‘First & Final Frames’ of Films Supercut

Seeing a film’s first and last shots side by side can be an illuminating experience, highlighting hidden themes or revealing whether or not a character grows over the course of 90+ minutes. Video editor Jacob T. Swinney juxtaposed 55 opening and closing movie shots — from classics like The Searchers and Dr. Strangelove to recent hits like Birdman and Whiplash — that are intentionally similar or contrasting:

MUSIC: “Any Other Name” by Thomas Newman.

“What can we learn by examining only the first and final shot of a film? This video plays the opening and closing shots of 55 films side-by-side. Some of the opening shots are strikingly similar to the final shots, while others are vastly different–both serving a purpose in communicating various themes. Some show progress, some show decline, and some are simply impactful images used to begin and end a film.” ~ Jacob T. Swinney

Her (00:27)