By Andrea K. Hammer
After watching hundreds of films over the years, the movie lovers at Artsphoria have some important questions for screenwriters and film directors.
Several remain genuine mysteries, begging for enlightenment. Others are raised for mutual reflection in our daily quest to identify the elements of truly engaging movies:
1. Does the opening scene draw viewers into the story immediately or prompt ejecting the DVD after a 7-minute grace period? Like any well-written story, the beginning of a film is critical for grabbing viewers’ interest. After a long day, calm scenes in natural settings with beautiful music are most appealing versus shocking or gruesome ones with harsh lighting and loud, crashing sounds out of the gate.
2. Are introductory movie scenes and transitions clear and understandable? To orient viewers, simple and visible captions identifying dates and locations are essential. Recognizable city skylines and other familiar landmarks provide critical points of reference to ground the audience as the story unfolds.
3. Does every scene add value to the story and contribute to the natural progression of the movie? Building on the fundamental writers’ guideline to make every word count, each scene in the most successful films deepens the overall meaning and pushes the story forward. Holding viewers’ attention, every shot is thematically and visually riveting.
4. Does any scene involve a wasted moment? During discussions about absolutely pointless movie scenes, toothbrushing shots repeatedly recur. The frequent inclusion of these throwaway scenes reflects a mystifying obsession, which eludes understanding other than failed attempts to mirror daily life in the least effective or appealing way.
5. Is every scene consistent with the rest of the movie? An out-of-the-blue shot generally results in befuddling questions about believable connections to the story. These scenes, often included for sensationalism, should appear with the deleted ones in the bonus material–or never make the shot list in the first place.
6. Is every scene subtle, communicating meaning without banging viewers over the head? Like effective writing in other realms, thoughtful movie scenes manage to convey an understanding of relationships and life without spelling out the actual point or lesson. In the magical mix of blending the right setting, perfect lighting and acting talent, larger messages emerge without overt statements.
7. Does every scene rise above “easy” manipulation? In emotional stories, screenwriters and film directors can tug ruthlessly at viewers’ heart strings. This danger particularly applies to themes about loss and grief, which need the utmost care in their formulation.
8. Is a scene distracting and disruptive, drawing attention away from memorable moments? If a car chase or violent storm scene is included simply to get viewers’ hearts racing, think again. Sudden, alarming interruptions actually break the flow of a previously integrated storyline.
9. Does the dialogue sound natural and have a snappy rhythm, allowing actors to deliver their lines convincingly and humorously? One of the greatest film injuries occurs when viewers notice actors saying their lines rather than feeling pulled into the story seamlessly. On the flip side, clever and insightful dialogue helps a movie stand out and shine.
10. Does a scene reveal unnecessary or excessive information instead of allowing viewers to use their own imagination? The classics remain timeless because of their skill in achieving the latter. Films such as An Affair to Remember, Brief Encounter and Summertime allude to romantic moments by simply showing feet together on steps or embraces that are not fully visible in the shadows.
Your Thoughts About the Most Successful Scenes and Movies
What other movie scenes and films have created an enduring imprint in your mind, and why? What other elements detract from or contribute to the success of a movie?