Film Language Tag: beat, action
An action beat is more psychological than physical as a punctuation mark, for example, discoveries of information or decisions being made.
Accessory to Murder, Menace II Society
Caine (Tyrin Turner) and O-Dog (Larenz Tate) shop at a liquor store, but tensions rise when they're followed by the employees
Adelaide Confronts Red, Us
Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o) confronts Red (Lupita Nyong'o) who has captured her son, Jason Wilson (Evan Alex). As Adelaide creeps up behind Red, weapon in hand, Red begins a monologue about her life as a tethered. The monologue is overlayed with images of Adelaide and Red as young girls. The twist that Adelaide was originally a tethered is revealed.
Adult Magazines Come to Life, My Own Private Idaho
Scott (Keanu Reeves) and Mike (River Phoenix) appear on the covers of gay adult magazines, where they begin speaking to each other, and other magazine covers in an adult video shop
Avalyn and Brian Discover Dead Deer , Mysterious Skin
After meeting to discuss shared memories of alien abduction and violation, Brian (Brady Corbet) and Avalyn (Mary Lynn Rajskub) encounter a dead deer she says was experimented on by aliens and then left in the field near her home. When she presses Brian to insert his hand into an incision in the body, he experiences flashbacks of past alien abduction and violation -- with a young Neil (Chase Ellison) appearing in them alongside his own past self (George Webster)
Bernadine Gets Revenge , Waiting to Exhale
After her husband leaves her, Bernadine (Angela Bassett) gets rid of all of his things.
Bessie's Breakthrough, Bessie
Bessie (Queen Latifah) makes her breakthrough performance, overshadowing Ma Rainey (Mo'Nique) during a show. This causes a fight between the two and Bessie leaves to start her own act.
Billie Witnesses a Lynching , Lady Sings the Blues
While on a tour of the South, Billie (Diana Ross) witnesses the lynching of a Black man.
Blaylock's Demise, The Hunger
Sarah (Susan Sarandon) kills her boyfriend Tom (Cliff De Young), and Miriam (Catherine Denueve) comforts her.
Boyeur Gets Acquainted with Mavis Norton, Island in the Sun
David Boyeur (Harry Belafonte) meets Mavis Norton (Joan Fontaine) at a large party attended by much of the island’s political elite.
Brawl Breaks Out in Sal's, Do the Right Thing
(TW: use of the n-word) Sal (Danny Aiello) smashes Radio Raheem’s (Bill Nunn) boombox, starting a fight between his family and the residents of the neighborhood that spills out onto the street
Buddy Deeds Ain't On Board, Lone Star
Mayor Hollins (Clifton James) tells the story of when Sheriff Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson) tried to get Buddy Deeds (Matthew McConaughey) into his business.
Buggin' Out Confronts a Celtics Fan, Do the Right Thing
Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito) confronts a white man who bumps him and scuffs up his sneakers
Buggin' Out Tries to Start a Boycott, Do the Right Thing
Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito) tries to recruit people to join him in boycotting Sal’s but is unsuccessful and is made fun of
Captive, Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown (Pam Grier) wakes up in "The Cabin" after being drugged and kidnapped by the gang of white drug dealers who killed her boyfriend (Terry Carter).
Celie Leaves Albert, The Color Purple
Celie (Whoopi Goldberg) has her last dinner with the family and tells Albert (Danny Glover) she's going with Shug to Memphis.
Claire and Zack Say Goodbye, Making Love
A few years in the future, ex-husband and wife Zack (Michael Ontkean) and Claire (Kate Jackson) catch up with each other after the death of their mutual friend.
Cleaning for Cop 663, Chungking Express
Faye (Faye Wong) continually enters the police officer's (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) to clean it.
Closing Sequence, The Hunger
While a detective (Dan Hedaya) finds Miriam's home empty, Sarah (Susan Sarandon) survives and now lives in London.
