The Most Paused Scenes Of All Time Explained
By | January 26, 2023
This serious wowzer of a scene in Trading Places gained attention from fans of the film due to Curtis' seductive and confident portrayal of her character, Louisa. Most members of the audience know Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween, a wallflower at best, but when she shows off all of her glory it's a pause button worthy moment to say the least.
As she undresses, Curtis' character can be seen admiring her own reflection in the mirror and taking pleasure in her own sexuality. The scene is empowering, and has remained a fan favorite due to Curtis' captivating performance and the film's exploration of gender and power dynamics. Many viewers have paused the scene to get a closer look at Curtis' character and to enjoy the saucy and confident moment.
The Most Famous Paused Scene Of All Time... 'The Seven Year Itch'
The dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is one of the most famously paused scenes in cinema history, and it's not hard to see why. In the scene, Marilyn Monroe's character, a sultry and irresistible woman simply known as "The Girl" stands on a grate in a white dress as the air from the subway blows it up, revealing her legs and panties. The scene is both sexy and playful, and Monroe's performance is nothing short of iconic.
Released in 1955, The Seven Year Itch was a major success at the box office, and helped to cement Monroe's status as a Hollywood superstar. At the time of the film's release, Monroe was at the height of her fame and had just divorced her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. The film's portrayal of Monroe as a seductive and desirable woman was a perfect reflection of her real-life persona, and helped to further fuel her already considerable fame and popularity.
For home audiences, pausing the dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is a must in order to fully appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the memorable music and sound design to Monroe's captivating performance, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to create a sense of sensual and playful fun.
Who Hasn't Rewound To Make Sure They Actually Saw A Storm Tropper Bonk His Head In 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
In the original Star Wars: A New Hope, the stormtrooper who hits his head on a low hanging door frame has become a beloved and iconic moment in the film. Despite being highly trained soldiers, this stormtrooper managed to completely miss the fact that there was a door in front of him, resulting in a comical and embarrassing moment.
The scene has been parodied and referenced countless times, with many fans affectionately referring to the stormtrooper as "Door Head." To this day, the stormtrooper's mishap continues to bring a smile to the faces of Star Wars fans everywhere, and serves as a reminder that even the most skilled and formidable of warriors can have a moment of clumsiness.
In the 1994 action thriller Speed, actor Dennis Hopper gives a memorable and intense performance as the film's antagonist, Howard Payne. However, his death scene in the film has gained a certain level of notoriety due to a continuity error that can be spotted if the scene is paused at the right moment. During the scene, Hopper's character is seen falling from a great height and crashing through a glass ceiling.
If the scene is paused at just the right moment, it is possible to see that Hopper has been swapped out with a dummy for the fall, which is a common technique used in film to depict falls from great heights. This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years and has become something of an Easter egg for those who are familiar with it. Despite the mistake, Hopper's death scene is still an intense and memorable moment in the film.
Does A Fly Actually Land On Belloq's Face In 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'? You Have To Press Pause To Really Figure It Out
The scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where a fly lands on Belloq's face is a moment that has remained ingrained in the memories of many fans of the film. As Belloq, played by Paul Freeman, delivers a monologue about the power of the Ark of the Covenant, a fly can be seen landing on his face and remaining there for a moment before flying off.
The scene has become memorable for its unexpected and humorous nature, and many fans of the film have paused the scene to get a closer look at the fly and make sure it's real. The fly's brief appearance in the scene has added an extra layer of nostalgia and whimsy to the film, and has remained a fan favorite moment for decades.
"Are You Trying To Seduce Me Mrs. Robinson?"
In the 1967 film The Graduate, there is a seduction scene that has become iconic and memorable for its sexual tension and innuendo. In the scene, the character of Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, seduces the film's protagonist, Benjamin, played by Dustin Hoffman. The scene is filled with suggestive dialogue and innuendo as Mrs. Robinson attempts to lure Benjamin into a sexual encounter.
The scene is both titillating and uncomfortable, as it portrays a taboo and inappropriate relationship. Despite its controversial nature, the seduction scene in The Graduate is one that audiences continue to pause to this day, thankfully digital versions of the film ensure that no VHS tapes are being destroyed.
Pause 'Teen Wolf' At just The Right Time And You'll Get An Eyeful
In the 1985 film Teen Wolf, eagle-eyed viewers have been entranced by an alleged continuity error involving a background extra. In the scene, high school basketball fans are celebrating a major win by their werewolf-led team, and in the background, an extra can be seen with their pants unzipped.
