The last goodbye - what are the greatest goodbye scenes of all time?
August 25, 2011 2:02 AM Subscribe
The greatest goodbyes - I'm looking for great film goodbye scenes. Help me collect them all!
I'm trying to put together a collection of goodbye scenes from films, and my film knowledge is less than ideal. Of course the scene in 'Casablanca' and the stair scene in 'Gone with the Wind' come to mind, but I'm after less known, less cheesy scenes. I'm particularly interested in European cinema, but right now anything will do!
By 'goodbye' scene: I mean any scene where characters say goodbye to each other. If someone is dying and they say goodbye that counts, too, but I'm not too strict.
T
I'm trying to put together a collection of goodbye scenes from films, and my film knowledge is less than ideal. Of course the scene in 'Casablanca' and the stair scene in 'Gone with the Wind' come to mind, but I'm after less known, less cheesy scenes. I'm particularly interested in European cinema, but right now anything will do!
By 'goodbye' scene: I mean any scene where characters say goodbye to each other. If someone is dying and they say goodbye that counts, too, but I'm not too strict.
T
One of the originals: Brief Encounter
posted by tavegyl at 2:41 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tavegyl at 2:41 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
The final scene of Altman's 'The Long Goodbye' references the final scene of 'The Third Man'. Both are great, and would be fun to have together. It's more 'screw you' than 'farewell', though.
posted by beniamino at 2:48 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by beniamino at 2:48 AM on August 25, 2011
"Cheesy" is not the word for the last scene in Casablanca -- it really is sublime. And the goodbye scene from Gone With the Wind is not on the staircase, it's at the front door, a closeup of Rhett's face not giving a damn, and then Scarlett's "Tomorrow is another day." Cheesy would be the ending of Shane.
My favorite goodbye scene is from Harold and Maude: "But Maude, I love you!" "Wonderful, Harold. Now go and love some more."
Zhivago and Lara's face as they part, and Zhivago running upstairs to watch her disappear in the distance . (sniff)
And Beth's death in Little Women (I prefer the Susan Sarandon version). Oh my.
I realize these are all from American cinema. Hmmm. And they're all weepy rather than jaunty (except Casablanca). Well, I'll post these, but I may be back.
posted by kestralwing at 3:06 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
My favorite goodbye scene is from Harold and Maude: "But Maude, I love you!" "Wonderful, Harold. Now go and love some more."
Zhivago and Lara's face as they part, and Zhivago running upstairs to watch her disappear in the distance . (sniff)
And Beth's death in Little Women (I prefer the Susan Sarandon version). Oh my.
I realize these are all from American cinema. Hmmm. And they're all weepy rather than jaunty (except Casablanca). Well, I'll post these, but I may be back.
posted by kestralwing at 3:06 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
not a scene but i thought worth sharing that i read a tweet today that says:
When two people part it is the one who is not in love who makes the tender speeches - Proust.
i wonder if there is a goodbye scene that exemplifies this.
posted by kryptos at 3:29 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
When two people part it is the one who is not in love who makes the tender speeches - Proust.
i wonder if there is a goodbye scene that exemplifies this.
posted by kryptos at 3:29 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh man, what comes to mind right away is the climax of the James Stewart movie "Harvey," a movie which I love in so many ways. The movie is about a very sweet man who drinks a lot and talks to a (we think) imaginary 6-foot-tall rabbit. Near the end, he is forced to see a therapist, and said therapist comes to have a relationship with the rabbit, and as Dowd (Stewart's character) is leaving, the therapist begs him to leave Harvey with him. And he agrees, because he's just a sweet man and he wants everybody to be happy. So he says goodbye to Harvey and walks off, with the slightest look of sadness in his eyes.