Closing Sequence, The Living End
Luke (Mike Dytri) knocks out Jon (Craig Gilmore) and takes him to the beach
Closing Sequence, Maria Full of Grace
Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno) and Blanca (Yenny Paola Vega) are ready to boars the plane back to Colombia when Maria decides to stay in the US.
Cochise and Preach Are Arrested, Cooley High
Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Preach (Glynn Turman) are arrested for grand theft auto, but are bailed out by Mr. Mason (Garrett Morris)
Coffy's Revenge, Coffy
After escaping, Coffy (Pam Grier) pays a visit to Howard (Booker Bradshaw).
Copee Seeks Revenge, The Landlord
Fanny's boyfriend, Copee (Louis Gossett Jr.), tries to kill Elgar (Beau Bridges), the white landlord who got Fanny pregnant.
Cross-dressing, Bessie
Bessie (Queen Latifah) travels the country with her mentor, Ma Rainey (Mo'Nique). After Bessie's first performance, Ma Rainey performs, cross-dressed as a man
Daisy Blackmails Tank, Uptight
Clarence “Daisy” (Roscoe Lee Browne) attempts to blackmail Tank (Julian Mayfield) into helping to find Johnny (Max Julien)
Denis Archer and Margot Seaton Discuss Their Future, Island in the Sun
Denis Archer (John Justin) and Margot Seaton (Dorothy Dandridge) discuss their relationship and plans for the future.
Denis Archer and Margot Seaton Get To Know Each Other, Island in the Sun
Denis Archer (John Justin) and Margot Seaton (Dorothy Dandridge) get to know each other, and Archer professes his love for her.
Elgar and Fanny Kiss, The Landlord
After attending a party in the building, Elgar (Beau Bridges) returns to Fanny's (Diana Sands) apartment while her boyfriend is in prison. The two share a moment and kiss.
Emasculation, Foxy Brown
Foxy (Pam Grier) and a prostitute owned by the gang (Juanita Brown) are sent to seduce a judge so he'll change a court ruling, but they have other plans.
Ending Sequence, Cry, the Beloved Country
James Jarvis (Charles Carson) runs into Reverend Kumalo (Canada Lee) after Kumalo's son was convicted of killing Jarvis's.
Ending Sequence, Memoirs of a Geisha
After returning to Kyoto, Sayuri (Ziyi Zhang) reunites with her lifelong love, the chairman (Ken Watanabe), who finally admits his affections
Ending Sequence, Bessie
After the Great Depression stunted her career, Bessie (Queen Latifah) begins to perform again. She meets producer John Hammond (Bryan Greenberg), who helps reinvigorate her career. Amidst new success, Bessie reflects on her life
F Everything, The Living End
After a night together, Jon (Craig Gilmore) and Luke (Mike Dytri) talk about the future
Family Secrets, Crazy Rich Asians
At a wedding reception, Nick’s (Henry Golding) mother (Michelle Yeoh) and grandmother (Lisa Lu) accuse Rachel (Constance Wu) of lying about her family background. Rachel denies the allegations and flees the reception while Nick chases after her.
Fantasy Reunion Sequence, Longtime Companion
Fuzzy (Stephen Caffrey), Willy (Campbell Scott), and Lisa (Mary-Louise Parker) walk along the beach and discuss their lives before AIDS. A dream sequence occurs where they reunite with their old friends who died from AIDS.
Fetishization, Soul Man
Mark (C. Thomas Howell) gets dinner with the Dunbar family, who each stereotype him in a different wa
Final Battle, Perfect Blue
Mima is confronted by her roommate Rumi, who has adopted Mima's pop idol persona and seeks to kill and replace her.
Final Confrontation, Foxy Brown
With the help of the Neighborhood Black Task Force, Foxy Brown (Pam Grier) gets her revenge on her brother's killers.
First Kill, Cruising
The killer takes an unsuspecting victim back to a motel.
