The Greatest Pens on Screen: Memorable Movie Moments

When you think of iconic movie moments, you probably picture grand action sequences, tear-jerking speeches, or dramatic character arcs. However, there's one unassuming prop that has etched its place in cinematic history – the humble pen. From pivotal plot twists to comedic gags, pens have played a surprising role in some of the most unforgettable scenes in film. Let’s look at the best pen moments in movie history that left their mark on the big screen.

1. "Sell Me This Pen" – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

If you're in sales or marketing, you've probably heard the line, "Sell me this pen." This famous quote comes from the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, the real-life stockbroker who rose from humble beginnings to become a Wall Street mogul – before facing a dramatic fall due to criminal activity. This scene has become legendary in marketing and sales circles, with countless professionals using it to explain the core of selling – making the customer feel that they need what you’re offering.

2. The Pen as a Weapon - The Bourne Identity (2002)

When it comes to action-packed movies, pens don’t typically come to mind as weapons. But in The Bourne Identity, Matt Damon’s character, Jason Bourne, turns a simple ballpoint pen into a deadly tool during a hand-to-hand combat scene. With precision and intensity, Bourne fends off an attacker using just the pen, proving that it can be as effective as any high-tech gadget. This scene not only highlights the creativity in fight choreography but also shows how something as mundane as a pen can become an unexpected lifesaver.

3. "Write it Down" - Liar Liar (1997)

Few comedic scenes involving a pen are as memorable as the one in Liar Liar, where Jim Carrey’s character, Fletcher Reede, struggles to tell a lie due to a magical spell cast by his son. In one hilarious sequence, Fletcher attempts to write that a blue pen is red, but his body refuses to cooperate. The result is an unforgettable scene of physical comedy where Fletcher is hilariously overpowered by the truth. The pen, in this case, is symbolic of his inability to lie, leading to one of the film’s funniest moments.

4. The Power of the Autograph - Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of real-life con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can is filled with clever tricks and near misses. In a key scene, FBI agent Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks) finally corners Frank in France. Instead of attempting another escape, Frank hands over a fountain pen to Carl, requesting his autograph. The pen here is a brilliant touch, symbolizing the cat-and-mouse game coming to an end as Frank acknowledges defeat with a simple yet powerful gesture. This moment underscores the gravity of their long pursuit, all encapsulated in a small, meaningful object.

5. The "Magic Pen" - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, pens are more than just writing tools—they’re life-saving devices. During a scene set inside a zeppelin, Dr. Marcus Brody (played by Denholm Elliott) and Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) are under attack. Henry Sr. uses a fountain pen filled with ink to squirt at their assailant, temporarily blinding him and helping them escape. The comic timing, coupled with the resourceful use of a pen, makes this moment both humorous and action-packed, reminding us that ingenuity comes in all shapes and forms.

6. The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword - GoldenEye (1995)

James Bond is no stranger to clever gadgets, but in GoldenEye, it’s a seemingly ordinary pen that steals the show. Q (Desmond Llewelyn) provides Bond with a pen that doubles as a grenade. While Bond himself never uses it, the pen falls into the hands of antagonist Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming). As Boris nervously clicks the pen, unaware of its deadly capabilities, the tension mounts. The scene becomes an edge-of-your-seat moment, where the innocent clicking of a pen creates nail-biting suspense. In the end, the pen's explosive power is unleashed, showcasing once again that in the world of espionage, even the smallest tools can be deadly.

7. A Gift with Deeper Meaning - A Beautiful Mind (2001)

In the Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind, pens take on a deeper, more symbolic role. Throughout the film, John Nash (Russell Crowe) struggles with mental illness while making ground-breaking contributions to mathematics. In the film's final moments, after being recognized for his achievements, Nash receives a profound gesture of respect from his peers: they offer him their pens, a tradition that signifies honor among scholars. This scene is moving not just because of the pens themselves, but because of what they represent—recognition, respect, and Nash’s triumph over adversity.

8. Writing the Future - Death Note (2006)

In the anime adaptation of Death Note, the pen takes on a supernatural role. Light Yagami, the protagonist, writes names in a magical notebook that causes anyone whose name is written to die. Though it's technically a notebook driving the action, it’s the pen that holds the true power, as it determines life or death with every stroke. The psychological tension of each scene involving the pen elevates it beyond a mere writing instrument to an object of immense control and danger, making it one of the most chilling examples of a pen’s symbolic potential.

Who knew such a small, everyday item could hold such power and significance in film? From intense action sequences to symbolic gestures, the pen has proven itself to be more than just a tool for writing – it’s a key player in some of the most memorable moments in movie history. Whether being used as a weapon, a tool of expression, or a symbol of deeper meaning, these pen moments remind us that sometimes, it’s the simplest props that make the biggest impact.

So, the next time you pick up a pen, think of all the ways it has influenced not just your daily life but cinematic history. And if you’re looking for the perfect promotional custom pens to capture attention in your own world, browse our selection at Everything Branded – because who knows, your branded pen might just be the star of someone’s next great moment!

Image Credit: Wolf of Wall Street courtesy of Paramount Pictures