4. How can a film opening attract an audience?

4. How can a film opening attract an audience?

 (Documentary 'watching' questions) 

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 film openings need to attract and draw in the audience to make them want to watch the film to the very end. The opening should be inciting and is a very crucial part. The audience must be excited from the beginning so they are 'instantly aroused'.

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

The 'instant arousal' may be short lived and may make the expectations of the film high causing the audience to lose interest if the rest of the film doesn't live up to these expectations. So despite the films wonderful opening, there is a risk that it will not keep the audience aroused.

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

The title sequence and film opening are like a mini film and could have aspects of what the film footage includes, e.g., cinematic space and the actual opening scene. However it shouldn't give the plot away, just how the blurb of a book or front cover doesn't tell the full story. It makes it more interesting and keeps the audience intrigued rather than spoiling it for the audience and making it predictable.

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

He says the classic opening to a film is the panning shot that establishes the location of New York City. It works out well as he does close ups as well and shows the setting of the film, which could be the main characters home. Also it can relate to everyday life and helps suspend disbelief as it looks like an ordinary building, so the audience feel like they are actually in the film.

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

The title sequence for the film 'Seven' is effective because of the subtle foreshadowing of what events are to happen and it gives a image of the film's genre.