A good storyteller knows how to interact with the audience on an emotional-instinctive level. In Yojimbo, there are ‘some’ interesting/funny examples;
• No need to tell everything, the audience does understand (great editing job);
Sanjuro’s lies have been uncovered, he’s imprisoned. The cut adds a comic effect.
• Sanjuro can’t see anything – the audience can’t see anything;
Strangely, Sanjuro – hidden in the coffin – should still be able to see the fight in the first shot, but as long as it’s off-screen, he can’t see it. Just like us!
• A literal coming back to earth; Who is the real boss here?
Sanjuro decides to speak with the boss, and he totally controls the situation. He brings the boss down to his feet.
• Playing with our expectations (isn’t that what Sanjuro is doing?); Feet of a dead man?
Because we care for some characters, when they’re captured, we’re afraid!
