Here there be whump

Commission by littleaccomplice for spintwinwb.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER (2021) - 1.05 • “Truth”

Apologies for the poor gif quality but I have thoughts and need to talk about this scene (when will I ever not). So this was definitely not the take they used in the final cut but I sure do wish it was. Two major things of note…

(1) In this take, Bucky’s eyes are closed when he reaches out and grabs the guy. I love this because it shows his complete control over the situation, which is perfectly in character for the Winter Soldier. As if he has so much confidence in his abilities and so much awareness of everything going on that he doesn’t even feel the need to look around and visibly be on guard. As if he knows he’s the only real threat in the whole room. You can also choose to read the closed eyes as Bucky’s resignation over what’s about to happen. He’s tried so hard for so long to keep the Soldier in check and now he’s about to throw all of that away.

(2) Unlike the final cut where the guy fully puts his hand on Zemo’s shoulder and there’s a bit of a pause before Bucky reaches out and grabs him, in this take he barely lays a finger on Zemo before Bucky immediately snatches his hand off. His eyes are still closed at this point too, proving that he was fully aware of his surroundings without looking, and that even in this weird game of pretend they’re playing, his awareness also extends to Zemo as well. It makes me wonder how often the Winter Soldier may have played the role of bodyguard for previous handlers because it absolutely seems like second nature here.