This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years, and has led to speculation about whether the error was intentional or accidental. Regardless of the reason for the error, the scene has become something of an Easter egg for fans of the film, who often pause the movie to get a closer look at the unzipped pants and to see if they can spot any other shenanigans in the background.
The Chestburster Scene In 'Alien' Remains A Standout Of The Science-Fiction Genre
This incredibly shocking scene from Alien where Kane (played by John Hurt) is suddenly and unexpectedly attacked by a creature that bursts out of his chest remains one of the most anticipated and rewatchable moments in film history. The scene is both graphic and unexpected, and has been praised for its effectiveness in creating tension and fear.
The chest burster scene has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in science fiction film, and is often cited as one of the most paused scenes in cinema history. Many fans have paused the scene to get a closer look at the creature and to marvel at the special effects used to create the memorable moment.
This Scene From 'The Shining' Remains One Of The Most Surreal Paused Moments In Film History
The famously paused bear suit scene in The Shining, a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history in spite of its brevity. In the scene, Danny Torrance is running away from his father, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), and as he takes a hard turn through the Overlook Hotel's many corridors Danny comes face to face with a man wearing a bear suit on his knees in front of one of the Overlook's many apparitions.
The scene became so popular due to its unexpected and surreal nature, as well as the intense performance by Nicholson. The Shining was released in the era of postmodernism, a time when traditional narrative structures and conventions were being challenged and subverted in art and culture. As a result, the bear suit scene perfectly exemplified the themes and stylistic choices of the film, which blended horror and psychological thriller elements with a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The scene's lasting impact can be seen in its numerous parodies and homages in popular culture.
Did you catch this strange and shocking moment in the most popular film of 1987? The uber-paused scene in the film Three Men and a Baby (1987) occurs during a pivotal moment in the plot when the characters played by Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson are frantically trying to get the baby to sleep. As they rush around the room, a cardboard cutout of a character can be seen in the background, seemingly standing on its own.
This scene caused quite a stir among audiences at the time, with many people believing that the cardboard cutout was actually a ghost. The film was released in the late 1980s, a time when the supernatural and paranormal were becoming increasingly popular themes in popular culture. The idea of a ghost appearing in a comedy film was certainly unexpected and shocked many viewers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already entertaining film. Apparently no one realized that the cardboard cutout of Danson wearing a top hat actually appears again during the film in a more prominent position. Maybe we just want to be scared.
Is There A Munchkin Hanging In The Back Of A Scene In 'The Wizard of Oz'?
This chilling still from The Wizard of Oz (1939) occurs as Dorothy and her friends are skipping down the yellow brick road, singing the iconic song "We're Off to See the Wizard." As they skip along, a shadowy figure can be seen in the background hanging from a tree. This figure is often believed to be a suicidal munchkin, and the scene has stuck with audiences for decades. The film was released in the 1930s, a time when suicide was a taboo subject and not often depicted in mainstream media. The idea of a munchkin, a fantastical and childlike creature, committing suicide adds a disturbing and unsettling element to the otherwise magical and light-hearted film. The scene has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years, with some people claiming that it was simply a bird or a shadow, while others insist that it was a munchkin who had taken their own life. Regardless of the true explanation, the scene has left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to be a source of fascination and mystery.
'Back to the Future' Has An Easter Egg Every Time You Hit Pause
The scene in the film Back to the Future (1985) where it's revealed that the name of the mall has been changed to "Lone Pine Mall" is a classic moment that has stuck with audiences for decades. In the scene, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) travels back in time to the 1950s and accidentally runs over a tree with his car. When he returns to the present, he discovers that the mall he knows and loves (Twin Pines) has a different name thanks to his time travel shenanigans.
The sign goes by without any pomp and circumstance, which has led audiences to not only pause the scene to make sure they're not seeing things, but to rewind to the previous appearance of the sign and check that they're not losing their minds. It's one of the many Easter eggs that makes this Robert Zemeckis time travel film an absolute masterpiece.
The often paused scene at the end of the 1960 film Psycho has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history. In the scene, the character of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, is revealed to be the killer who has been terrorizing the film's protagonists. As the truth is uncovered, a skull is superimposed over Norman's face, symbolizing the death of his true identity and the emergence of his psychopathic alter ego. The scene is both frightening and thought-provoking, as it suggests that anyone can be capable of darkness and that appearances can be deceiving. The film, which was released during the early 1960s, was a pioneering work in the horror genre, and it proved that Alfred Hitchcock was the master of the genre.
