Over the weekend, a Twitter user posed a straightforward question: “What’s the most satisfying defeat of a bad guy in movie history?” As expected, comments poured in with various suggestions.
However, one suggestion has resonated with many, stemming from one of cinema’s most adored and lucrative franchises, The Pirates of the Caribbean.
While there are numerous action-packed and humorous scenes throughout the series, many agree that the downfall of Lord Cutler Beckett, portrayed by Tom Hollander, is among the best.
For those who might not recall, in the third installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the climax centers around a grand confrontation between the East India Trading Company and the surviving pirates.
Beckett, the EITC’s chairman, is overly confident and anticipates an easy victory, only to ultimately be defeated and killed.
Beckett’s ship, the Endeavour, meets its end as it is caught in a crossfire between the Captain Jack Sparrow-led Black Pearl and the William Turner-led Flying Dutchman in a chaotic finale.
Need a refresher? Then take a look:
This scene became iconic for fans due to Beckett’s expression of utter disbelief and shock as he walked through the deck of his ship as it exploded around him.
One Twitter user captured the essence of the scene’s appeal, commenting: “That’s what makes his death satisfying imo. He has the ‘big guns’ & should have the advantage but ultimately his pride is his undoing.”
“He viewed himself as untouchable & always had others do his dirty work for him so when the time came and he has to face actual danger, he freezes.”
Another social media user remarked: “This scene is, up to this day, still one of the best scene in any movie. The sheer amount of VFX needed to make this scene happen is insane.”
And a third added: “God this scene is so well done. The stairs blowing up piece by piece behind him blew my mind seeing this as a kid.”