Close-Up Culture list our favourite 25 film scenes from the year 2000.
25. The Speech – Traffic (2000)
Robert chooses personal responsibility over politics in this moving scene.
24. Do The Job – Sexy Beast (2000)
Don puts the heat on Gal to do the job, as the scene climaxes with a moment of foreshadowing.
23. Feed Me, Sara – Requiem For A Dream (2000)
All of Sara’s drug-riddled anxieties and fears manifest in this nightmarish scene.
22. Baptism – O’Brother, Where Art Thou?
The guys accidentally find themselves in the middle of a mass baptism. Delmar is completely overcome by the situation and races into the river. A beautiful moment in this madcap movie.
21. Cast Away – The Warm Blanket (2000)
The camera slowly circles Charles as he reflects on the emotional journey of being stranded on an island.
20. Interrogation – American Psycho (2000)
Patrick is questioned by detective Kimball in this cleverly constructed scene.
19. Keep It In Mind – Memento (2000)
Leonard desperately tries to cling onto a thought as Natalie’s manipulation shines through in a haunting stare.
18. Fetal Position – Requiem For A Dream (2000)
One of the most miserable film endings of all time sees each of our lead characters end up in the fetal position.
17. No, No, No, No, No, No – Sexy Beast (2000)
Tensions between Gal and foul mouthed Don finally boil over.
16. We Are Painters – Pollock (2000)
Jackson and Lee have a fiery argument about their future. Marcia Gay Harden’s delivery is outstanding.
15. What Kind Of Beer? – Almost Famous (2000)
William gets frank with Penny Lane and her inability to live in the real world.
14. There Are Two Types Of Balls – Snatch (2000)
Bullet Tooth Tony calmly humiliates Tyrone and the crew, culminating with the brilliant reveal of the replica gun.
13. Forest Fight – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
A gorgeous fight scene as Li Mu Bai and Jen battle in a bamboo forest.
12. Lonely Whale – Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
Werckmeister Harmonies ends with the haunting image of a lifeless whale left in the troubled town square.
11. Are You Not Entertained? – Gladiator (2000)
Maximus delivers an iconic line after his fighting skills earn the adoration of the Rome crowds.
10. Nightmare – Sexy Beast (2000)
Gal dreams of being visited by a horrible looking creature. A surreal moment in a brilliant film.
9. Lighthouse Fallout – Battle Royale (2000)
All hell breaks loose as the battle royale paranoia finally breaks a group of girls.
8. Elevator From Hell – Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Filmed with SnorriCam, this uneasy scene follows Marion into the elevator are a deeply troubling experience.
7. My Name Is Maximus – Gladiator (2000)
Maximus proudly reveals his true identity, delivering a stirring speech in the process.
6. Tea Time – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Jen Yu is trying to enjoy a cup of tea when she is confronted and an epic mass brawl breaks out.
5. Stuck In The Rain – In The Mood For Love (2000)
Su Li-zhen and Chow Mo-wan get stranded together in the rain and share an honest conversation.
4. I’ve Never Loved Anyone Else – Yi Yi (2000)
NJ’s let’s out a regretful truth and is met with a silence and a closing door. A crushing moment.
3. Moonlight Sonata – Yi Yi (2000)
A playful karaoke bar scene turns into something deeply contemplative when Mr Ota plays Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on the piano.
2. Corridor Glance – In The Mood For Love (2000)
A breathtaking scene from this dazzlingly stylised film as Su Li-zhen and Chow Mo-wan cross paths in the corridor.
1. Eclipse – Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
Young János uses drunken patrons of a pub as props to explain the impact of the total eclipse of the sun. It’s funny at first, until you realise this ridiculous scene is actually utterly beautiful and profound.