Haviland Morris Has To Be Seen To Be Believed In 'Sixteen Candles'
The shower scene at the beginning of Sixteen Candles is a poignant and nostalgicically evocative moment that perfectly captures the themes of isolation and growing up that run throughout the film. As the camera lingers on the steamy bathroom, we see Samantha, the protagonist, and her best friend watching the most popular girl in school standing alone under the spray of water, rinsing off after gym.
This is definitely a seriously paused scene from the '80s, but it's also a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges that come with growing up, and it perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the film, which follows Samantha as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and the search for connection and belonging. Despite the warm and humorous tone of the film, this scene reminds us of the moments of isolation and introspection that are an integral part of the human experience, and it speaks to the universal longing for connection and understanding that we all share.
Pause 'Tron' At The Right Time To Catch A PacMan Cameo
In the 1982 science fiction film Tron, there is a scene where the villain, Sark, is viewing a schematic of one of its maze-like environments. Within this schematic, there is an Easter Egg in the form of a Pac-Man character.
The inclusion of Pac-Man in Tron reflects the influence of video games in popular culture at the time. The scene in which Pac-Man appears is brief, but it adds an element of fun and nostalgia for audiences familiar with the game. Easter Eggs like this one, which are hidden references or jokes within a work of media, are a common way for creators to pay homage to other media or to add an element of surprise for their audience. They also invite viewers to watch the film again and again with their fingers on the pause button.
Can You Really See It All In The Opening Scene Of 'Jaws'?
The opening scene of Jaws is a memorable and iconic moment in film history that has left a lasting impression on audiences. This 1975 thriller, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows the story of a police chief, a scientist, and a grizzled fisherman who team up to hunt down a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town. The film's opening scene sets the stage for the terror to come, as it depicts a young woman, Chrissie (played by Susan Backlinie), swimming alone in the ocean at night.
The scene is shot beautifully, with the moonlit water and the sounds of the ocean creating a sense of peacefulness and solitude. However, this peace is shattered when Chrissie is suddenly attacked by a shark, an event that is depicted in a series of quick, jarring cuts that ratchet up the tension and suspense. It's easy to see why audiences might want to pause the film at this point, as the scene is both visually striking and emotionally charged. The opening scene of Jaws is a masterful example of how to establish a film's tone and setting while creating an incredibly pausable moment.
This Scene From 'Dream Warriors' Has Sent Teens Running For The Pause Button For Decades
One of the most iconic scenes in the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors occurs when Joey is tricked by dream demon Freddy Krueger, who is in disguise as a sexy high school nurse. This scene is full of tension, surprise, and plenty of naughtiness as Joey is lured in by the seductive nurse only to realize that it's actually the terrifying Fred Krueger. This film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and innovative use of dreams as a means of terror, making it a must-see for any horror fan.
The scene where Joey is tricked by Freddy is just one example of the clever and twisted ways in which the film uses the dream world to terrorize its characters. It's a scene that audiences will want to pause and analyze, trying to spot the subtle clues that hint at Freddy's true identity while also taking in everything the nurse has to offer.
Overall, Dream Warriors is a classic horror film that continues to thrill and surprise audiences with its imaginative and terrifying story.
Mathilda May Gives 'Lifeforce' A Slew of Pausable Moments
Mathilda May is a French actress who played the role of a space vampire in the 1985 Tobe Hooper film Lifeforce. May's character, "Space Girl," is known for her lack of clothing throughout the film, which may have made her scenes particularly appealing to teenage viewers at the time of the film's release.
The film was released in the 1980s, a decade known for its exploitation of sexualized female bodies in popular media. As a result, May's revealing costume and seductive demeanor may have contributed to the film's appeal for members of the audience with a particularly powerful pause button at their fingers.
Pause 'Scanners' At The Right Time For Explosive Fun
The scene in Scanners where Michael Ironside's character makes a guy's head explode with telekinesis is an iconic moment in film history. It has achieved widespread popularity and has become one of the most memorable and memorable scenes in the film.
Scanners, directed by David Cronenberg, has gained cult status due to its unique blend of science fiction and horror elements, and this scene is certainly a standout moment. It's not for the faint of heart, as it is quite graphic and gory, but audiences may want to pause it for a closer look at the special effects and to see just how it was done. The sheer force and power of Ironside's character's telekinetic abilities are truly impressive, and it's no wonder this scene has become such a fan favorite.
