Here I have listed some of my favorite stills from movies I like and mostly watch over again all the time. I find these stills photographically rich with a very good justification to the film’s theme. Most of these stills are very rich in semiotics that communicate with the film’s subtext.
The GodFather (1972) – The scene where Vito Corleone get’s shot. The fire, the black car and the gloomy color tone sets a good setting.
Inception (2010) – Dunk him! Dom Cobb exits from a heavily sedated dream level to… well, another dream level.
Schindler’s List (1993) – Semiotics on killer mode. The red dress here symbolizes the holocaust.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Free! When Andy, tunnels his way out of prison.
Stalker (1979) – The Zone, where thing’s are not so right. Very powerful shot!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – He is young again!
Battleship Potemkin (1925) – The Odessa Steps.
Nostalghia (1983) – This is a golden one. A single frame alone doesn’t do much justice. This shot comes in the beginning title bands of the movie. The faint singing and the “slow” motion of every element sets a scene that’s hard to describe. Cinematic perfection at it’s best.
Raging Bull (1980) – One of the best title sequences ever!
Nostalghia (1983) – Triangular composition.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) –Â Sunrise on Lake Pontchartrain.
Tree of Life (2011) – Playful shadows. I’d say that this is plain genius.
Shutter Island (2010) – Lobotomy.
Shutter Island (2010) – This is a digital composite. Love it.
Tree of Life (2010) – Childbirth. (Again, genius stuff)
Rashomon (1950) – The bold divide. The lust-less and mere lay mortals.
The Pianist (2002) – Every time I see this frame, I envision the buildings to be giant piano keys, destroyed.
The Magician (1958) – Just love this frame.
Hugo (2011) – Come and dream with me.
Hugo (2011) – Time!
The GodFather (1972) – Be my friend?
The Godfather (1972) – Kay!
Citizen Kane (1941) – Tragedy!
Blade Runner (1982) – Eyes of the future.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – Mr. Gateau goes to the sea.
Zorba The Greek (1964) – “I saw the look in her eyes, Boss”.
Zorba the Greek (1964) – “I watched you with all the boxes and the books, very funny, Hahahahahaha!”
PS: I wish I had posted the famous ‘hand on wheat’ scene from Gladiator (2000), I couldn’t find a decent still.
Earth Lane 