r/moviecritic • u/SeriouslySlytherin • 2d ago
This is the greatest entry scene of all time, and there's no two ways about it!
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The entry scene of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a brilliant introduction to the character's roguish charm and unorthodox style. As the camera pans to Jack standing tall atop the mast of a small boat, it initially gives the impression of a grand, fearless pirate commanding his ship. However, the illusion is humorously shattered when the camera pulls back to reveal the boat slowly sinking. Jack calmly sails into Port Royal, his boat submerging just as he steps onto the dock without missing a beat. This scene perfectly captures Jack's mix of luck, wit, and eccentricity, setting the tone for his character throughout the series.
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u/GoingMyWeight 2d ago
Omar Sharif's entrance in Lawrence of Arabia is up there.
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u/HistoricalSpecial982 2d ago
100% agree. It’s remarkable how masterful this one scene was as a character introduction and that’s not even because of the incredible score. You learn everything about the core of who Jack Sparrow is in one minute. It shows the dichotomy of how he sees himself and how he actually comes across to others. You understand his motivation and journey up to that point all with creative camera work. You even get a bit of his twisted sense of honor with his salute to his fallen pirates as his boat is actively sinking.
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u/Racer013 1d ago
It's really an excellent example of using the strength of film as a medium. It's the cohesive combination of the writing, the acting, the cinematography, the editing, the directing, the score, the production design, and the costume/H&M team coming together to create a complete storytelling experience that could not work as strongly in any other medium. Every element is working together to tell us something new and unique about our hero and the world he exists in, while respecting the work of the other elements.
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u/DexterGexter 2d ago
The joker in dark knight has 2 intro scenes comparable to this one
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u/Thanos_Stomps 2d ago
When he’s introduced to us and then when he introduces himself to the bad guys.
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u/ismellthebacon 2d ago
My girlfriend at the time went with me to see this, and was like "you should wear eye shadow." LOL I was like "oh shit..." I definitely don't have anything that eye shadow would help LOL I just need a new face and, well, everything
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u/dingadangdang 2d ago
I have always had extremely dark circles under my eyes.
Turns out some girls definitely have a thing for that.
No idea.
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u/bacontornado 2d ago
It really is a masterclass on how to convey information to the audience without dialogue. We know most of the important traits of Jack before he ever says a word.
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u/Positiveaz 2d ago
This will always be the ultimate "just got fired, fuck this company / job" gif. Just used it this year.
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u/TimberWolf5871 2d ago
It is a great entrance scene but I think Legendary's Godzilla might have it beat.
Muto smashes a plane, it explodes and flies into another, with also explodes and flies into another oh shit that's a big foot.
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u/MrTBurbank 2d ago
This is fantastic and definitely up there, but Raiders of the Lost Ark and Back to the Future would like a word.
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u/kurbin64 2d ago
Reading the comments at this time there are clearly entry scenes equivalent.
Add mine to the list.
Hans Landa in Inglorious Basterds had me practically holding me breath through his entry scene it was so captivating. One of the greatest moments in cinema I have ever watched.
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u/RodamusLong 2d ago
It's bittersweet to me because I didn't realize how good it was at the time. And after the next two movies came out, it only made me realize how bad those were.
Now I look at it and it makes me upset that they didn't keep it going. The other movies rode so hard on this one.
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u/Golandia 2d ago
The guy running the port should've been waaaaay more angry about having to raise a sunken boat. But yes it was an amazing entry.
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u/NMS_Scavenger 2d ago
I love this scene, however, it kills me that he puts his right foot out but after the cut he steps left foot first onto the dock.
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u/damniwishiwasurlover 2d ago
Star Wars (1977): The Darth Vader entrance would like a word with you.
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u/5h4tt3rpr00f 2d ago
Started watching the movie without knowing anything about it, and when he steps off the sinking boat onto the pier, I knew it would be great.
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u/MakeoutPoint 1d ago
"Setting the tone for the series"
Absolutely not.
The entire first film, he excels despite his unorthodox methods and with a little bit of luck, but he is very much "The best pirate I've ever seen". All the rest, he's a slapstick goofball that makes you wonder how he earned a reputation in the first place.
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u/webbie0225 1d ago
before he (and the movies) became a caricature of themselves... this will always be one of my favorites
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u/Yoda_fish 2d ago
Shame the star turned out to be a coked up, pedophile supporting, statutory rapist and wife beater...
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u/SeriouslySlytherin 2d ago
Shame that you didn't actually read the verdict
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u/Yoda_fish 1d ago
Which one? LOL,
The one in the UK that confirmed he's a wife beater or the one in the US that confirmed he's a wife beater?
It's nice to know you're okay with the pedophile and statutory rape thing though.
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u/Aggressive_Hat_9999 2d ago
cant park your boat there mate