3. Youre Sicilian, huh? Christopher Walken vs. Dennis Hopper True Romance (1993)
This infamous scene might be top of a number of peoples lists, and it is good, but its not Tony Scotts best. The script for True Romance is of course written by Quentin Tarantino who initially wanted to direct the film himself before losing interest. Although there are two central characters, Clarence Worley, played by Christian Slater and Alabama Whitman, played by Patricia Arquette, the film is almost an ensemble piece with an incredible strong cast including Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman and Samuel L. Jackson to name but a few. The film is essentially an homage to Terence Malicks 1973 classic, Badlands, only with added dialogue Tarantino style. The shootout at the end of True Romance was a contender for this list but was just edged out by this one. Without going into too many plot details, Walkens gangster, Vincenzo Coccotti, needs to find out where Clarence is heading, so he pays Clarence's father Clifford, played by Dennis Hopper, a little visit. The scene in question is famous largely because it is good, and this is partly due to Tarantinos snappily written, expletive-ridden dialogue, but its not great if its not directed properly, and this is where Tony Scott comes in. The meeting has a foreboding sense of inevitability. The camera is still as it cuts back and forth while Hans Zimmers piano-led score simmers faintly in the background. Hoppers Clifford knows how this scene ends while Walkens casual, affable demeanour just makes it all the more terrifying. Scott keeps the camera tight and ensures it doesnt move until each character has said their piece, its almost like the subplots are on hold. As Walken dispatches Hopper, his gun draws the cameras attention, and then all of a sudden, hes done, no remorse, no nothing, on to the next scene. Each actor gets to relish Tarantinos dialogue but its the audience that reaps the benefit of Scotts fitting, accomplished, cold-hearted direction.