by Samuel Cook
Take a moment to think about the last time a scene in a movie made your hair stand on end. The ability to cause this type of physical reaction is one of the primary goals of any filmmaker. Still, this is easier said than done. What are some tricks used by directors to keep viewers hooked, and how are these able to fool us so easily? Let’s take a quick look at some behind-the-scenes movie magic.
Immersive Sound Effects
One common method that we are all familiar with involves the notorious jump scare. These tend to arise during significant plot points, and they certainly are not for the faint of heart. However, we are not only referring to loud noises. Other types of sound effects are more nuanced.
Casino Royale is one example of how this immersion can be achieved. The poker game between James Bond and the main villain focused on specific noises (such as the clinking of poker chips, the ice within his martini glass, and the cards being shuffled). This made viewers feel as if they were part of the action, and certainly resulted in a memorable competition.
Visual Overload
What are some of the reasons why online casino enthusiasts are keen to discover top pokies games? Although elements such as paylines, bonus rounds, and jackpots are attractive, visuals are equally important. A well-designed slots game will literally “pull” players into the interface, and keep them coming back for more.
This principle was clearly seen in the film Casino. Neon colours, backgrounds filled with countless players, and soft lighting effects made it difficult to focus on a single element. This mirrors the very same experiences that individuals will enjoy when entering a physical casino for the first time.
Lighting
We mentioned lighting in the previous section, and this approach warrants additional attention. Humans primarily rely on vision to interpret their surroundings. This is why choosing the correct illumination is so important. If we think about it for a moment, this makes perfect sense. Some readers may remember the black-and-white tones used to create a surreal environment in The Blair Witch Project, or the over-saturated hues employed throughout Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In many ways, a picture can very well convey 1,000 words.
A Dose of Psychology
However, it is equally important to remember that it is also possible to cross the line; to overwhelm the viewer to the point that the scene loses its appeal. This is why directors must strike a careful balance between storytelling, dialogue, and even which actors they choose to work with.
When executed correctly, the level of tension can become palpable. This is the reason why film legends such as Martin Scorsese continue pushing the envelope; blurring the line between fact and fiction until the viewer can no longer determine which is which.
