Extension Task

1. What does Thomas Sutcliffe mean when he says “Films need to seduce their audience into long term commitment. While there are many types of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistible”

My view point on what Thomas Sutcliffe has to say is that he believes any opening to a movie has to captivate the entire audiences attention, in order for them to fully enjoy the movie. I agree with what Thomas Sutcliffe has to say, if the opening to a film isn't entertaining enough to draw the audience in then it may bore them enough to not want to be there. Also, a movie opening may depict what will happen in the film, leaving the audience intrigued and engaged, and wanting to watch more.

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

Director Jean Jacques Beineix would argue however a powerful opening, may ruin the audiences anticipation for more, sometimes films may or may not match up to the opening; if they don't then the movie will not end in a high note, leaving the audience unsatisfied and aroused. 

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"

Every movie, should have a good enough opening sequence to draw in the audiences attention. Despite this, openings should never reveal to much information, as it makes the rest of the film predictable making the consumers feel uneasy on watching the rest. However, it still doesn't take away from the fact that the opening should present a bit about the context in which they can focus on a certain  history of a setting or a important character, which will be of much significance to the plot of the movie. During this part directors can reveal a bit of information but not too much for the audience to feel let down by. 

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

Critic Stanley Kauffmann would discuss how a classic opening would begin with a establishing shot in terms of New York city. He states that there would be a close-up of a building, in which the camera would soon after move to a window, and then go inside the window going past the receptionists desk towards the private office. All this contributes to where the movie was going to take place and the occupation of the protagonist. Stanley believes this technique works as it sets organization, and allows the audience to distinguish who is who and what is what.

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

The title sequence to the movie "Seven" is effective to me, because due to its dark and sinister atmosphere, consumers immediately know what their about to watch which is a genre based thriller film. Not only does it let the audience know what their in for, but it also foreshadows the plot, allowing the viewers to know their will be a dangerous serial killer. 

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 his title sequence to be different to the typical title sequence everybody see's, he wanted his to be a good strong opening without any music or credits, "wanting to plunge the audience into his story without giving them time to prepare themselves". However, the studio didn't agree with Orson Welles, creating their own version to the title sequence, adding in a score and title credits which simply lost the effect that Orson had. 

7. What is meant by “a favourite trick of Film Noir ”? What is the trick?

"Casino" is an example of "a favourite trick of Film Noir", in which the beginning of the film is actually a sort of ending which has been fast forwarded, leaving the audience to question how the protagonist got to his position.  

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

The opening sequence to the film "The Shining" creates suspense in the way the camera has been positioned, pursuing and focusing on the car like a predator and placed behind the car away from its sight. The sound is building the tension and also adding to the suspense, everything that the car seems to be doing shows that these people are travelling in the wrong direction and are heading for trouble.