Meaning: The quote you provided is a statement made by Arthur Hiller, a renowned director, about the opening sequence of a film. In this quote, Hiller is discussing the original opening of a film, which involved a scene in a doctor's office where the protagonist, Ryan, is informed that his wife is dying. Following this scene, the film was supposed to transition to Ryan walking the streets, with the story being told in flashback.

This quote provides insight into the creative decision-making process behind the film's opening sequence and the storytelling technique used to convey the narrative. Hiller's mention of the original opening sequence indicates that there may have been changes made to the film's structure during the production process.

The concept of opening a film with a scene that sets up the protagonist's emotional state and then transitioning into a flashback is a common narrative device in storytelling. By starting with a pivotal moment in the protagonist's life, such as receiving devastating news about a loved one, the audience is immediately drawn into the character's emotional journey. The subsequent use of flashback allows for the gradual revelation of the events leading up to the present moment, providing context and depth to the story.

In the context of filmmaking, the decision to alter the opening sequence of a film can have a significant impact on the overall narrative structure and audience engagement. The choice of how to introduce the main character and establish the central conflict sets the tone for the entire film and influences the audience's perception of the story.

Arthur Hiller's statement sheds light on the process of refining and reworking a film's storytelling approach. It suggests that the initial concept for the opening sequence may have been reconsidered and revised to better serve the narrative and emotional impact of the story. This insight into the director's creative choices offers a glimpse into the intricate and collaborative nature of filmmaking, where decisions about structure, pacing, and character development are carefully considered and refined to create a compelling and cohesive cinematic experience.

Ultimately, the quote captures the essence of the creative process behind crafting a film's narrative, highlighting the importance of storytelling techniques and the evolution of creative decisions in shaping the final cinematic product. It provides a glimpse into the thought process and deliberation that goes into determining the most effective way to engage audiences and convey the emotional depth of the characters and their experiences.

In conclusion, Arthur Hiller's quote about the original opening sequence of the film offers valuable insight into the creative decision-making process in filmmaking. It underscores the significance of storytelling techniques and the evolution of narrative structure, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the artistic choices and considerations that shape the cinematic experience for audiences.