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Clip description
Host Eddie McGuire recaps yesterday’s episode and the fortunes of its contestants, including carry-over contestant Rick. Opening titles follow after which Eddie briefly explains the format of the show and reminds viewers where Rick is in the game and what he needs to win.
Curator’s notes
The opening titles have a surreal almost religious quality featuring awe-inspired illuminated people looking up into the sky as they gather in front of the Millionaire logo. A tower of gold coins rises up into the sky against a backdrop of inspiring music. The crowd of expectant faces suggests both the show’s audience and that 'ordinary people’ can become millionaires on the show.
The studio audience for Nine Network’s earlier quiz show Sale of the Century (1980–2001) was hidden from view. Here, the audience visibly surrounds the circular stage, giving the studio set-up the feel of a gladiatorial arena. Rick’s triumphant fist pump as he returns to the arena reinforces the impression of a man about to do battle.
McGuire does more than simply introduce Rick in this clip, he builds a story about him for the audience. We learn not just what he does for a living and where he lives, but what his aspirations are for spending the money he wins. The camera cuts to his wife and child in the audience, cheering him on. The audience is thus invited into Rick’s world, which builds empathy and heightens the stakes about whether he will win or lose.
