13. Ron Kovic Is Shot (Born On The Fourth of July, 1989)
In the first of three collaborations with director Oliver Stone, Williams explored the bitterness and cynicism of war in a very moving examination of post-traumatic stress disorders caused by the conflict in Vietnam. Born On The Fourth of July remains a powerful film to this day and features what is arguably Tom Cruise's best performance ever. In this scene, Roy Kovic is shot in battle in a moment that will change his life forever, transforming a young idealistic patriot into a bitter and disabled vet. Williams' adagio strings slowly creep up and gain prominence over the imagery as everything starts going horribly wrong in battle. The music contrasts very effectively with the sound effects and the results are similar to that of Willem Defoe's iconic kneeling scene in Stone's first Vietnam flick Platoon.