Friend of Lucy's, Maria Full of Grace
Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno) goes to Lucy's (Guilied Lopez) sister Carla's (Patricia Rae) apartment in New York City, and lies about her friendship with Lucy.
Gimme My Money, Menace II Society
Caine (Tyrin Turner) witnesses the lifestyle that his parents have chosen.
House of Anubis Commercial Break Sequence , House of Anubis: The Touchstone of Ra
Nina Martin( Nathalia Ramos) and Fabian Rutler (Brad Kavanagh ) hide from Victor (Francis Magee). The pair are almost caught sneaking around after bedtime which they are not allowed to do. The pair were looking for the next puzzle piece to uncover the secrets of the house they live in, House of Anubis.
I Want You to Hit Me, Fight Club
Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) encourages The Narrator (Edward Norton) to stay over at his place. Once that's settled he asks him to hit him. The Narrator then gives us a backstory for Durden. It flashes back to the present and The Narrator hits Durden, starting the first fight of the movie and the beginning of fight club.
I'm a Soul Man, Soul Man
Mark (C. Thomas Howell) and his friend Gordon (Arye Gross) make their way to their home for the next four years: Harvard Law School
It All Comes Out, Lone Star
Otis (Ron Canada) and Mayor Hollis (Clifton James) come clean to Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) about what happened to Sheriff Wade (Kris Kristofferson).
Jack Visits, Brokeback Mountain
Four years later, Jack (Jake Gyllenhall) visits Ennis (Heath Ledger) at home in Wyoming. Ennis' wife Alma (Michelle Williams) witnesses their reunion.
Jake Meets the Clan, Avatar
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is taken captive by the Na'vi, including Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). The clan leader Eytukan (Wes Studi) and the spiritual leader Mo'at (CCH Pounder) decide that Jake will be taught their ways.
Janet Sings "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-Me", The Rocky Horror Picture Show
After witnessing Brad (Barry Bostwick) being intimate with Dr. Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry), Janet (Susan Sarandon) seduces Rocky (Peter Hinwood) by singing "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me."
Jo Peeks at Micah's Laptop While He Showers, Medicine for Melancholy
After Micah (Wyatt Cenac) brings her a drink, Jo (Tracey Heggins) pushes him to shower before climbing into bed. While he showers in the next room, she opens his laptop and peruses his social media history before going back to bed herself.
Job Interview, Maria Full of Grace
Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno) is interviewed by Javier (Jaime Osorio Gómez) to be hired as drug mule.
Joseph Gifts Beneatha Nigerian Clothing, A Raisin in the Sun
Beneatha's (Diana Sands) Nigerian classmate, Joseph (Ivan Dixon), gifts her traditional Nigerian clothing as a token of his affection
Knows Inside, Tea and Sympathy
Laura (Deborah Kerr) finds Tom (John Kerr) by the golf course and comforts him.
Left for Dead, Coffy
Howard (Booker Bradshaw) gets called to Vitroni's (Allan Arbus) place after Coffy's (Pam Grier) assassination attempt.
Lena Receives the Check, A Raisin in the Sun
Matriarch Lena (Claudia McNeil) finally receives their family's life insurance check for $10,000. Her son, Walter (Sidney Poitier), returns home to see the check, wanting to use the money to open a liquor store.
Little League Coach Abuses Neil, Mysterious Skin
Recollecting a past trauma, Neil (Joseph Gordon-Levitt voicing, played by Chase Ellison in childhood flashback) recalls a time when, after a game, his little league coach (Bill Sage) flatters, plays with, and finally sexually abuses him.
Locker Room Discovery, Half Nelson
Dan (Ryan Gosling) is discovered by his student Drey (Shareeka Epps) in the women's locker room.