An Early Cut of 'The Rescuers' Was Practically An R-Rated Film
The home video version of The Rescuers, a popular animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, was released in 1977. However, it was later discovered that a brief, but highly controversial and offensive, image was included in the background of one scene. This image, which had to be paused in order to be scene was believed to be inserted into the film during post-production but it's unclear who was exactly responsible. The poster, a picture of a topless woman, was removed following the 1992 home video release of the film and all future home video releases were created from a different print.
Julie Christie In 'Don't Look Now'
The intimate scene between Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland in Don't Look Now (1973) is a striking and memorable moment in the film, featuring raw and honest performances from both actors. The film, which is a psychological horror, explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural, and is set in the labyrinthine streets of Venice. The sensual nature of the scene between Christie and Sutherland adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the film, and helps to establish the deep love and connection between the two characters.
In terms of its place within the horror genre of the 1970s, Don't Look Now is often cited as a standout film of the era due to its unique blend of supernatural horror and psychological thriller elements. Its atmospheric and visually stunning setting, coupled with the strong performances from its leads, help to set it apart from other horror films of the time. The film has gone on to become a classic of the genre, and is still praised for its craft and thematic depth today.
Pause 'Evil Dead: Dead By Dawn' at Just The Right Time For a Horror Easter Egg
The woodshed scene in Evil Dead 2 (1987) is a perfect example of the film's clever blend of horror and humor. As Ash (Bruce Campbell) heads to the the shed to retrieve items for unholy battle, viewers may be tempted to pause the film at just the right moment to catch a glimpse of a certain iconic horror movie prop hanging on the wall. That's right, if you pause the film at just the right moment, you can see see none other than Freddy Krueger's glove from A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) hanging on the wall in the background.
This playful nod to the crossover between the two horror franchises is just one of the many moments of nostalgia and wit that make Evil Dead 2 such a beloved and enduring classic of the genre. It's a testament to the creativity and cleverness of director Sam Raimi, who has a knack for paying homage to the horror films that inspired him while also putting his own unique spin on things. Whether you're a fan of Evil Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or both, the woodshed scene is sure to bring a smile to your face and a shiver down your spine.
It's Bath Time For Claudia Cardinale In 'Once Upon A Time In The West'
Once Upon a Time in the West is a classic western film that was released in 1968, during a time when the genre was at its peak of popularity. The film stars Claudia Cardinale as Jill, a prostitute caught in the middle of a violent land grab. In a scene that has become iconic and frequently paused on screens around the world, Jill enjoys a bubble bath while guns blaze in the streets of "Flagstone."
Cardinale's portrayal of a strong and determined woman amid the chaos and violence of the Wild West is a standout moment in the film, and has helped to make Once Upon a Time in the West a beloved and enduring classic. The film's blend of nostalgia and wit, combined with its stunning cinematography and memorable performances, has made it a fan favorite for generations and a must-see piece of the Western genre.
Susan Sarandon Is A Gritty Beauty In 'Pretty Baby'
Susan Sarandon's intimate scenes in the film Pretty Baby were certainly controversial at the time of its release, and they remain a topic of discussion today. In the film, Sarandon plays the role of a prostitute named Hattie who becomes involved with a photographer played by Keith Carradine. Their relationship is depicted in a sensual and intimate way, which was considered taboo at the time due to the fact that Sarandon's character was a prostitute.
The film was also controversial due to its depiction of child sexuality, as the main character, Violet, is a young girl played by Brooke Shields. There are no happy endings in Pretty Baby, but for young audiences seeking a thrill it's likely that they were undaunted by the subject matter in pursuit of racy late-night viewing.
Pause 'Repulsion' At The Right Time For A True Shock
The mirror scene in Repulsion is a true masterpiece of horror cinema, and is widely considered to be one of the first jump scares in the genre. In the scene, our protagonist Carol (played by the brilliant Catherine Deneuve) is in the midst of a mental breakdown, and begins to see grotesque and terrifying images of herself in the mirror. As she becomes more and more unhinged, the scene becomes increasingly intense and suspenseful, culminating in a shocking and memorable jump scare that is sure to leave audiences gasping.
Released in 1965, Repulsion was one of the first films to truly embrace the horror genre, and paved the way for many of the classic horror films that would follow in its wake. At the time of its release, horror was still a relatively new and untested genre, and Repulsion was a trailblazer in terms of its use of psychological terror and its ability to disturb and unsettle audiences. The mirror scene is a perfect example of this, as it uses a simple and familiar object (a mirror) to create a sense of unease and discomfort that is truly masterful.
