Probably many of you have seen this beautiful video making the rounds, but in case you’ve missed it, here it is. Compiled by Jacob T. Swinney, it shows a series of first and final frames of various films, shown side by side. I was happy to see The Searchers included (one of the most famous first frames AND final frames in all of cinema), but there are many dovetails of images that I hadn’t before really perceived or even thought about. Maybe too many modern films for my taste, and mostly American films too … but let’s not quibble. The point is still made about the conscious care taken by directors, and the importance of beginnings and endings.
I would recommend showing this video to any young aspiring film-maker.
I wish there were the option to view with the titles!
Kate, if you view it on the vimeo site it has a list!
This was great Sheila, thanks for the link. I could probably have watched another ten minutes of it. Some really fun and interesting contrasts/complements. I love the simplicity of the Black Swan reversal.
My dad HATED No Country for Old Men because that last frame caused him so much unresolvable anxiety.
I know – I’d love more movies on the list too!
The one for The Master really struck me too. There were a lot of surprises.
And ha! about your dad. That “unresolvable anxiety” of No Country for Old Men … totally.
Wow, thank you for sharing!
To echo Lyrie–Wow. I saw connections that I hadn’t noticed previously.