Losing Hope, Minari
Monica (Han Yeri) helps wash her husband's (Steven Yeun) hair as he promises he'll provide for their family
McCord's Sacrifice, The Red Ball Express
The Red Ball Express stops as the road ahead is riddled with mines. As the Lieutenant (Jeff Chandler) prepares to cross first, Private McCord (Davis Roberts) makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Michael Attempts Suicide, An Early Frost
Despairing at his prognosis, Michael Pierson (Aidan Quinn) attempts in his parents' garage. His father, Nick (Ben Gazzara) discovers and stops him; after a brief interjection from Katherine, Nick's mother (Gena Rowlands) the two have a lengthy confrontation.
Michael Suffers a Seizure, An Early Frost
Following a recent diagnosis with AIDS, Michael experiences a seizure. His parents wake up and rush to help him, calling an ambulance which swiftly arrives.
Mike Confesses His Love to Scott, My Own Private Idaho
Mike (River Phoenix) admits that he loves Scott (Keanu Reeves) only to have Scott reject him and say that he only sleeps with men for money
Minutes Pass, Years Go By, The Hunger
As John (David Bowie) waits for Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon) to talk to him, he rapidly ages.
Mr. Mason Tries to Motivate Preach, Cooley High
Mr. Mason (Garrett Morris) tries to motivate Preach (Glynn Turman) to apply himself, and also reveals that he’s the the one who got Preach and Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) out of jail.
Nardo is Dead, West Side Story
Maria (Natalie Wood) is told by her fiancé Chino (Jose De Vega) that Bernardo (George Chakiris) was killed by Tony (Richard Beymer).
Neil Recalls Brian’s Abuse by Coach, Mysterious Skin
Neil (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) recalls his own involvement in Brian (Brady Corbet)'s being abused by their Little League coach (Bill Sage) as children (played by Chase Ellison and George Webster respectively).
Office Fight, Fight Club
The Narrator (Edward Norton) blackmails his boss (Zach Grenier). He then punches himself in the face and stages an entire fight against himself in front of the boss. He says it reminds him of his first fight with Tyler Durden. Once he's sufficiently bloodied, the police arrive and assume the boss was responsible.
Opening Sequence, The Witch
William (Ralph Ineson) and his family are banished from their village over a religious disagreement.
Opening Sequence, Making Love
Claire (Kate Jackson) and Bart (Harry Hamlin) deliver monologues about Zack (Michael Ontkean), who was Claire's husband and Bart's lover.
Opening Sequence, The Living End
Jon (Craig Gilmore) gets a diagnosis at the doctor's office
Opening Sequence, Fruitvale Station
Couple Oscar (Michael B. Jordan) and Sophina (Melonie Diaz) discuss their New Year's resolutions. At the Fruitvale BART station, White officers detain Black citizens, and Officer Ingram fires a gunshot.
Oscar Witnesses a Hit-And-Run, Fruitvale Station
Stopping for gas, Oscar (Michael B. Jordan) befriends a stray dog who, moments later, gets injured in a hit-and-run.
Otis Meets Sheriff Wade, Lone Star
Minnie (Beatrice Winde) tells Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) about when a young Otis (Gabriel Cassius) met Sheriff Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson).
Paper Airplane Pleas, Minari
Amidst a tornado watch, Monica (Han Yeri) and Jacob (Steven Yeun) argue over their recent move to rural Arkansas. Their kids attempt to end the fight, to no avail
Personal Reasons, Philadelphia
Andrew Becket (Tom Hanks) explains why he was fired from his job to Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) with hopes that Miller might represent him in court
Police Respond Violently to a Scuffle on the BART, Fruitvale Station
As Oscar (Michael B. Jordan) and his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz) ride the BART back home, Katie (Ahna O'Reilly) recognizes Oscar and calls out his name. While the two catch up, Cale (Joey Oglesby), who Oscar knew in prison, recognizes him and punches him. When the BART stops, police officers Ingram (Chad Michael Murray) and Caruso (Kevin Durand) restrain and harass Oscar, and Ingram shoots him in the back.