And then we see the gate open, by itself ...
posted by jbickers at 3:37 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
And then we see the gate open, by itself ...
posted by jbickers at 3:37 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
The final goodbye scene between the two characters in remains of the day is a great one-it's so understated but so emotional.
posted by Mnky197 at 3:48 AM on August 25, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by Mnky197 at 3:48 AM on August 25, 2011 [6 favorites]
The Truman Show
posted by fuse theorem at 4:01 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by fuse theorem at 4:01 AM on August 25, 2011
The Von Trapp children say goodnight in the Sound of Music (cheese factor of 10)
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:15 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:15 AM on August 25, 2011
The very end scene of La Dolce Vita... not a typical "goodbye" by any means but a sort of goodbye his soul.
posted by j03 at 4:46 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by j03 at 4:46 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
And then it occured to me I should just post the youtube clip: La Dolce Vita End Scene
posted by j03 at 4:48 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by j03 at 4:48 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Youth In Revolt
posted by i_love_squirrels at 4:49 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by i_love_squirrels at 4:49 AM on August 25, 2011
Foxfire. It's not epic by any means, but people say goodbye to each other over and over in Slacker. Oh oh oh! That reminds--Before Sunrise.
posted by ifjuly at 4:59 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ifjuly at 4:59 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Debra Winger's goodbye scene with her boys in Terms of Endearment.
posted by fso at 5:14 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by fso at 5:14 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh, man, yes, Lost In Translation.
It may be a bit of a stretch, but the final scene of Cinema Paradiso may work...(the movie is about a little boy who befriends the projectionist in the theater in his small Italian town, and becomes a filmmaker as a result; throughout the movie, one of the running gags is that the local priest screens every film first and tells the projectionist to cut out all the kissing scenes. The projectionist saves all the scenes and doesn't explain why. Years later, when the now-grown boy -- who's lost touch with the projectionist -- hears that he's died, he suddenly gets a film reel from the projectionist's estate. He goes to screen it...)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:20 AM on August 25, 2011
It may be a bit of a stretch, but the final scene of Cinema Paradiso may work...(the movie is about a little boy who befriends the projectionist in the theater in his small Italian town, and becomes a filmmaker as a result; throughout the movie, one of the running gags is that the local priest screens every film first and tells the projectionist to cut out all the kissing scenes. The projectionist saves all the scenes and doesn't explain why. Years later, when the now-grown boy -- who's lost touch with the projectionist -- hears that he's died, he suddenly gets a film reel from the projectionist's estate. He goes to screen it...)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:20 AM on August 25, 2011
When Max says goodbye in 'Where the Wild Things are'. Don't think I've ever watched that scene without crying.
posted by tegna56 at 5:31 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tegna56 at 5:31 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
The final scene in "You Can Count On Me".
posted by backwards guitar at 5:38 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by backwards guitar at 5:38 AM on August 25, 2011
I know you requested films but the final scene for the TV show MASH remains the most moving goodbye moment for me.
posted by BDoyon at 5:56 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by BDoyon at 5:56 AM on August 25, 2011
Princess Leia saying "I love you!" and Han Solo replying with "I know." from the Empire Strikes Back.
posted by Silvertree at 6:14 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Silvertree at 6:14 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
The final scene of "The Man Who Would Be King". Also, a bit earlier in the movie, when things go very bad for the adventurers.
posted by pentagoet at 6:29 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by pentagoet at 6:29 AM on August 25, 2011
Almost Famous
Before Sunrise
Dazed and Confused - end of the year party and everyone says goodbye
Serendipity - she writes her number in a book, he writes his on a $5 bill and leave it to chance to reconnect
When Harry Met Sally - cute goodbye after awkward double date
High Fidelity - lots of breakups
Say Anything - Dianne says goodbye to her father in prison
Pulp Fiction - Vincent drops Mia off at home after her overdose
posted by jacindahb at 6:35 AM on August 25, 2011
Before Sunrise
Dazed and Confused - end of the year party and everyone says goodbye
Serendipity - she writes her number in a book, he writes his on a $5 bill and leave it to chance to reconnect
When Harry Met Sally - cute goodbye after awkward double date
High Fidelity - lots of breakups
Say Anything - Dianne says goodbye to her father in prison
Pulp Fiction - Vincent drops Mia off at home after her overdose
posted by jacindahb at 6:35 AM on August 25, 2011
"I will find you!" - Last of the Mohicans.
posted by travis08 at 6:42 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by travis08 at 6:42 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Titanic
posted by quiet coyote at 6:43 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by quiet coyote at 6:43 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
You could just use the last hour or so of Return of the King. Long, long goodbyes, followed by other people, saying long, long goodbyes to other people.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:50 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by Ghidorah at 6:50 AM on August 25, 2011
I think I bring up The Lion in Winter in every other film thread . . . but I love the concluding scene in this movie, a "goodbye" that really feels like a resolution, with a wonderful score by John Barry.
