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Best Opening Movie Scenes?

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Punch-Drunk Love. I don't know what it is about this opening but the second it started I was immediately engaged.
 
One would think that opening from Touch of Evil would get old after having to watch it numerous times for classes (like the fucking Odessa steps from Potemkin), but it just doesn't.
 
I totally forgot Casino Royale's opening scene. everything before the opening credits is brilliant, singlehandedly breathed new life into the franchise.
 

Some of my favorites:

Touch of Evil - Still one of the best tracking shots ever. Not to mention an insanely intense way to start off a movie.

Inglourious Basterds - Hans Landa's interrogation = brilliant.

Once Upon a Time in the West - "You brought two too many."

The Dark Knight - Perfect intro to the Joker. One of the best opening scenes of recent memory.

What are your favorites? Tell us why and/or post a youtube clip if you can find one.

Well, between you two you covered just about all the ones I would've picked.
 
Whatever you think of the rest of the movie, you have to admit that Dawn of the Dead 2004 is pretty amazing from the beginning at the hospital, through Polly's escape through suburbia up to the Johnny Cash intro. I guess it doesn't count as one scene but it's a fucking awesome first 10 minutes or so.
 
I liked the parkour scene in Casino Royale, if that counts.

The actual opening scene to Casino Royale is even better. Such a good way to communicate the change in tone and focus from DAD to this film. You immediately understand that this is not going to be the silly bullshit from last time. In fact, it's pretty damn grim. More importantly, we're immediately focusing on Bond The Character and not just action for the sake of action. A rough, conflicted man struggling with the vile act of killing a human.

It's sharp and punchy, running only about 3 minutes I think. It's a stylistic, creative punch, utilizing quick flashbacks and beautiful black and white film stock. Then it keeps those damn Bond-traditionists hard with Bond's "Yes, considerably" punchline, ending with a contextual gunbarrel ushering in the first color of the film: Red blood rushing down the screen as the credits begin. It's fantastic.

I remember being on the fence before walking in CR but after that scene I was 100% in all the way. Daniel Craig had also won me over in those brief minutes.
 
I have always loved the 1st scene of Back To The Future. Pretty much explains the basics of the man, Doc Brown, and really sets up the premise of the film (TIME)!
 
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