In Memoriam: Tony Scott’s Top Movies

Death is a time for reflection. A person’s passing gives the world a moment to reevaluate its opinion of the faithfully departed, of one’s work, one’s contribution, of one’s purpose. Sometimes, people realize just what they have lost and what they will never have. Life can be cruel like that. Death then becomes a sweet release. Tony Scott was one such talent whose tragic death is a genuine loss for the film industry.

Renowned for his style yet scorned for being one-dimensional, Tony brought images to life that stayed with the audience. He never lost touch with the painter in him and his movies are representatives of his keen sense of visual appeal. He had an eye for action and excitement. His movies are mostly remembered for being popcorn flicks but he wasn’t given enough credit for the depth he brought to the narrative. “Spy Game”, “Man on Fire”, “Crimson Tide”, “True Romance”, “Revenge”, even a movie like “Domino” is a testament of his understanding of character-driven narratives.

As the days to come will undoubtedly reveal the reason behind his mysterious suicide, we take a moment to celebrate the man, not by talking about his life but by looking at the real Tony Scott who lives on through his movies. Tony, though you are gone, the images you create will forever remain etched on the minds and in the hearts of millions. Rest in peace.

Here is a look at some of the most memorable moments created by Tony Scott!

Top Gun – A “maverick” combat pilot gets his dream shot of going up against the best at the academy of “Top Gun”. Though famous for spectacular visuals that set new standards in special effects and

cinematography, it is also about the protagonist’s personality and relationships as he is pushed to the limit because “there are no points for second place”

Memorable Scene – Though the entire movie is filled with epic dog-fight sequences, the scene where Tom Cruise cruises his bike with an F-15 taking off in the background stands out. A star was born on the highway to the danger zone. Videolink: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2eoBWZp64s Image Link: http://www.mposter.com/top-gun-movie-poster.html

Spy Game – A veteran spy on the day of his retirement uses all of his tricks to save his protégé’s life…all without leaving the CIA’s headquarters. Yes…it is as good as it sounds. Not only does it give a glimpse of how the actual intelligence community functions but also looks at how the work takes its toll on people’s relationships.

Memorable Scene – The explosion in Beirut followed by the look of despair on Brad Pitt’s face in “Spy Game” as he walks across the ruble in the wake of the aftermath. These were shell shocking images.

Domino – The movie chronicles the life of Domino Harvey, the hot-headed daughter of a Laurence Harvey who gives up her modeling career to become a bounty hunter in LA. Even though this movie was a critical and financial bomb, Tony manages to bring out the truth of the bounty hunter’s character; that she was at her most beautiful only in the face of utter destruction.

Memorable Scene – During a Mexican standoff between trigger-happy men, Domino offers a peaceful solution by offering a…. lapdance.

Man on Fire – A washed-out assassin goes back to doing what he does best to find a kidnapped child in the vile streets of Mexico. It explores the life of a man haunted by his past as he tries to do good for the first time in his life.

Memorable Scene – Though Creasy has various interrogation techniques, this particular one involves tying a corrupt cop to the hood of a car and sticking a small explosive up his rectum and asking questions while the timer runs down.

True Romance – The movie tells the tale of two unlikely lovebirds on the run from dangerous people. The movie has it all: Sex, Drugs, Elvis. But underneath it all, the movie is about true “love” and its perseverance.

Memorable Scene – Though the fan favourite is the one between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken, I am more inclined towards the conversation piece between Chris Slater and Patricia Arquette at the diner. You just know romance is in the air when you hear the Patricia Arquette say “Do you like to get pie after you see a good movie?”

Days of Thunder – This definitive racing movie depicts the journey of a rookie Nascar driver mentored by a veteran of the game. Behind the loud engine revving and the pulsating racing sequences, it takes a look at the psyche of a race car driver as he recovers from a life-threatening accident and tries to regain his confidence on the track.

Memorable Scene – The final race where Cole Trickle sets up the leader by trying to overtake him from the outside twice only to fake going outside the third time, going inside and ramming the leader in the wall. In case you are not a grease monkey, watch the video, you’ll get it.

Crimson Tide: On a US nuclear missile sub, a young first officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so. This movie depicts the “battle of egos” of epic proportions.

Memorable Scene: Two juggernauts of acting clash during the movie when a broken emergency alert message is received just before the planned nuclear missile launch.