3. The Scrambler - Take This Waltz (2012)
Despite the presence of Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman, this year's Take This Waltz was far from a rip-roaring comedy, rather a sombre meditation on relationships. Michelle Williams Margot is restless; shes not exactly unhappy with her marraige with Rogen, with her affair with rickshaw driving neighbour Daniel more emotional than physical. On a day away from their real lives, Daniel and Margot ride a Scrambler; a spinning ride with low lights, accompanied by The Buggles Video Killed The Radio Star. In this scene, Margot finally lets loose, rolling with the ride, only for the ramifications of what she is doing to come hammering home. While all around them kids enjoy the ride, the two adults sit straight faced, contemplating their actions. Then, just as Margot begins to once again enjoy herself, the ride abruptly ends, thrusting her back into the bright day. Its a powerful scene that provides the first opening of the characters; in the dark they let their emotions free. We revisit the ride at the end of the film, with Margot this time riding alone. She appears content, but in the final moment before the credits, her smiling exterior lets slip a hint of sadness. A bittersweet end to an incredibly touching film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJUXGPz3Zz4