You know how people say you always remember where you were when Kennedy died? Well, the same applies to film. Kind of. I love films, I really do, but few films leave an indelible impression that they affect you for the rest of your life. So what I've done is compile my ten most powerful movie scenes. Scenes which affected me deeply and even changed my thoughts and behaviour (for the better, I might add). One caveat was no animals dying - because all ten entries would be filled with dogs, monkeys and Bambi's mother all biting the big one. So no Kong's slowing heartbeat - even though it's heart wrenching. Having said that, I'm certain you'll find an eclectic mix and some not-so-obvious choices. I'll also point out that I could have made this a top 20 list and
still have a host of scenes left over. Ready? No? Tough. Let's go!
10. Glengarry Glen Ross - Alec Baldwin Cameo
A tour-de-force film, replete with a tour-de-force cast - Pacino, Spacey, Lemmon, Harris et al . Yet a single 7 minute cameo appearance steals the show. Im talking about Alec Baldwins stellar turn as Blake, the super salesman from head office whos come down to bust balls and drive sales of a crummy Chicago real-estate office. And boy does he bust balls! Heres a taster from his sizzling, scimitar-sharp sermon:
You can't close the leads you're given, you can't close sh*t, you ARE sh*t, hit the bricks pal and beat it 'cause you are going out! And when hes asked his name, he replies:
F*CK YOU, that's my name!! You know why, Mister? 'Cause you drove a Hyundai to get here tonight, I drove a eighty thousand dollar BMW. That's my name!! It's not just a drill sergeant approach. Hes living proof that the sales are there:
See this watch? This watch cost more than your car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see, pal, that's who I am. And you're nothing. Nice guy? I don't give a sh*t. Good father? F*ck you -- go home and play with your kids!! You wanna work here? Close! You think this is abuse? You don't like it -- leave. I can go out there tonight with the materials you got, make myself fifteen thousand dollars! Tonight! In two hours! Can you? Can you? Baldwin is on fire. Both stealing the scene and chewing it at the same time. Hes tough yet suave; confrontational yet controlled and should you need any more proof then consider this:
A-B-C. A-always, B-be, C-closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!! A-I-D-A. Attention, interest, decision, action. Attention -- do I have your attention? Interest -- are you interested? I know you are because it's f*ck or walk. You close or you hit the bricks! Decision -- have you made your decision for Christ?!! And action. A-I-D-A; get out there!! You got the prospects coming in; you think they came in to get out of the rain? Guy doesn't walk on the lot unless he wants to buy. Sitting out there waiting to give you their money! Are you gonna take it? Are you man enough to take it? And you thought your old maths teacher was a hardcase!