MovieChat Forums > Sometimes a Great Notion (1972) Discussion > One of the most gut wrenching death scen...

One of the most gut wrenching death scenes ever filmed [SPOILERS]

posted 14 years ago by incognitoami
26 replies | jump to latest

Richard Jaeckel's death is just difficult to watch. Such a likable fellow and the whole time he is trapped by the log you just know it is coming. Paul Newman is just one of those guys in the business that understood drama and how to make it work. The movie is slow but builds to one of the most intensely dramatic climaxes. This film is terribly underrated. I've seen Jaeckel in many numerous character actor roles before and I mostly remember him from Starman but this has to be his most memorable performance. Henry Fonda's death was pretty intense as well but Jaeckel's is the one that really ripped my guts out.

[–] Studman_Productions 10 years ago

yes, gut wrenching indeed!

[–] knight-in-black-leather 9 years ago

I completely agree with the OP. That scene is always difficult to watch.

This is a faithful saying...Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

[–] dt123 8 years ago

Definitely at the top of the most harrowing scenes I have ever seen. It has stuck with me for 45 years, as I saw this movie when it came out. Each time I've seen it (today was the 3rd or 4th), I have the same reaction. I totally know what's going to happen, but still I squirm and jump out of my seat and pace and sob. It's so perfectly done and so real and so terribly awful to witness. Over the years, I've seen the movie in the listings, I've avoided re-watching bc the scene is so hard to take.

What struck me in today's viewing was how silent the forest was all around them. The brothers seemed so small and insignificant, and I had the thought that the forest sees death every day, and this was just one more. That was a depressing thought!

----
"Don't make me kill you again."

[–] masterjedi-2 8 years ago

This was on last night and just happened to be on that very scene. I had seen this all before (years ago), but it still punches me in the gut every time. I watched it again while gripping the couch.

I sat through the scene and analyzed it, trying to see if there was a way to save him and it was hopeless. Both performances by the actors were excellent.

Drowning is terrible, but I guess there are worse ways to die. Fire comes to mind.

[–] FEL123_2000 8 years ago

I liked that he was able to maintain a sense of humor through it all.