouges out eyeballs, severs limbs, and even bisects one unfortunate soul vertically. What remains is a grim tableau of blood pooling amidst the scattered remains of the dead and dying—a haunting testament to Beatrix's unyielding determination.
JESUS, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (2004)
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as expected, was a gruesome and harrowing event. "The Passion of the Christ" stands out as the most Biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus' life, including his agonizing death. Directed, produced, and co-written by Mel Gibson, the film was a labor of love for him, with Jim Caviezel delivering a powerful performance as Jesus Christ.
In the film's brutal climax, Jesus is depicted enduring numerous lashings across his entire body, wearing a crown of thorns that inflicts further torment, and enduring the inhumane act of being nailed to the cross. While the graphic portrayal of these events sparked controversy upon the film's release, it ultimately found remarkable success at the international box office.
Words by Ross Williams
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