posted by Orinda at 7:17 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Orinda at 7:17 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's a little-known film -- kind of a cult/sleeper film -- but Fandango's last couple scenes contain some lovely goodbyes between a bunch of college friends, from the cavalier "I'm gonna take off -- call me sometime if you're in Atlanta," to another couple sharing a heartfelt handshake, and another silently watching things from atop a hill and toasting them all from a distance.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:42 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:42 AM on August 25, 2011
The train station scene in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg -- Catherine Deneuve sending her lover off to war, and it's all in song.
posted by newmoistness at 8:06 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by newmoistness at 8:06 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
The Searchers A very famous ending sequence with no dialogue and John Wayne's tough character walking away from 'civilization'.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 8:10 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 8:10 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, can't seem to find a clip of it, but the last scene in Ondskan where he says goodbye to his friend and rides away on his bicycle.
posted by smokingmonkey at 8:22 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by smokingmonkey at 8:22 AM on August 25, 2011
Stalag 17: "If I ever run into any of you bums on a street corner, let's just pretend we never met."
posted by Zonker at 8:25 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by Zonker at 8:25 AM on August 25, 2011
Well, if you're going to include "Casablanca," you'll need "Play It Again, Sam" as well.
And don't forget the whole category of what my sister calls "tumor movies"--"Beaches," "Love Story," etc.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 8:47 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
And don't forget the whole category of what my sister calls "tumor movies"--"Beaches," "Love Story," etc.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 8:47 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
It may be a long goodbye, but the last scene in The Graduate is definitely a goodbye. I'd throw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in there too, and Thelma and Louise.
posted by thinkpiece at 9:06 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by thinkpiece at 9:06 AM on August 25, 2011
What about the war-goodbye-train parody scene in Airplane! ? That's a classic.
posted by colin_l at 9:15 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by colin_l at 9:15 AM on August 25, 2011
"I have been, and always shall be, your friend."
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 9:36 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 9:36 AM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen) says goodbye to Africa. And it may or may not be what you're looking for, but this scene gets me every time.
posted by tully_monster at 10:27 AM on August 25, 2011
posted by tully_monster at 10:27 AM on August 25, 2011
Brokeback Mountain When their summer together ends, Ennis and Jack say goodbye not knowing what they are to each other or if they'll ever see each other again. Ennis manages to suppress his confusing feelings for Jack during the goodbye, but is unable to suppress his gut-wrenching heartbreak once Jack is out of sight.
It's not their last goodbye, but it's the first of many uncertain goodbyes.
posted by keep it under cover at 11:10 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
It's not their last goodbye, but it's the first of many uncertain goodbyes.
posted by keep it under cover at 11:10 AM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: "Blondie! You son of a bi (Wah WAH Wah)" as Eastwood rides off.
Heavy cheese factor, but when the priest says goodbye to his lover in The Thorn Birds ("I'll wake up alone every day for the rest of my life and remember you, here with me," or words to that effect.)
When the Jews he saved are saying goodbye to Schindler in Schindler's list, and all he can think about is who he didn't save.
A small but perfect scene, from Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, when the Ellen Burstyn character says goodbye to her next door neighbor before Burstyn drives away.
In The Man Who Would Be King, when Daniel Dravot starts singing and rocking the bridge, his way of saying goodbye to Peachy Carnehan.
2nding Butch and Sundance saying goodbye -- by continuing to talk just as they always have -- before stepping out of the doorway. And gotta love that scene from Last of the Mohicans!
Wow, this is tougher than I thought. Fun, though.
posted by kestralwing at 11:58 AM on August 25, 2011
Heavy cheese factor, but when the priest says goodbye to his lover in The Thorn Birds ("I'll wake up alone every day for the rest of my life and remember you, here with me," or words to that effect.)
When the Jews he saved are saying goodbye to Schindler in Schindler's list, and all he can think about is who he didn't save.
A small but perfect scene, from Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, when the Ellen Burstyn character says goodbye to her next door neighbor before Burstyn drives away.
In The Man Who Would Be King, when Daniel Dravot starts singing and rocking the bridge, his way of saying goodbye to Peachy Carnehan.
