01. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
Regularly considered the best chase scene committed to celluloid, there was simply no way this sequence from
The French Connection couldnt top my own chart. The scene is so much more than just a car chase, as it perfectly represents Detective Jimmy Popeye Doyles obsessive dedication to his job as he pursues a killer who is escaping via a speeding train above him. The film was honoured with 5 Academy Award nominations and this scene alone has allegedly been credited with being responsible for the Best Editing win (it also won Best Picture, Best Director for
William Friedkin, Best Actor for
Gene Hackman and Best Screenplay for
Ernest Tidyman). Editor
Philip DAntoni flawlessly captures the essence of the chase scene, a gripping moment in a film that is extremely brooding and powerful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoPI0MRAVB4 The sequence is entertaining and engaging, but above all there is tension and suspense beyond belief. This is heightened even more so when its revealed that many of the stunts in the sequence were real and not set up (such as when the woman with the pram is nearly squished!). It was regarded as the greatest movie car chase upon its release and today it hasnt lost an ounce of its appeal or power and in my mind it still as to be the best! In an effort to not repeat myself too much, Ive refrained from including a few films that have featured once (maybe even twice!) in my recent top 10sthe below, however, are definitely honourable mentions! VANISHING POINT (1971) DUEL (1971) SMOKEY & THE BANDIT (1977) MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981) TO LIVE & DIE IN L.A. (1985) THE ROCK (1996) TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997) THE TOWN (2011) Any suggestions of your own? Leave a comment below!