The Dark Knight
The trailer starts with a long intertitle which brings the viewer up to date with what is happening before the trailer goes any further. As the text uses a glitch transition to change to the next scene that helps to explain the type of narrative this film will connote to the viewer. We are told that the footage we are about to witness is retrieved footage. This, being one of the first things the viewer sees makes it confusing and makes the audience anticipate what is about to happen, this is followed by a motivated edit. The audience now witnesses with handheld jerky camera work filming surroundings. This connotes a sense of panic and fear to the viewer and leaves us confused and unable to make out whats going on creating a chaotic atmosphere. This type of camera work engages the audience and makes them curious about what is happening and whats to know what is wrong, sharing the same sense of fear ad the characters. As the viewer watches, we see a man who talks to us as if it a documentary style and building a bond between this individual character and the viewers.
As the trailer continues we see, 'From producer J.J Abrams'. This will attract many viewers who are loyal to his work and will watch what he does regardless of the genre of the production. There is the continuous flashing of clips lasting no more than two seconds on whats seems to be people in panic and distress, adding to that chaotic environment. To add to this, there is a constant noise that sounds like an electrical interface which makes the audience feel uneasy and illustrates that the technology is going wrong. Finally, this is overlayed with the non-diegetic sound of people saying this such as, 'there is nothing we can do for now' and 'shes dying'. After many chaotic clips later we see a horse pulling an empty cartridge where we hear the dialogue, 'you still filming?' 'People are gonna wanna know'. This dialogue is important as there is very little communication between the viewer and the characters, this helps it to construct it as a very real cinema documentary. The type of editing we see is hard cuts that eventually build to a climax with the long-held clip further bolstered by the noise in the background which reinforces that technology going the wrong tone. Finally, with building, bridges and most importantly the Statue Of Liberty being destroyed shows not only the destruction of well-known monuments but American values.
Gravity
The trailer starts with a detailed intertitle which sets the narrative for the viewers. The trailer starts silents which creates a very immersive atmosphere especially if you are in a cinema expecting loud sounds from the Dolby surround sound. The first piece of action we see is absolute chaos with sirens with the constant reiteration of the diegetic sound of 'Detach! Detach! Detach!'. This helps to create a chaotic and tense environment for the viewer. The viewer is plunged straight into the central problem, she is out of control and to be saved she must listen to the advice being radioed across to the panic-stricken Sandra Bullock.
This panic-stricken environment is further enhanced by the lack of oxygen demonstrated by the diegetic sound of Sandra Bullock panting heavily. The slow zoom to the name of Sandra Bullock and Alfonso Cuarón who are both famous with Sandra Bullock being a recognisable household name and Alfonso know for his work in Harry Potter as well as attracting a prestige audience. As the dialogue from Geroge Cloney is spoken the audience is a witness to a more hard, fast editing which helps to further bolster that panic-stricken and chaotic environment. The dialogue in the trailer from George Cloney helps to develop his character and the part he will play in the film. As he communicates via radio to Sandra Bullock, the audience sees Bullock as a person with a kid and a life on Earth, not just an astronaut which helps to bridge an emotional attachment to Bullock. The non-diegetic sound with a bullish pitch and intensity eventually reaches a crescendo. The grunts and the sound of hitting equipment makes the audience members feel as if they are losing oxygen and spiralling out of control. These sounds not only contribute to that chaotic atmosphere but are extremely immersive which has a greater effect on the viewer.
You have undertaken useful initial research into movie trailers, looking from a campaign perspective at the trio of teaser, tv spot and main trailer. You now should analyse at least 3 of the trailers suggested by the exam board. See the class blog post for Wednesday, 8 July 2020
ReplyDeleteTrailers Your trailers are particularly strong on visual impact and on striking sound codes, both of which elements clearly signal the ghost / thriller / horror genre. Really stand-out drone cam work floats over the landscape and draws in the audience inexorably. Your colour editing creates a strong impression with the Belvedere a ghoulish green and the axe falling on moonlit foliage. Tracking Steadicam shots create an unnerving chase sequence in a cobwebby basement. You vary the pitch and pace but build the tension well towards the end. To achieve this, you make effective use of both non-diegetic sound (like the ticking clock, ghost whispers) and voice-overs which helpfully anchor the narrative. Effective use of intertitles, such as ‘Based on true events’ with the word ‘true’ in red as emphasis. This is one of many engaging tactics.
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