Epiphany: (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
At least that’s what the dictionary says. But what do we mean? Is a character hearing something an epiphany? Is a character seeing something in a box an epiphany? Is there any way we can get Dom DeLuise into this topic?
I have two rather nice additions to the above, which, curiously are about the same, thematically.
The Prestige: Nolan doesnt show us until right at the end, what is REALLY going on in more than one way - really cool reveal, and very much an epiphany moment for the veiwer.
The Illusionist: This is a lovely movie, where it really dawns on both you, and the police officer the movie what REALLY has been going on all along. Its more of an epiphany for the character in the scene, in that its pretty hard to get there yourself without the end exposition. At least, it was for me.
The end of Ratatoullie, when the restauraunt critic tastes the title dish and flashes back to the long-forgotten childhood incident that kicked off his love of food.
The Zero Effect, when Daryl Zero has his epiphany while sitting on the bed in the motel room. This scene isn’t really played straight, but Pullman’s over the top emoting is hilarious.
Alien - Ripley uncovers the full extent of the corporation’s betrayal.
The Thing - Dr Blair determines both the agenda of the alien and the danger it poses to the entire world. In properly Lovecraftian fashion, this knowledge is more than his mind can take.
Carpenter’s The Thing - “I’ve known Bennings for 20 years. He was my friend”
If Dingus wants another Kevin Spacey pick, I would suggest LA Confidential. [major spoilers] When Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) is shot by Dudley Smith (James Cromwell). After his initial shock, Vincennes ties together how Smith must be behind the Nite Owl shootings and more importantly has an epiphany on how he can force Smith into accidentally revealing himself. Vincennes says, “Rollo Tomasi,” laughs, and then dies. The name has meaning only to him and Edmund Exley ensuring when Smith brings the name up, Exley will know that there’s something wrong with the cheery Irish police captain.
(This is one of my favorite movie scenes of all time, and would appear on my list for “best death,” “best dying line,” “best shooting,” “best scene in a kitchen,” etc. Kevin Spacey’s eyes do more than most actors can do with their whole bodies.)
Well, damn, sleepyirv. That movie really didn’t work for me when I saw it in the theater (the only time I’ve seen it). It really turned me off for some reason. I can barely remember why now. I think I prattled on to my dad how I didn’t feel it got the “texture of noir” right, or some such similar silliness.
Good post. Looks like I’ll need to queue it up to watch it again.
