The genre of the supercut is at its best when it uses its format to reveal moments you might not otherwise notice. First And Final Frames by filmmaker Jacob T. Swinney is one of these superlative supercuts, taking the viewer on a meditative journey of the opening and closing shots of 55 films, from classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey to newer indie fare like Frank.
It’s an interesting little study in visual poetry in filmmaking, not to mention storytelling, where first impressions and a striking, satisfying finish are often more important (and compensate for) any flaws in the middle. Some of the films open and close with nearly identical shots–though not as many as you might think–while others are content with repeating visual themes in different contexts, or settling on separate shots altogether. A full list of films included in this supercut along with their timestamps is available on the video’s Vimeo page.
[via Laughing Squid]
First and Final Frames from Jacob T. Swinney on Vimeo.