Thursday, February 4, 2016

The Greatest Opening and Closing Shots of All-Time!

What’s more important than a good ending? Probably a great beginning. Ideally, you want to have both.

A fundamental screenwriting tenet is that you’d better capture the reader’s attention right out of the gate, ideally with something arresting and intriguing that makes you want to keep reading – that makes you want to know more. 

And the ending of a movie – well, that’s the cement, right? It sets the emotional definition for the audience, that will set their gums to flapping and powerfully influence the word of mouth you’re hoping they’ll spread. Doors ajar, and doors that close. 

When the stars are in alignment, a great director and cinematographer can create a single image that either sets the stage or draws the curtain – a composition that’s engaging and iconic.

The good folks at The Playlist & CineFix recently posted a fascinating pair of video essays that present worthy candidates for the all-time best opening and closing shots in movie history. It makes for fascinating viewing. Feast your eyes:

The Art of the Opening Shot:
Top 10 Closing Shots of All Time:

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