Entrance to the Golden City, directed by James Cameron and scored by Susan Chin, is an action-packed film about the grand realization of Prince Ali's lifelong quest for the legendary Golden City, and the treasures that lie hidden beneath it. After months of hard journeying through the perilous Sahara Desert, Ali is finally about to catch his first glimpse of the city...


Wandering the Arid Desert (0:00 - 0:48)

At this point in the movie, Ali is in a pitiable position; he has no more food or water, and he has expended much of his energy in recent battles against dangerous foes (robbers, backstabbing temptresses, evil magicians, and traveling salesmen). Wearily, he surveys the featureless landscape, feeling exhausted but determined to press on -- and press on he does. The desert is an awfully lonely place.



What is that I see? (0:48 - 1:20)

Ali's persistence is finally rewarded; when he reaches the crest of a tall mound, he spots what looks like a settlement in a valley. But it is more than a mere settlement, Ali realizes as he advances excitedly and gets a closer look: it is a bustling city. Its beauty and affluence are soon apparent, and the prince is amazed and overjoyed to see that he has stumbled upon the Golden City.


The Entrance Challenge (1:20 - 2:00)

Great rewards always seem to be accompanied by great challenges. The imposing figure standing before the gate to the Golden City adopts an aggressive pose when he sees the prince approaching. He challenges Ali to a weaponless duel, and the prince fearlessly accepts; no foe has seemed quite as fearsome to Ali after his encounter with the Traveling Circus carnies (an epic tale in itself; watch Entrance to the Golden City to experience the magic!).


Standoff (2:00 - 2:15)

Ali and the challenger eye each other with calm calculation as they ready themselves. Ali can tell that the man is a skilled fighter -- fortunately, combat is the prince's second strongest area of expertise (his real expertise lies in urinating into urns from great distances with remarkable accuracy: a talent he has used to impress many princesses).


Fight to the death (2:15 - 2:30)

After circling for some time, the combatants close in on each other and begin dealing and evading blows.


The quick finish (2:30-40)

The battle is short. Ali catches his opponent off guard, striking him in the throat and crushing his windpipe.


The Reward (2:40-3:00)

After paying respect to the dead man as a worthy opponent, Ali victoriously enters the Golden City.


 



Susan Chin (0252307)
Simon Wood
Multimedia 2G03
April 13, 2004