Narrative technique · used in 2 films
Having ordinary people in a public place break into coordinated movement, so a private feeling becomes a shared event.
Examples
Carol Reed · 1968
In Consider Yourself, a private moment of welcome turns into a shared event. The Artful Dodger leads Oliver through the streets, and Londoners join in the singing and dancing. The song turns a lonely boy into part of a crowd.
Where to see it: Consider Yourself. The Dodger takes Oliver through London, and the street fills with people singing and dancing.
Terry Gilliam · 1991
In Grand Central Station, Parry watches Lydia, the woman he secretly loves, and the rush-hour commuters begin to waltz around him. A crowd of strangers becomes his dance partners for a minute. It shows you how lovely the world looks from inside his head.
Where to see it: The Grand Central waltz. During rush hour, commuters pair off and waltz while Parry watches Lydia walk through the hall.
Questions