It might be the smallest room in the house but there have been some iconic bathroom scenes in the movies. It might not be something you’ve ever really noticed before, but when you see the ones I’ve picked out, I think you’ll be really surprised at some of the blockbuster movies that have featured iconic bathroom scenes.
1. Psycho
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
Arguably the king of iconic bathroom scenes in movies, Janet Leigh’s infamous death scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 masterpiece Psycho did for taking a shower what Jaws did for swimming in the sea! The moment was completely unexpected as killing off a film’s main character so early was almost unheard of. It is testament to Hitchcock’s genius that if you watch the scene back, there really isn’t as much blood and gore as you originally think. A trick for your mind and a nightmare for your dreams!
2. Pretty Woman
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
On to something a little more upbeat, and how could anybody forget Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, one of the most memorable and beloved films of the nineties? One of the film’s most endearing scenes occurs in a big luxurious bubble bath, with Robert’s character Vivian Ward getting a taste of the finer things in life after years of hard struggle on street corners. Throw in a hilariously retro looking stereo Walkman and you have a scene filled with laughter and nostalgia.
3. Trainspotting
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
Danny Boyle’s 1996 British cult classic Trainspotting includes one of the strangest and most iconic bathroom scenes of all time. Depicting the bleak heroin culture of Edinburgh in the late eighties, the scene in question involves Ewan McGregor’s character Mark Renton's surreal, metaphorical journey down a toilet bowl to try to retrieve a lost suppository. Glamorous indeed! The scene may sound bizarre but it is certainly one of the most memorable in the entire film.
4. American Beauty
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
American Beauty is arguably one of the best films to have been released in the last twenty years, and it boasts a bathroom scene that has inspired much artwork over time. The movie starring Kevin Spacey is an intelligent and quirky drama about a middle aged man going through something of a mid life crisis, becoming infatuated with a teenage girl played by Mena Suvari. In one particular daydream scene he encounters Suvari in a bath filled with rose petals, and the petals have become a trademark motif for the film.
5. What Lies beneath
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
This horror film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford took everybody by surprise back in 2000 with just how scary it was! Telling the story of a married couple and the memory of a dangerous lurking past, the film has more jumps than you can count on both hands and features a particularly tense bathroom scene with Pfeiffer and an edge of the seat struggle with death. A great film that is often overlooked in the horror and thriller genre, but definitely worth a watch!
6. Scarface
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
Al Pacino is at his very best in Scarface, the 1983 film detailing the rise of fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who makes his fortune and becomes one of the most dangerous drug kingpins in America. The movie is effortlessly cool at times, none more so than in the bathroom scene featuring Tony lounging, cigar in hand, in one of the most luxurious bathtubs you are ever likely to see! The size of a regular person’s bedroom, bubbles galore and with everything he needs within reach, Tony can sit back and bask in the glory of his criminal empire.
7. The Shining
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
Back to the world of horror; bathrooms and nightmare just seem to have a inseparable bond don’t they? Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film based on a novel by horror king Stephen King features a particularly gruesome bathroom scene with Jack Nicholson and the less said about it the better! It may be hard to watch but it is iconic none the less, just one of many memorable scenes from the film that will surely go down as one of the greatest ever made.
Did you know so much goes on in movie bathrooms? Do you have any favorite movie bathroom scenes?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are bathroom scenes so memorable in movies?
- Bathroom scenes often reveal characters' vulnerabilities or pivotal plot twists, making them emotionally impactful and memorable.
- What makes a bathroom scene iconic in films?
- A combination of strong acting, dramatic tension, and creative cinematography often turns a bathroom scene into a movie classic.
- Can bathroom scenes influence audience perception of a character?
- Yes, these private moments can deepen our understanding of a character’s personality or struggles.
- Are bathroom scenes usually symbolic in movies?
- Often they symbolize cleansing, transformation, or confrontation with inner emotions.
- Which genres use bathroom scenes most effectively?
- Drama and thriller genres frequently use bathroom scenes for emotional intensity or suspense.
- How do bathroom scenes contribute to storytelling?
- They provide intimate settings for crucial dialogue or moments of self-reflection.
- Is it common for bathroom scenes to include humor?
- Absolutely! Comedies often use bathroom mishaps or awkward situations for laughs.
- Do actresses find bathroom scenes challenging to film?
- It can be challenging due to the tight space and emotional depth required, but many see it as a rewarding acting opportunity.
- Can bathroom scenes become cultural references?
- Yes, iconic scenes sometimes become part of pop culture and are widely referenced or parodied.
- Where can I watch some of the most iconic bathroom scenes?
- Streaming platforms and classic movie collections often feature films known for their unforgettable bathroom moments.