5. Research. Documentary "Watching"

1.       "Films need to seduce their audience into long term commitment. Where there are many types of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistible".

Sutcliffe is suggesting that you must capture an audience’s attention from the very beginning to persuade them to want to carry on watching and engaging with the film. Good methods of engaging people leave the viewer wanting to unravel events as soon as possible; a good film doesn't give too much away leaving the viewer to watch till the end so they can learn what the ending will be.

2.        According to Director Jean Jacques Beineix, what are the risks of "instant arousal"?

The questions an audience have may not be answered. A strong start to a film may result in the rest of the film not delivering to as high a standard. There is a risk of disappointment and an audience thinking it may not be worth watching the full film.

3.        Explain why "a good beginning must make the audience feel that it doesn't know nearly enough   yet, and at the same time make sure that it doesn't know too little".

An audience must be given some insight into what they are about to see; they need to decide whether it is something that would engage them. These first few minutes are crucial for the Director to make sure the audiences decide to stay. However, the audience must not know too much so that they are left on almost a cliff hanger and the temptation to find out what happens next cannot be ignored.

4.        What does critic Stanley Kauffmann describe as the classic opening? Why does this work?

He describes the best opening as an almost establishing scene. The audience are introduced to the hero, occupation and setting. He describes the movement of the camera as it " filmed from East side of New York, crosses into a shot of a building, camera looks up to building, goes through the window, passed the reception desk".

5.        Why is Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film "Seven" so effective?

The font used was a reflection of the main character who was a serial killer. The apparent theme added to the overall eerie mood of the opening as well as the rest of the film.

6.        What did Orson Welles want to achieve with his opening to the film "A Touch of Evil"? What did Universal Studios do to it? Why?

Orson Welles wanted to make a unique title sequence without music or credits to immediately engage the audience to the story. However, Universal Studios added the credits and music and the title sequence lost the effect Welles was aiming for.

7.       What is meant by "A favourite trick of Film Noir"? What is the trick?

"A favourite trick of Film Noir" is when the beginning of a film shows its ending; everything is in reverse. This is an effective trick because it leaves the audience wanting to find out the events that shaped the ending.

 

8.       How does the opening to the film "The Shining" create suspense?

Suspense is created by the camera tracking the car, the audience are left to infer that the car is being followed and is trying to get away. The picturesque scenery is almost overlooked as there is this suspense drawing attention to the fast paced moving car; a sense of urgency is almost created.