Preach and Brenda Discuss Poetry, Cooley High
Preach (Glynn Turman) and Brenda (Cynthia Davis) discuss love poetry at a party, but are interrupted when a fight breaks out
Preach Meets Brenda, Cooley High
Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Preach (Glynn Turman) go to Martha’s, where Preach meets Brenda (Cynthia Davis) and is immediately interested in her.
Rachel and Nick Reconnect, Crazy Rich Asians
Nick (Henry Golding) and Rachel (Constance Wu) spot each other from across the venue where Amarinta (Sonoya Mizuno) is marrying Nick's best friend, Colin. Nick's mother (Michelle Yeoh) and grandmother (Lisa Lu) observe Nick and Rachel's interaction.
Radio Raheem Goes to Sal's, Do the Right Thing
Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) shows off his “Love” and “Hate” rings to Mookie (Spike Lee) before going to Sal’s to order some pizza
Ready to Go, Philadelphia
After speaking his final words to his loved ones in the hospital, Andrew Becket (Tom Hanks) decides that he is ready to die.
Reverend Kumalo Speaks to His Son's Girlfriend, Cry, the Beloved Country
After visiting his son in prison, Reverend Kumalo (Canada Lee) speaks to his son's girlfriend, informing her of his crime
Robinson's Fight and Request to LT, The Red Ball Express
As the Red Ball Express takes a coffee break, a fight breaks out between Corporal Robinson (Sidney Poitier) and a racist soldier. After Lieutenant Campbell (Jeff Chandler) breaks them up, Robinson requests a transfer.
Sarah Turns, The Hunger
Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon) goes to dinner with Tom (Cliff De Young) after a day with Miriam (Catherine Deneuve).
Scott Leaves Italy and Breaks Mike’s Heart, My Own Private Idaho
Scott (Keanu Reeves) tells Mike (River Phoenix) that he’s going back to the United States and that he’s bringing Carmela (Chiara Caselli) because he’s fallen in love with her
Scott Pretends Not to Know Bob, My Own Private Idaho
Scott (Keanu Reeves) pretends not to know Bob (William Richert) after he’s received his father’s inheritance
Sergeant Rutledge Saves the Cavalry, Sergeant Rutledge
Sergeant Rutledge (Woody Strode) gives his testimony to the court about what happened during the ambush.
Sex or Love?, The Living End
Darcy (Darcy Marta) misses her roommate Jon (Craig Gilmore) as he and Luke (Mike Dytri) share a motel room
Sightseeing in Singapore, Crazy Rich Asians
After arriving in Singapore, Rachel (Constance Wu) goes with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), his best friend Colin (Chris Pang) and Colin's fiancée Araminta (Sonoya Mizuno) for a night out ahead of the pair's wedding.
Simon and Wai-Tung Argue About Their Situation, The Wedding Banquet
After showering, Wei-Wei (May Chin) retires to her and Wai-Tung’s (Winston Chao) bedroom, but he leaves and falls asleep in Simon’s (Mitchell Lichtenstein). Simon returns late and Wai-Tung accuses him of having an affair. The next morning, they discover that Wei-Wei is pregnant with Simon's child as Wai-Tung's Taiwanese parents (Lung Sihung, Gua Ah-Le), listen in.
Stalker Attack, Perfect Blue
A strange-looking Mima superfan attempts to rape and murder Mima as per his instructions in emails from "the real Mima."
Sterling's Final Visit , The Silence of the Lambs
Sterling (Jodie Foster) visits Hannibal (Anthony Hopkins) one last time in order to acquire time-sensitive information
Steve Meets the Killer, Cruising
Steve (Al Pacino) has a face-off with the alleged killer (Richard Cox)
Supposed to Be His Friend, Edge of the City
Axel (John Cassavetes), before fleeing the city, visits Lucy (Ruby Dee), who demands to know how her husband Tommy (Sidney Poitier) died.
