Liftingfaces

(FROM DRAMAS FILMED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS)

5. “Memento” - This is technically a title sequence, rather than an opening scene as it were. But the iconic high-angle of Guy Pierce exposing a polaroid by shaking his hand, only to find out he was doing this action in reverse and the photograph was actually UN-developing, summarized the entire film so simply that it deserves a spot on the list.

4. “Michael Clayton” - The writing of this film is impeccable. Gilroy’s words, and Broadbent’s narration gave an amazing amount of tension to a visual sequence all but void of any life at all.

3. “Insider” - This film (and my wife agrees) is one of my top 5 favorites of all time. We are both big Lisa Gerrard and Michael Mann fanatics, so the merging of two artforms, as well as a great script and two stellar lead performances, made this opening sequence involving Al Pacino staring through a burlap sack in the Middle East on his way to an exclusive interview one of the best.

2. “Batman Begins” - I love Christian Bale as an actor. I love Christopher Nolan as a director (see above). I love Batman. This one is sort of a no-brainer. Though Bale was not in the opening scene, watching the child Bruce Wayne stranded in that well, with the bats, well it sort of gives you shivers.

1. “Fellowship of the Ring” - Because I have read the books, and I knew the epic nature of the characters, and where they were about to take me, seeing them on the big screen in all their glory gave me chills upon first, second, even third viewing.