Thursday, November 26, 2009

MFMM001



The first of a new category of posts, tributes to moifs favourite movie moments, starts with my oldest favourite scene, and probably one of the best opening scenes in any movie, ever.

Reasoning; Because the scene is made in a way that leaves no doubt as to the setting of the story. You instantly get a feel for what is going on, and the feeling you get is immense power and unstoppable authority. Furthermore, the soundscape begins with a subtle evocation of mystery, then quickens to a majestic maelstrom of violence with howls, explosions, then a Wagnerian march which cements the whole thing in place.

I first saw this when I was ten, and by the time those huge engines had thundered past the camera, I was hypnotized. No matter how bad George Lucas became, that moment will forever secure his place in moifs temple of excellent cinema.

3 comments:

marinergrim said...

Your choice is one of those moments that stand out so vividly for me. I saw Star Wars at the cinema and can remember looking up for the rest of the ship as the huge dreadnought came into view. Is it a classic movie? Perhaps but only for the innovation and special effects probably, the storyline is a tame & predictable western at best. But still a great opening sequence - good choice.

brando said...

I remember getting that feeling from Aliens, I think. They had a similar ship sequence.

And of course, Space Balls.

moif said...

What you have to bear in mind is that I was very young when I first saw Star Wars, and I saw it in a cinema. It left a lasting impression that other science fiction films (except 'Alien') just haven't been able to compete with. As a young boy I was mad about war films, Tiger tanks and Mosquito fighter bombers. The day after I saw Star Wars I was a science fiction addict instead.

I saw 'Alien' a few years later and it scared the pants off me.

I had to wait for a long time before I got to see any of the sequels