JAWS and other movies with perfect opening scenes
In the realm of cinema, few moments are as crucial as the opening scene, setting the tone and captivating audiences from the outset. Among these, Steven Spielberg's Jaws stands as a paragon of cinematic excellence, its harrowing opening sequence plunging viewers into a world of terror and suspense. Yet, Jaws is not alone in its mastery of the art of the opening scene. Delving into JAWS and other films that boast perfect opening scenes, let’s examine how these cinematic moments captivate, intrigue, and set the stage for unforgettable storytelling experiences.
JAWS (1975)
Steven Spielberg's Jaws revolutionized commercial Hollywood cinema, pioneering the concept of the 'blockbuster' and captivating an entire generation. In contrast to modern blockbusters, Spielberg infused his film with genuine artistic merit, beginning his terrifying shark-centric horror with a visceral and chilling attack in the water.
The scene unfolds with haunting intensity as a young girl becomes the prey of a relentless shark, her struggles unseen by her lover on the shore. Spielberg's masterful use of suggestion and suspense, focusing on what remains unseen, imbues the film with a lasting sense of terror that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
“Steven told me, ‘After your scene I want everybody in the theater under their seats with the popcorn and the bubblegum.’ I think we accomplished that.”
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
In Quentin Tarantino's sprawling WWII masterpiece, Inglourious Basterds, a masterful example of dialogue-driven storytelling emerges, expertly laying the groundwork for the narrative and introducing a formidable antagonist. The focal point of this scene is the riveting exchange between Hans Landa (portrayed by Christoph Waltz) and Perrier LaPadite (played by Denis Menochet), as Landa methodically questions him regarding a missing Jewish family. Tension mounts as it becomes evident that the family is concealed beneath LaPadite's floorboards, intensifying the suspense.
Landa emerges as a truly chilling character, showcasing his formidable skills in interrogation. The scene is impeccably crafted and flawlessly executed, with Tarantino's signature dialogue shining as some of the finest ever penned.
Up (2009)
In just a few minutes, the opening scene of Up unfolds a poignant tale—the love story of Carl and Ellie. It's a narrative brimming with affection yet tinged with sorrow. From their initial meeting to their marriage, the revelation of infertility, and their shared dream of adventure, every moment is infused with charm and romance. However, the story takes a heart-wrenching turn as Ellie falls ill and passes away before they can embark on their dream journey.
In a mere seven minutes, Up encapsulates a story that could easily fill an entire movie, and a compelling one at that. The scene effortlessly blends charm, romance, sweetness, and sorrow, leaving a profound impact on viewers while providing crucial context for one of the film's central characters.
Scream (1996)
Scream aimed to set itself apart as a unique entry in the realm of horror films right from its inception. This distinctiveness is evident from the very beginning, particularly in its opening sequence featuring Casey Becker (played by Drew Barrymore), who receives an unsettling call probing her about her knowledge of scary movies. Initially seeming like a harmless prank, the situation steadily escalates into something far more chilling and sinister as the caller delves into increasingly personal and menacing territory, ultimately culminating in the gruesome demise of Casey and her boyfriend.
Through Craven's directorial vision, Williamson's cleverly self-aware screenplay, and the bold choice to dispatch the most recognizable actress early on, Scream established itself as a fresh and unconventional addition to the horror genre. While subsequent installments in the franchise have brought their fair share of thrills and kills, there's a special significance to the inaugural experience. Drew Barrymore deserves particular commendation for her portrayal of Casey, a role she specifically requested according to Kevin Williamson, who expressed, "I really just want to play the opening scene. That’s my favorite part of the movie."
Goldfinger (1964)
Goldfinger, the third installment in the James Bond series, established the enduring tradition of captivating audiences with a thrilling cold open. This iconic introduction remains one of the series' most memorable moments. In the explosive opening sequence, 007, portrayed by Sean Connery, infiltrates a drug laboratory in Latin America, setting off a dramatic chain of events. Connery effortlessly embodies Bond's suave demeanor, nonchalantly smoking a cigarette amidst a towering explosion as chaos ensues around him.
Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)
Sergio Leone's expertise in cinematic storytelling shines brilliantly in the gripping opening sequence of Once Upon a Time in the West. The premise is straightforward: three gunslingers converge at a train station, anticipating the arrival of their target's train. However, Leone's masterful framing of each shot and strategic editing techniques steadily heighten the tension, captivating the audience's attention throughout. The scene culminates in a thrilling crescendo as Charles Bronson's character, "Harmonica," emerges from the train, coolly assessing his adversaries before swiftly dispatching them in rapid succession.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
In the daring start to the sci-fi masterpiece "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), director Stanley Kubrick takes audiences back to prehistoric times, immersing them in the primal world of a tribe of apes. The film's "Dawn of Man" sequence portrays the apes' encounter with a mysterious monolith, which sparks a transformative moment in human evolution. True to human nature, the first response is to fashion a tool for survival: a weapon. This visually stunning and narratively rich sequence lays a solid foundation for the themes explored in "2001: A Space Odyssey" and seamlessly sets the stage for the events that unfold later in the film. As a testament to Kubrick's visionary storytelling, the opening scene remains as captivating and relevant today as it was upon the film's release, cementing its status as a timeless cinematic masterpiece.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Starting with a haunting scene that serves as a prelude to the harrowing and surreal journey that unfolds throughout the film. Francis Ford Coppola sets the tone with a dreamlike sequence that blurs the line between reality and the subconscious. Accompanied by the hypnotic strains of The Doors' "The End," the mesmerizing sight of napalm engulfing a forest is juxtaposed with the image of Captain Willard, visibly affected by the horrors of war, in a Saigon hotel room. Willard's vacant stare intensifies the unease, foreshadowing the darkness and psychological depths that "Apocalypse Now" will delve into as the narrative progresses.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan stands as arguably the most authentic portrayal of a wartime battle in cinema. Viewers are thrust into the harrowing chaos of American troops storming Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion, experiencing a visceral and at times difficult-to-watch onslaught of violence and bloodshed. The immersive sound design and graphic depiction of war convey the intensity of the conflict, transporting audiences into the heart of the battle.
Spielberg's meticulous attention to detail is evident as he painstakingly recreates the historical event, delivering an iconic and unforgettable opening scene that has solidified its place in film history. Saving Private Ryan remains one of the finest examples of World War II cinema, with this gripping depiction of combat setting the tone for the exceptional storytelling that follows.
Words by Ross Williams
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