Remembering Two Great Scenes of 2012

As I begin my review of 2012 in film (more to come next week), I've decided to begin with a tribute of sorts to two movies that probably won't get much more discussion in my best of lists: Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz and Maiwenn Le Besco's Polisse.  Unlike most of my favorite movies of the year which have numerous great scenes throughout, both of these films have one standout scene that encapsulates the entirety of the film, its themes, and motifs.  Coincidentally, both scenes are very musically based and put their sources to great use. 

In Take This Waltz, Sarah Polley tells the story of Margot (Michelle Williams) who meets Daniel (Andy Kirby) and falls in love.  For Margot though, their love must be hidden as she is married to Lou (Seth Rogen).  In this scene, Margo and Daniel go to the fair and ride the classic "scrambler" ride.  Polley shot the scene with kinetic camera work which is buyoued by the song Video Killed the Radio Star from The Buggles.  In this scene, the camera constantly moves along with the motion of the fair ride.  Michelle Williams' outstanding performance adds emotion depth and shows her character's complex feelings to Daniel and their relationship.  At the beginning she is exuberant but by the time of the middle of the scene she appears melancholy as she realizes that her relationship with Daniel cannot continue as it is.  Nevertheless the two continue to have an outstanding time until the ride jolts to an end and both characters are dropped back into reality.  The scene is wonderfully parralled by the song which notably is about the end of one relationship (radio) and the beginning of another (video).  

Another favorite scene of mine from 2012 comes from Maiwenn's Polisse.  Polisse studies the daily life of a Paris child protection unit as its members daily confront pedophiles and abusers while trying to protect and save the lives of children.  In a beautiful scene in the middle of the movie the whole group who works in the child protection unit goes to a bar after work.  The scene works great in context as it grounds the characters as realistic and in need of reprise after working in a highly stressful and emotionally draining environment.  The scene is set to the song Stand on the Word by the Joubert Singers.