Elevators in Movies and TV: From Horror to Comedy, a Versatile Setting for Memorable Scenes

Elevators have been a popular setting for some of the most memorable scenes in movies and TV shows. From tense confrontations to comedic moments, elevators offer a contained space that can heighten drama or create unexpected situations.

One of the most iconic elevator scenes in movie history comes from the 1980 horror classic “The Shining.” In the film, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) becomes increasingly unstable during his stay at the isolated Overlook Hotel. In one scene, he enters an empty elevator and is confronted with a terrifying vision of blood pouring out from its doors as it ascends to different floors. The scene has become synonymous with horror films and is often referenced in pop culture.

Another notable elevator scene is from Martin Scorsese’s 1990 crime thriller “Goodfellas.” The film follows Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) as he rises through the ranks of organized crime. In one memorable sequence, Henry takes his mistress Karen (played by Lorraine Bracco) on a date to the Copacabana nightclub. As they enter through the back entrance, they are led onto an elevator which takes them directly onto the stage where they are greeted with applause from patrons and performers alike. The scene is shot in one continuous take and showcases Scorsese’s masterful directing style.

Comedy also thrives in elevator scenes. One example comes from NBC’s hit sitcom “Seinfeld.” In season four’s episode titled “The Contest,” Jerry Seinfeld (playing himself) finds himself trapped in an elevator with George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). As tensions rise between them due to their ongoing competition to see who can abstain from masturbation for the longest period of time, Jerry attempts to break up their argument only for them all to end up losing control of their urges just before being rescued.

Another comedic elevator scene comes from the 2013 film “The Heat,” starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy as two mismatched law enforcement officers. In one scene, they enter an elevator with a group of suspects they are transporting. As the elevator ascends, tension builds between the officers and their prisoners until it erupts into a brawl. The scene is filled with slapstick comedy as the characters flail and fight in the confined space.

Elevators can also be used to create suspenseful situations. In season two of AMC’s hit show “Breaking Bad,” protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston) finds himself trapped in an elevator with drug kingpin Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). The scene plays out like a tense standoff as both men stare each other down while waiting for rescue.

Similarly, elevators have been used to heighten action sequences in movies such as 1994’s “Speed” starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. In the film, Reeves plays a Los Angeles SWAT officer tasked with stopping a bus rigged with explosives that will detonate if it drops below 50 mph. During one intense moment, Reeves jumps from the speeding bus onto an adjacent building before rappelling down to catch an elevator that is ascending towards him.

Elevator scenes can also serve important plot points in TV shows such as Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things.” In season three’s episode titled “The Sauna Test,” several characters find themselves trapped in an underground Russian facility where they must navigate through multiple layers of security systems including various elevators to escape.

In conclusion, elevators have proven to be versatile settings for some of the most memorable moments in movies and TV shows alike. From horror films to comedies and action-packed thrillers, these contained spaces offer filmmakers unique opportunities to heighten drama or create unexpected situations. These famous scenes continue to resonate with audiences long after their initial release and serve as a testament to the power of elevators in storytelling.