'Watching' Documentary on Film Openings

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." 


He means that the audience needs to be instantly drawn to the film. They need to be connected to the film from the beginning to ensure that they enjoy it all the way through.

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

You have to live up to the opening all the way through the film. Having a great beginning means that you have to make sure the rest of the film is enjoyable enough to hold the audience.

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." 


You don't want to give too much away at the start of the movie, but then, you want to give away just enough to keep the audience attached.

4) 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?

Welles wanted to achieve an 'all in one' take of the opening. The studio put titles and music over the top of it.

5) What is meant by "a favourite trick of Film Noir"? What is the trick?

Putting the ending at the beginning.

6) How does the opening to the film 'The Shining' create suspense?


Its like a predator hunting its prey.