Movies are a very big part of our culture as humans. Everyone has one or a couple of movies that stand out to them after the first time watching. A couple of movies that come to my mind when thinking of my favorites would be The Dark Knight and Us. I think these two movies share core values that can make or break a movie. The four elements found in most quality films are as follows:
1. Plot
Every good movie has to have a good story. Storytelling and plot are crucial to a film’s success. Boring and uninteresting movies do not usually attract many viewers which in turn makes it hard for the movie to make money. These may be the most crucial elements to a film’s success. For example, The Dark Knight had a very advanced and sophisticated plot combined with some of the other elements below that made it stand out during my first viewing. The same can be said for Jordan Peele’s Us. This plot featured thrilling action along with many twists and turns in the storyline that left many on the edge of their seats.
2. Acting
Coupled with a good plot, actors have to know their roles. When actors understand who they are trying to be and achieve their role in a good story, it usually leads to success.
The scene above from The Dark Knight is a great example of knowing your role and playing it to perfection. Heath Ledger in this scene gives the audience an introduction to the Joker’s chilling and ominous backstory while also featuring a couple of good fight scenes.
3. Cinematography
The special effects and camera work are key elements to producing a good movie. Nobody likes to see outdated graphics or bad fights. A good movie should keep its graphics and effects up to date with the current standards to ensure you can engage an audience.
Avatar was released in 2009 but their graphics lead the standard for movies at that time. The movie’s graphics along with an interesting storyline made them one of the most-watched movies of all time. In fact, Deadline.com reports that Avatar reclaimed it’s spot for highest-grossing film of all time earlier this year.
4. Music
One of the best ways to finish off a well-shot scene is by accompanying it with fitting music. Music in movies can often continue to portray ongoing themes in the storyline and help convey emotions in scenes with no dialogue.
This scene above is from Poole’s Us and shows the end of the movie as the plot twists are wrapping up. Music plays while the camera pans out and shows the thousands of duplicates holding hands. However, the music playing has an uplifting tone that ends the journey for the family but also undertones the eerie situation the story concludes on.
There may be other elements that make or break a film, but, in my opinion, these four elements are crucial in the success of movies around the country.