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This week’s question doesn’t require too much set-up, I think. But I expect it will elicit much debate since a large degree of subjectivity will be involved.
What do you think’s the best character intro in film history?
My answer comes from my favorite film of all time — LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) — and is the arrival of Sherif Ali ibn el Kharish (Omar Sharif). Out of the desert sand, he manifests like a specter that slowly approaches on camelback until…well, you can watch it yourself below.
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Yeah tough to beat that. I don't know if any film today would take that much time - which is sad because that's what makes it! That TENSION! WHO THE F*CK IS HE?
It's tension surrounding an introduction. Not "Where's the serial killer in the house?!" And that's what makes it so phenomenal, I think. As you say, very few filmmakers would spend this much time on something like this today.
No introduction, for me, surpasses the xenomorph in Alien. The slow unfurling and balletic descent behind Harry Dean Stanton before we see that hellish, dripping maw! I remember watching on the front row in a packed cinema (a year too young to legally see the X rated movie in the UK) ‘that’s what I call a @**!!**@ monster!’
I applaud you for citing the introduction of a primal monster rather than a sentient being. I don't know if my mind would've gone there for a question like this. Great pick!
Ok sentient being? Jake Blues - ‘one timex digital watch, broken. One unused prophylactic, one.....soiled. Boots, black. Belt, black. One black suit jacket. One pair black suit pants. One hat...black. One pair sunglasses.’ Not quite Omar Sharif riding out of a mirage but.....
I still remember being in the theater opening week, completely riveted and transported by the opening narration of The Road Warrior and how it introduced Max as a culture hero. The editing in this sequence is still amazing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n29c-q3_8Q
Been too long for me too. But I actually think it’s even the very first scene of the film. Just remember it instantly grabbing the attention. De Niro strutting down the street (R Stones ‘Street Fighting Man’ playing?) and he blows up a bin or something. It has been a while ...
I dont know about film history but made me think of the pilot of THE WEST WING where Martin Sheen's President Bartlett recites the First Commandment and adds "Those were the days."
The introduction of Quint in Jaws during the Amity town meeting.
Yeah, this is a great introduction.
Yes. It’s so rich with character depth and unspoken community dynamics, but it’s also a very formal introduction to Quint!
Yeah tough to beat that. I don't know if any film today would take that much time - which is sad because that's what makes it! That TENSION! WHO THE F*CK IS HE?
It's tension surrounding an introduction. Not "Where's the serial killer in the house?!" And that's what makes it so phenomenal, I think. As you say, very few filmmakers would spend this much time on something like this today.
No introduction, for me, surpasses the xenomorph in Alien. The slow unfurling and balletic descent behind Harry Dean Stanton before we see that hellish, dripping maw! I remember watching on the front row in a packed cinema (a year too young to legally see the X rated movie in the UK) ‘that’s what I call a @**!!**@ monster!’
I applaud you for citing the introduction of a primal monster rather than a sentient being. I don't know if my mind would've gone there for a question like this. Great pick!
Ok sentient being? Jake Blues - ‘one timex digital watch, broken. One unused prophylactic, one.....soiled. Boots, black. Belt, black. One black suit jacket. One pair black suit pants. One hat...black. One pair sunglasses.’ Not quite Omar Sharif riding out of a mirage but.....
Hahahaha, yes, not quite Omar Sharif riding out of a mirage, but it's a great one!
I still remember being in the theater opening week, completely riveted and transported by the opening narration of The Road Warrior and how it introduced Max as a culture hero. The editing in this sequence is still amazing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n29c-q3_8Q
I haven't watch THE ROAD WARRIOR in several years. Ten or so, I think. Thank you for reminding me how wonderful this opening sequence is!
Robert De Niro - Mean Streets
It's been so long since I've seen MEAN STREETS, I can't remember this intro. I'll have to look it up.
Been too long for me too. But I actually think it’s even the very first scene of the film. Just remember it instantly grabbing the attention. De Niro strutting down the street (R Stones ‘Street Fighting Man’ playing?) and he blows up a bin or something. It has been a while ...
Ah! That's was great! I'd forgotten this moment.
Clearly it's Darth Vader.. :)
It's a pretty damn strong entrance.
I dont know about film history but made me think of the pilot of THE WEST WING where Martin Sheen's President Bartlett recites the First Commandment and adds "Those were the days."
The intro of Bartlett in "THE WEST WING" pilot is ICONIC.
We should Zoom chat. Have thoughts on 5AM if you’re open to that, Cole!