Most poignant scene?

There are so many powerful scenes in this film - Jack Lemmon's monalogue, Julianne Moore owning up to her infidelity, Chris Penn finally losing the plot etc..

But for me two scenes make this film:

1. Fred Ward's confession to his wife. This is one of the most spellbinding scenes I've ever witnessed. In the ultra-masculine environment of the fishing trip, the Ward character is able to block out any feeling of moral responsibility towards the dead girl. The other two fishermen are unwilling to confront the situation, either through genuine (terrifying) indifference or because they're afraid that compassion will be seen as sign of weakness, and Ward, outvoted, is forced to set aside his scruples to keep his own masculine image intact. He bottles up his emotions for the rest of the trip, but can't help finally confessing them to his wife, knowing full well how she will respond. Anne Archer's performance in this scene is terrific - those persistent, uncomprehending questions as she struggles with her own sense of empathy before realizing exactly what her husband has done. This scene is so powerful because it is so totally believable - Ward, a stolid, unimaginative but by no means amoral character falls under the spell of human indifference, until his wife sets him free. One person's conformism allows a body to lie undetected for three days - amplify this among many and you have the brutal regimes that have marred human history - his behaviour is utterly terrifying because it is so believable.

2. The other scene that does it for me is when the Finnigans confront the baker. Yes, Andie MacDowell isn't the best of actors, but her intent stare and manic smile in this scene make it convincing enough. What is so extraordinary here is Lyle Lovett's reaction: in a few mesmerized moments his feelings of hostility towards the Finnigans turn into intense sympathy and even protectiveness, as he softly calls out 'Wait. Don't go". The way he has behaved is grotesque to the viewer because we know what has happened to Casey. If Casey had never been hit, we would find his menacing phone calls extreme, but also vaguely sympathetic. This scene provides complete resolution to the paradox, instantly transforming him from a monster back into a human being.


For those complaining about the lack of climax in this film - look to these scenes for moments of human connection that are infinitely more moving and credible than any emotionally reductive Hollywood ending.

Which other scenes left a deep impression on you?