Watching Documentary

When watching the 'Watching Documentary' I realised more so the true importance of effect of the beginning part of the film, the key quote I thought was  'Films need to be seduce their audience into long term commitment. While there are many types of seduction. the temptation to go for the instant arousal is almost irresistible.' which was said by Thomas Sutcliffe. I think this summarises what everyone else was saying. He suggests that you need to keep the audience interested so they sit and watch the rest of the film, so you must 'seduce' them into it - tempting them as to what's to come. and with going with 'instant arousal'  means you catch them straight away, whether it be with shock, fear or something else. 


I think another important factor is to not give to much away, but also to give enough away to make them feel like they know what's going on. I think this was important to pick up on as, as an audience member I can relate to the feeling of not knowing enough that you switch of as you think you are not going to get the film. However, you do not want them to give too much away as then you feel bored by watching it. 


One thing in the documentary which I thought was quite shocking was learning that Orsen Welles' Touch of Evil, as he first directed to create suspense, and have more of an effect. But during cuts, universal pictures decided to change the music, and re-do the titles, to their taste, and Welles said that it spoilt the effect he was trying to create. Despite Welles writing a long letter advising them not to they went ahead with it. 
                                  
The other strong point  was that the beginning of the film is the most important part, as if you miss the start the film could be totally different and the effect of it could be lost, a prime example of this is 'Phsyco' . 


In the documnety Tanley Kauffmann said that the classic opening shot was to have an establishing shot, usually of New York, then of a building then to go up the building, then in through a window then you see the character. This is proven effective in many films, however I think it would be a bit boring for the thriller I am going to do, and therefore will not be using it.