Tank Begs for a Job, Uptight
Tank (Julian Mayfield) visits B.G. (Raymond St. Jacques) and Jeannie (Janet MacLachlan) and asks to be hired as a bodyguard
Tank Goes to Johnny's Wake, Uptight
Tank (Julian Mayfield) drunkenly walks into Johnny’s (Max Julien) wake, arousing suspicion from those there that he was the informant.
The Apes' Forest, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Malcolm (Jason Clarke) ventures into the Apes'forest to seek an agreement about the dam.
The Bidding, Memoirs of a Geisha
Following Sayuri's (Ziyi Zhang) mizuage, Mameha (Michelle Yeoh) reveals the bidding price on Sayuri's virginity, shocking the geisha house
The Candyman Faces off With Police, Candyman
As Anthony's (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) girlfriend Bri (Teyonah Parris) attempts to fight the Candyman, she realizes the two are linked. If the Candyman is harmed, so is Chris. She cradles his body on the floor. When the police arrive at the scene, they ask no questions and shoot Anthony dead while arresting his girlfriend. Trapped in the police car, the girlfriend summons the Candyman so that she can escape and be freed.
The Color of His Skin, Soul Man
Gordon (Arye Gross) defends his friend (C. Thomas Howell) in Harvard Court and asks that Professor Banks (James Earl Jones) and the jury have mercy on Mark
The Death of Johnny Boz, Basic Instinct
A mystery woman has sex with rockstar Johnny Boz (Bill Cable), in which she murders him.
The First Rule of Fight Club, Fight Club
Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) lays out the rules for Fight Club decided on by him and The Narrator (Edward Norton). This includes the well-known line, "You do not talk about Fight Club." The first fight begins, which includes someone from The Narrator's office. We flash forward to the following days where The Narrator explains that Fight Club only exists when you're in it—that in the outside world, it is not acknowledged. We see him and various other injured people go about their daily lives without talking about it.
The Improvement Association, A Raisin in the Sun
While the Youngers move into their house in Clybourne Park, Lindner (John Fiedler) from the neighborhood Improvement Association stops by, offering the family money to leave the neighborhood.
The Mole Metaphor, The Landlord
At a party in his building, landlord Elgar (Beau Bridges) hears from several partygoers how being Black in America has changed over time.
The Murder of Paul Allen, American Psycho
Patrick (Christian Bale) hosts Paul Allen (Jared Leto) at his home and plays 'Hip To Be Square' by Huey Lewis and the News while preparing for murder.
The Weddings, Flower Drum Song
About to marry Sammy Fong (Jack Soo), Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) objects, resulting in her marriage to Wang Ta (James Shigeta) and Fong's marriage to Linda Low (Nancy Kwan).
The World Is Ours, The Living End
Jon (Craig Gilmore) contemplates going home while Luke (Mike Dytri) tries to get him to keep going
These People Make Me Sick, Philadelphia
Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) makes his stance on homosexuality clear in a bar after the trial.
Vivian and Cay's First Kiss, Desert Hearts
After Silver's engagement party, Cay (Helen Shaver) drives Vivian (Patricia Charbonneau) to see Pyramid Lake. The pair then share their first kiss in the rain.
Walter Rejects Lindner's Offer, A Raisin in the Sun
Lindner (John Fiedler) stops by the Youngers' home in South Side Chicago to close the housing deal. Walter (Sidney Poitier) has a change of heart and rejects Lindner's offer, deciding his family will move into Clybourne Park after all.
What's It Like?, Half Nelson
Drey (Shareeka Epps) asks Dan (Ryan Gosling) about his drug use.
Zack and Bart Kiss for the First Time, Making Love
After going on a dinner date, Zack (Michael Ontkean), who is married to a woman, and Bart (Harry Hamlin) kiss for the first time.
Zack Comes Out to His Wife, Making Love
After having his first sexual experience with a man, Zack (Michael Ontkean) comes out to his wife, Claire (Kate Jackson), as gay.
