Today, I made of list of 7 of my Favorite Movie Cries — Men. Meaning, scenes where actors cry, really make me believe it, completely break my heart, and are still gorgeous manly men. Scenes that blaze on in my heart because they are real and impactful, not maudlin or forced. Scenes that make me believe I’m watching a man in a moment that is totally private and totally real. Even though some of these moments involve the man being with other people, they are moments where I feel I’m watching something personal and uncontrollable spill OUT, something they might rather keep inside, have no one see, but the moment is bigger than they are; the moment is just beyond them. I don’t feel any of these is a false or contrived moment in the least. Each of them is so beautiful to me. And perhaps I’m old-fashioned, but I’m someone who believes that crying is different for men than women. I think it comes less easily and is less welcome to a man. That’s why it’s so moving to me; it’s more of a rarity. Women can do all kinds of things with their tears. Use them in ways that men just don’t. When I see tears from a man — in real life or done believably on film — I am frozen dead in my tracks. My heart just breaks. Because, yes, I think they are rare, generally, and more meaningful because of it.
I made this list quickly and off the top, so in no particular order because I simply cannot rank them:
1. Jimmy Stewart, It’s A Wonderful Life — The I want to live again scene. Please. I just want to hold him.
2. Liam Neeson, Schindler’s List — The I didn’t do enough scene. Please. I can barely breathe thinking about this one. His face. His face.
3. Anthony Hopkins, Shadowlands — The I sure would like to see her again scene. You know, where he’s with his stepson, Douglas, and they both burst into sobs after Joy has died? It sticks with you forever.
4. Denzel Washington, Glory — The whipping scene. With the single tear streaking down his proud defiant face.
5. Jeff Bridges, Fearless — The I’m alive scene at the end. After Isabella Rossellini has done what he’s asked and saved him.
6. Ewan MacGregor, Moulin Rouge — After Satine has died. My Lord. So unbearably sad.
7. Clark Gable, Gone With The Wind — After Scarlett’s miscarriage. The cry that Gable didn’t want to do, almost quit the picture over. Well, it’s brilliant. It’s brilliant forever. Man. It simply kills me.
I dare anyone to watch any of these scenes and not be moved or even changed somehow.
Short and sweet. Feel free to weigh in with your own, peeps.
What makes me want to cry is how few people have seen Shadowlands. It’s not just a great story, but a true one–and how incredible for a couple to fall in love AFTER they get married.
Dave — Hm. I have to disagree. “Shadowlands” was critically well received when it came out 15 years ago and nominated for at least a couple of Oscars as well as other awards. Pretty much everyone I know has seen this movie. I mean, I don’t get the sense that it’s languished on a dusty shelf unnoticed or something.
I love this idea, Tracey – I want to steal it!!
Some of these are my favorites, too.
Steal away, Peaches!
Good list, Tracey.
I have to go with the praying scene in the bar in ‘Wonderful Life’.
Some of my favorites:
Ed Harris, Apollo 13. The astronauts land safely, the control room bursts into cheers and applause and he does that nose-pinch, not-going-to-cry thing, then surreptitiously wipes his eyes with his fingers. What a gesture- that tiny brief acknowlegement of the strain he’d been under.
Kenneth Branagh,Henry V. the scene in which Fluellen (the wonderful Ian Holm) gives him a private pep talk the night before Agincourt. He’s crying and laughing at the same time.
David Morse, The Green Mile. The John Coffey excution scene, where he will not cry because he cannot, but his eyes are brimming with unshed tears. One of my very favorite actors.