We all know them.
We have all seen them.
We all want them.
The 10 Most Famous Kisses!
# 5: The Breakfast at Tiffany's Kiss
Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's. Year: 1961. Director: Blake Edwards. Writers: Truman Capote (novelist) and George Axelrod (screenplay). Stars: Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.
Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard searching for love in the big town but sharing only part of their lives until they find the deep warm moment of truth - an everlasting romance. Theirs’ was a love strong enough to overcome the obstacles of the concrete jungle of New York City. And if it weren't for this epic production, romance as we know it would have had a whole different meaning. The only upsetting image is the crushing of poor "cat" and if animal rights activists were as preeminent then as they are today, the scene would have never made it into the film.
# 4: Spider Man - The Upside-Down Kiss
I wonder how many adolescent boys, and even grown-up men, secretly dream of being Spider Man? To be able to swing through the towering skyscrappers of New York City and fight evil is a dream come true. But the film adaptation of this fiction Marvel comics superhero has left the female population daydreaming as well. The upside-down kiss between Spider Man and Mary Jane, played by Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, is one of the most impressive kisses of our generation. I guess there is a certain undeniable allure in the exceptional positioning, resulting in Mary Jane's upper lip kissing Spider Man's bottom lip and vice versa. What is more, the stormy scene and wet clothing certainly help create a lasting visual. Ladies, it is time for us to visit NYC and us find our own Spider Man.
# 3: Sleeping Beauty - The Kiss of Awakening
Plot line: The beautiful Princess Aurora is cursed by her fairy godmother to an eternal sleep, awakened only by one's true love kiss. A classical fairytale involving an angelic princess, a ghastly enchantment and a handsome prince with typical white-horse-rescue-maneuvers.
An unforgettable fairy tale. A timeless romance. And an iconic kiss.
Only if this were entirely true: The original version by Charles Perrault (1967) narrates of a prince less charming, who before leaving the princesses bedside rapes her (!) I bet you didn't hear that musty old version of a fairytale? Luckily, the modern version of the tale has been altered to the prince keeping his hands off the vulnerable princess. Argh, how romantic! And to make the fairytale even more child-friendly the curse upon Princess Aurora has been reduced from a death-sleep to a deep-sleep. Kids don't worry the beautiful Princess is not dead, just in coma. Nonetheless, the Sleeping Beauty kiss remains one of the most iconic kisses of all time.
# 2: The Time Square Kiss (V-J Day) - The Kiss of Freedom
The date is August 14, 1945 and the clock has just struck seven. President Truman is announcing the victorious end of the war on Japan, when photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt captures a spontaneous celebration: 'a white-clad girl clutches her purse and skirt as an uninhibited sailor plants his lips squarely on hers.' At first sight, the photograph appears to portray two long-lost lovers reconciling, or possibly a heartbreaking kiss goodbye. But in reality, photographer Eisenstaedt describes the picture as a mere coincidence:
In Times Square on V.J. Day I saw a sailor running along the street grabbing any and every girl in sight. Whether she was a grandmother, stout, thin, old, didn't make a difference. I was running ahead of him with my Leica looking back over my shoulder but none of the pictures that were possible pleased me. Then suddenly, in a flash, I saw something white being grabbed. I turned around and clicked the moment the sailor kissed the nurse. If she had been dressed in a dark dress I would never have taken the picture. If the sailor had worn a white uniform, the same. I took exactly four pictures. It was done within a few seconds.
Unfortunately, the seismic change in Times Square prevented Eisenstaedt from jotting down the names and details of the 'couple' involved. Their identity is still a mystery today. Although several people have later come forward claiming to be the subjects of photo, it is hard to determine from the half-hidden faces if any of the claims are genuine. Anyone recognise a grandparent? More importantly the V-J Day kiss remains iconic to this day as it symbolises the kiss of freedom.
Any guesses as to what number one will be? =]
To be continued...
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