2nding Butch and Sundance saying goodbye -- by continuing to talk just as they always have -- before stepping out of the doorway. And gotta love that scene from Last of the Mohicans!
Wow, this is tougher than I thought. Fun, though.
posted by kestralwing at 11:58 AM on August 25, 2011
Also, Ned Beatty's goodbye in Dlieverance -- something like, "I don't think I want to see you guys for a while."
posted by newmoistness at 1:07 PM on August 25, 2011
posted by newmoistness at 1:07 PM on August 25, 2011
Big Trouble in Little China (the end)
Margo: "Aren't you even gonna kiss her goodbye?"
Jack: "No."
posted by bitterkitten at 1:11 PM on August 25, 2011
Margo: "Aren't you even gonna kiss her goodbye?"
Jack: "No."
posted by bitterkitten at 1:11 PM on August 25, 2011
Withnail and I. Withnail drinking a bottle alone in the rain with the wolves. *snif*
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:24 PM on August 25, 2011
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:24 PM on August 25, 2011
The final scene of The Fabulous Baker Boys is famous for its ambiguity. Suzy Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer) is subtly (and sometimes not so subtly, as when she brushes away Jack Baker's hand from moving her hair) maintaining her distance from someone that she might have loved, who has hurt her, and Jack Baker (Jeff Bridges) is trying to win her back, and admit he's been kind of jerk, while desperately trying to maintain his "cool," which is kind of continuing his jerkishness. They part, with a faux-confident quip about their future and a smile on his part, and a sardonic look back, as she's walking away, on hers.
posted by paulsc at 2:59 PM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by paulsc at 2:59 PM on August 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
paulsc, marry me.
posted by thinkpiece at 3:07 PM on August 25, 2011
posted by thinkpiece at 3:07 PM on August 25, 2011
Eastwood's Stranger and the dwarf (Mordecai) at the end of High Plains Drifter.
"I never did know your name."
"Oh, yes you do."
posted by elendil71 at 3:10 PM on August 25, 2011
"I never did know your name."
"Oh, yes you do."
posted by elendil71 at 3:10 PM on August 25, 2011
"paulsc, marry me."
posted by thinkpiece at 6:07 PM on August 25
/blushes, big time.
I probably ain't been that good a boy, lately.
posted by paulsc at 3:49 PM on August 25, 2011
posted by thinkpiece at 6:07 PM on August 25
/blushes, big time.
I probably ain't been that good a boy, lately.
posted by paulsc at 3:49 PM on August 25, 2011
Jude Law's robot in A.I. as he's being hauled away to (presumably) be decommissioned:
Remember me. I am. I was.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:05 PM on August 25, 2011
Remember me. I am. I was.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:05 PM on August 25, 2011
Response by poster: Wow, thank you, hive mind! This is enormously helpful. My compilation is done now, but I'll always have this thread.
posted by nerdfish at 5:02 AM on August 26, 2011
posted by nerdfish at 5:02 AM on August 26, 2011
My compilation is done now, but I'll always have this thread.
And we'll always have Paris.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:01 AM on August 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
And we'll always have Paris.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:01 AM on August 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh oh oh!
I found the closing "goodbye" scene from the film Fandango here on Youtube!
(All you need to know -- it's 1971, and these five guys are college roommates from the University of Texas off on one last fling before they all go their separate ways. Kevin Costner is the Peter-Pan party guy who plans to skip across the border and dodge the draft in Mexico; Judd Nelson is the geek whom they've talked into loaning them his prize car; and they've just conned a townful of strangers to give Kevin's best buddy a wedding -- to Kevin's ex-girlfriend.
Great little movie, really.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:43 PM on September 7, 2011
I found the closing "goodbye" scene from the film Fandango here on Youtube!
(All you need to know -- it's 1971, and these five guys are college roommates from the University of Texas off on one last fling before they all go their separate ways. Kevin Costner is the Peter-Pan party guy who plans to skip across the border and dodge the draft in Mexico; Judd Nelson is the geek whom they've talked into loaning them his prize car; and they've just conned a townful of strangers to give Kevin's best buddy a wedding -- to Kevin's ex-girlfriend.
Great little movie, really.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:43 PM on September 7, 2011
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