Sir, he's dead already

[RobertScorpio]

I have heard complaints in the past that Shatner under-peformed the death scene with Spock. That he didn't 'do enough' in the scene. He's usually a man of many words, and he should have said more to Spock in those final moments.

I have always felt SHATNER got it right. Of all the times he should have been at a loss for words would have been when his best friend, Spock, died. I think showing Kirk in virtual shock, and unable to really say anything more than what he did, was a great twist. I saw Shatner at a convention in LA way back in 1992 (during which an earthquake after shock struck as he stood under a large light fixture) and he said pretty much what I just said.

So, I think Spock's death scene, and the following eulogy, are two of Star Trek's greatest moments.

SCORPIO!

 

[Basill]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

 

[Zeppster]

The entire scene was perfectly done. They had to fight to keep Kirk from getting in there, that showed he was willing to kill himself to get to his best friend. Then when it was evident that he couldn't do that he showed the exact emotions the crowd was probably going through. If your best friend or a close relative is dying you aren't saying too much. Nimoy also nailed it. Anyone doubting the acting abilities of Shatner and Nimoy just need to watch that scene. It's a perfect Trek scene.

 

[Jon1701]

Simply an amazing scene.

I've watched that movie over a hundred times and I still well up every time. Whatever other issues anyone may have with the tone or style of that movie - that scene is fantastic.

It doesn't need any more words. The look of shock and the sense of loss on Shatners face as the camera pulls back says more than a thousand words would.

Just brilliant.

 

[Kegek]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

Indeed. I think he hit the right notes; as did Nimoy. The Wrath of Khan has some of Shatner's best acting as James T. Kirk.

 

[RobertScorpio]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

Indeed. I think he hit the right notes; as did Nimoy. The Wrath of Khan has some of Shatner's best acting as James T. Kirk.

I agree..I think you could argue, even though they had four more movies to go, Khan was the zenith of the TOS's movie era.

 

[Shieldsdown]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

Indeed. I think he hit the right notes; as did Nimoy. The Wrath of Khan has some of Shatner's best acting as James T. Kirk.

I agree..I think you could argue, even though they had four more movies to go, Khan was the zenith of the TOS's movie era.

I agree, though I found a lot to love in 3,4 (even 5) and 6!

Regards

 

[Kegek]

Well, I'd hold 2 and 6 about equal, and 1 as better than either. But that's as films, not Shatner's performances - Shatner is often appalling in 1. 2 is definitely his best outing, in my view, though he's also very good in 3 and 6.

 

[EliyahuQeoni]

I can't even imagine someone complaining about Shatner's performance in that scene. I've often held it up as an example of how good an actor he is capable of being.

 

[Mysterion]

It's a great scene, and it totally pisses me off that spent most of the next movie undermining its dramatic impact by bringing Spok back to life.

 

[Nerys Myk]

There are some bits by Nimoy in that scene that hit the wrong note for me. I've even laughed at a few of them.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I have heard complaints in the past that Shatner under-peformed the death scene with Spock. That he didn't 'do enough' in the scene.

Not that I recall.

 

[JoeZhang]

just rewatching it... I must have something in my eye...

 

[IrritatingGameOfChess]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

Indeed. I think he hit the right notes; as did Nimoy. The Wrath of Khan has some of Shatner's best acting as James T. Kirk.

I agree. Kirk came across as a really believable human being in that movie and it was largely down to Shatner. Okay, we have "KHAAAAAN!" which is over-the-top (I still loved it though) but when scenes called for Kirk to be vulnerable and show real emotion, he delivered! :thumbsup:

 

[Emperor-Tiberius]

Spock's deat scene and funeral are the best acted scenes in the entire Star Trek canon. And that includes everything.

But then again, Spock's death IS the best death scene in this franchise, no?

Shatner, btw, does a great job. He's moving, without being OTT. And the final words of him are of perfect delivery. "Young... I feel, young!"

 

[137th Gebirg]

Personally, I'm thinking Shatner's reaction-acting to hearing of the death of his son in STIII was just as well done as the Spock scene. IIRC, I remember reading something where the falling down off-the-chair bit was an ad-lib by Shatner. Nimoy saw the value in it and allowed the cameras to continue to roll. Maybe it was in the commentary. Can't remember.

 

[SeanMcC]

I also loved how he slumped down opposite Spock, and he this look of pure shock on his face.

I loved the father-son scene with David too, so much restraint in that scene, you almost knew what they wanted to say, but were too afraid to say it.

And at the end, his voice cracking with emotion as he says, 'Young... I feel young.'. Beautiful.

In III, no-one but Shatner knows if he intended to stumble back and fall on the floor or if he intended to fall back into his chair. Powerful scene.

 

[James Bond]

I totally agree. Some of his best and Trek's best stuff ever. Who in their right mind would accuse Shatner of "under performing?"

Never underestimate the average Star Trek fan's ability to find something to bitch about.

 

[Jack Bauer]

I always thought that Shatner's best performance was in TWOK.

 

[cultcross]

I always thought that Shatner's best performance was in TWOK.

I agree - Shatner was given a wide range of emotions to play in the film, from nostalgia, and age weariness, to being unexpectedly a father, to facing the vengeance of his old enemy, to losing his best friend, and he played them all very believably.
The scene with Spock deserves its fame, it is one of Star Trek's best scenes, and certainly its best death.