For home audiences, pausing the mirror scene in Repulsion is a must in order to fully appreciate the expert craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the chilling music and sound design to the brilliant use of Catherine Deneuve's expressive face, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to build tension and suspense. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a good scare, the mirror scene in Repulsion is sure to delight and terrify in equal measure.
Pause 'Return of the Jedi' at Just The Right Time For a Shocking Surprise
The scene in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader is electrocuted and audiences can briefly see his skeleton is one of the most famously paused scenes in the Star Wars franchise. In the scene, Vader is being tortured by the Emperor, who is attempting to turn him back to the dark side. As Vader writhes in pain, the electrical charges passing through his body cause his armor to briefly reveal his skeleton, giving audiences a glimpse of the man underneath the mask.
The Star Wars films are among the most popular and beloved franchises in the history of cinema, and Return of the Jedi is no exception. When the film was released in 1983, it was a massive hit with audiences and critics alike, and helped to solidify the franchise's place as a cultural phenomenon. The scene in which Vader is electrocuted is a key moment in the film, as it reveals that there is still some humanity left in him despite his fall to the dark side. This moment of vulnerability and humanity makes Vader a more complex and relatable character, and helps to deepen the emotional impact of the film.
Take A Look At The Boy Plugging His Ears in the Back of This Scene From 'North By Northwest'
The scene in North By Northwest where a boy can be seen holding his ears in the background in anticipation of coming gun fire is a classic example of a blooper, and it's one of the many fun Easter eggs that film enthusiasts love to look for in movies. This particular scene takes place during a tense moment in the film when the main character, played by Cary Grant, is hiding from a group of villains in the Mount Rushmore visitor's center. As Grant petitions Eva Marie Saint's character for a little help, a young boy can be seen holding his ears in the background, seemingly anticipating the loud gunshot that will be fired a few seconds later.
Alfred Hitchcock was known for his attention to detail and his meticulous approach to filmmaking, so it's surprising to see a continuity error like this in one of his films. However, it's important to remember that even the most well-planned and executed productions can have mistakes, and these errors can add an extra layer of enjoyment for audiences who like to pause the movie and look for them.
Viewers With A Strong Pause Thumb Can See Safety Protocols In 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'
One of the most memorable scenes in the classic film Raiders of the Lost Ark is when Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, falls into a snake pit and narrowly escapes being bitten by a deadly snake. As he frantically tries to climb out of the pit, the reflection of a piece of protective glass can clearly be seen in between Ford and the snake. This continuity error is a classic example of the type of bloopers that can occur during film production, and it's part of what makes movies so fun to watch.
At the time Raiders of the Lost Ark was made, Steven Spielberg was at the height of his powers as a filmmaker, and he was known for his fast-paced, action-packed blockbusters. Despite the high level of attention to detail and professionalism on his sets, inevitable that mistakes will happen, and it's part of the charm of watching movies to catch these little goofs. In fact, pausing a movie to catch these types of mistakes has become a beloved pastime for many film fans. So the next time you watch Raiders of the Lost Ark, be sure to keep an eye out for the reflection of that protective glass in the snake pit scene – it's a fun Easter egg for movie buffs to discover.
The Corkscrew Flip In 'The Man With The Golden Gun' Has To Be Paused To Be Believed
The corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is certainly one of the most impressive and insane car stunts in film history. In the scene, James Bond chases his nemesis Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee, in an AMC Hornet before losing him. Bond then has to cross a topsy-turvy bridge in order to continue following Scaramanga. The car performs a series of acrobatic flips through the air before finally landing on the other side, much to the amazement of the audience.
This stunt is particularly impressive because it was performed for real, with no special effects or computer-generated imagery involved. It required incredible precision and skill from the stunt driver, as well as a specially designed car and ramp. The fact that this stunt was performed for real makes it all the more impressive, and it's no wonder that audiences would want to pause the scene to fully appreciate the level of skill and bravery involved.
Overall, the corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of stunt performers, and it's one of the most memorable and impressive car stunts in film history.
Hit Pause Fast Enough And You'll Find E.T. in 'The Phantom Menace'
In 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, E.T. (or three of E.T.'s family members) can be seen in the Galactic Senate during Princess Amadala's speech. This payback to Steven Spielberg including R2-D2 and C-3PO in Raiders of the Lost Ark is not only unexpected but it adds an extra layer of whimsy and humor to the scene if you know when to pause.
Some fans have speculated that E.T. may be a member of a previously unseen alien species, while others have speculated that he may be a force-sensitive being. Regardless of the reason for his appearance, E.T.'s cameo in the Galactic Senate has continued to intrigue and delight fans of the film.
