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. 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 opening scene of Jaws is a memorable and iconic moment in film history that has left a lasting impression on audiences. Regardless of the true explanation, the scene has left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to be a source of fascination and mystery. 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. 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 film was released in the 1930s, a time when suicide was a taboo subject and not often depicted in mainstream media. This figure is often believed to be a suicidal munchkin, and the scene has stuck with audiences for decades. 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. 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. 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. The film was released in the late 1980s, a time when the supernatural and paranormal were becoming increasingly popular themes in popular culture. This scene caused quite a stir among audiences at the time, with many people believing that the cardboard cutout was actually a ghost. As they rush around the room, a cardboard cutout of a character can be seen in the background, seemingly standing on its own. The scene's lasting impact can be seen in its numerous parodies and homages in popular culture.ĭid 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 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 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. The scene became so popular due to its unexpected and surreal nature, as well as the intense performance by Nicholson.

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 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. 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. 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.įor 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. 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. 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. The scene is both sexy and playful, and Monroe's performance is nothing short of iconic.

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 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.

25 most paused movie moments