Best "Why Me"...

Awards

Film: Dante's Peak

Scene: Paul's Demise

The vulcanologist who bravely wishes to stay and watch "The Show" finally realizes that it's time to leave town. He follows some military Hum-Vee's over a bridge that is in the process of being washed out by an overflowing river due to a collapsing dam. Tons of debris and a runaway house float towards the bridge. Naturally, all three vehicles are on the bridge attempting to cross just as the wreckage collides with the bridge, causing it to break free and begin buckling. The Hum-Vee's escape due to their extraordinary off-road handling prowess, but the van is trapped. Paul climbs out of the van, finally listening to the screaming advice of his friends, and makes a feeble attempt to climb off of the bridge. His attempts are futile. He then exclaims with his facial gestures "Why Me???" as the bridge becomes a catapult and vertically throws his body down the river like a rag doll. Here are some other points of interest:

Notice that the van actually makes it to the edge of the bridge as it's front tires dangle over the side. At this point the bridge is only about 10 feet from the ground. This would be a simple distance to jump from and safely make it to shore. Instead, Paul foolishly spins the rear tires instead of getting out and jumping, and signs his own death warrant.
Look very closely at his face as he finally realizes that his destruction is imminent. He glances at his friends with sorrowful eyes, then glances at the sky. His hands are gripping the rail, almost pointing skyward.
Also note that his body stays affixed to a single spot on the bridge as it catapults. There are no signs of a struggle, or signs that his body is slipping off. The rapid acceleration and arc movement of the bridge emphasize that he has become nothing more than a projectile.