FILM TRAILER

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Trailer analysis 

Gravity

How it creates a sense of genre through visual codes 

The Gravity trailer successfully creates a sense of genre through its thrilling visual codes. Fast paced and disorienting editing techniques are used to highlight the astronaut's disorientation and helplessness as she is flung around space. Camera shots are used effectively to accentuate the action unfolding on-screen. Close up shots allow the audience to see the sheer panic presnt on the astronaut's face. Wider shots allow the audience to see that she is completely alone in space and unsure of her surroundings. In return, emphasising the danger and urgency of the situation.  The camera shot often coincides with the astronaut's spinning motion which creates an immersive effect for the audience.  Genre conventions are reinforced by the fast-paced action taking place on-screen. The explosions, space ships, fires and malfunctions implies to the audience that this a thriller/action based genre of film. 

How are sound codes used to create dramatic effect? 

A severe and dramatic audio code is used to build tension as the astronaut is sent flailing around space. The audio code is dramatised through the use of sound intervals. Here, the pitch of the audio rises and falls. This correlates with the on screen-action of the trailer; the astronaut is hoplessly falling in an up and down motion. The action combined with the sound code not only creates dramatic effect but also a sense of dizziness and discombobulation. 

Using dialogue from the wider film over the top of another scene presented in the trailer is effective. This allows for a central character to be introduced and the audience can understand the character's motivations. For example, for Stone, her motivator to survive is her daughter. In addition this also allows the audience to warm to the character of Stone and sympathise with her softer side. The visual codes of Stone in danger in space combined with her role as a mother, shows the audience what is at stake for her. 

The diegetic dialogue used by the astronaut; 'I can't breathe', implies that she has a limited oxygen resource. This suggests that Stone must find her ship quickly or else face dire consequenses. This builds dramatic effect and anticipation for the audience. 

Action scenes teased in the trailer 

Action is teased as the trailer progresses. The second section of the trailer juxtaposes the first slower paced section. An immersive experience is built for the audience, with the astronaut's breathing patterns used as non-diegetic sound. This creates cohesion as the timings of her breath are synced with the cross cutting editing. Enigma is created through a two person shot where the actor's face is not revealed.  This leaves the audience with unanswered questions as to who the other astronaut is. 

A motivated edit is used in response to the question 'so where's home?.' Stone replies with 'I had a daughter.' This allows the camera to cut seamlessly from a shot in space to a photo frame of the astranought's daughter.  Another motivated edit fuelled with action is when the opening of a door cuts to Stone falling through it, creating dynanism. 

In addition, Gravity's high production value is promoted through the use of mise-en-scene; explosions, planets and fire. This is a promising trailer for a dramatic action movie. 

Institutional information

Institutional information is included in the trailer. Half way through the trailer the Warner Brothers ident appears on screen. This is a key institutional indicator in the Gravity  trailer. In addition, the intertitle name dropping of 'Alfonso Cuaron' signifies star power in the film. This would attract film literate audiences. Motivated credits add to the star power presence with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock's names displayed after individual camera shots of the actors. The trailer is brought to an end by the title 'Gravity', in a bold classic space age font. A release date and the credits are also a convention of this trailer. 

                

How essential narrative elements are explained through intertitles 



The inter-titles allow the audience to understand the dangers of space; and Stone's location (372  miles above the earth).  Immediately, tension increases and the urgency of the astronaut's situation is reinforced. The line 'there is nothing to carry sound' shows that no matter how loud Stone cries out in desperation , no one can hear. It is evident that Dr Stone is completely alone.

How it introduces central conflict

The focal character in the trailer is Doctor Stone. Throughout the trailer we can see how Stone attempts to deal with isolating circumstances she is put through in space. The thrill and danger is amplified near the beginning of the trailer as the space ship is torn apart. This is an indicator that the central conflict for Stone is being stuck in space without a ship. At first, the trailer focuses on the initial crash. Then, as the tension builds, a climax is reached where the astronaut runs out of oxygen. Overall, the central conflict Stone faces is her struggle, being lost in space with a limited oxygen supply and dealing with a crushing desperation to see her daughter again on Earth.



Accelerates in pace to build up to a dramatic crescendo 



The ending of the trailer features a long and continuing shot of Stone crashing into the ship. The sound codes used during this take the form of non-diagetic music. The music climaxes when Stone crashes and the sound changes to a diagetic thud. Through diagetic sound, the audience can hear her desperation of straining onto the ship. This portrays the character as brave and strong-minded.  The final dramatic crescendo brings the trailer to the end as a piece of flying sharp debris near misses the side of her face. 

02

American sniper

Institutional information 

In comparison with Gravity, American Sniper does not provide a huge amount of institutional information in the trailer. However, arguably, this is effective for American Sniper as there is little distraction for the audience. The entirety of the focus is on the action on screen. However, the end of the trailer provides information which suggests that the film is based on a true story. The title reads 'Most Lethal Sniper in US History', followed by the film's release date, credits and convergrent links to American Sniper's social media accounts. 

How it creates a sense of genre 

Diagetic sound of rifles being positioned to shoot, immediately creates a sense of genre (through the use of audio codes). This is a clear signifier to the audience that the genre is action/war based.  During the opening of the trailer, the camera rests on the rifle for a few seconds which suggests that it has a particular significance in the film. As the trailer progresses, tension is built when the rifle is pointed on a man taking a phone call. The tension becomes hightened when it moves to be pointed on a little boy holding a hand grenade. The audience are left with unanswered questions as there is uncertainty surrounding whether the solider is going to shoot or hold his fire. The diegetic sound of the soldier's heavy breathing creates an immervise effect for the viewers. Mise-en-scene is created through the wide camera shots of a war-torn Middle Eastern village. The grey and yellow colour palette tones in the camera editing create realism and connotes ideas of war. This is emphasised through cross cutting editing where the bright colours and happy smiles of the soldier's wedding back in the USA contrast with the dull skies and sombre surroundings of the dilapidating village. 

How it introduces the central character

The protagonist of the film, the soldier, is revealed through an extreme close up, following the camera shot of the sniper.  We can see the soldier's concentration as he stares through the eye piece with a poker expression. A POV shot follows his view through the sniper onto his targets. This gives the audience a clear perspective of the narrative unfolding. Character depth is explored through montages of the solider's family life at home in the USA. 

How it introduced the central conflict

Two central conflicts are presented in the film. The first is shown through a POV shot; a pointed rifle at a target. The conflict is introduced when a woman and child walk out from a building holding a hand grenade. The soldier has to choose whether to shoot a child, or risk him throwing the weapon at troops. A wide shot shows the women and child in full view; emphasising their vulnerability and the child's helplessness. What happens next is not revealed to the audience as a motivated edit deliberately creates a parallel between the woman and child; the solider during his wedding day. After this we see another flashback of the sniper handing his wife their new born child/ This contrasts with the previous snippet of a woman handing a child the bomb. It is evident to the audience that the second conflict is the personal parallel of the solider's work life and his 'normal' life back in the American suburbs. 

How it accelerates in pace to build a dramatic crescendo 

The trailer accelerates in pace from when the solider points his rifle towards the woman and child. The rapid edit cutting effectively creates a sense of urgency. The cuts are timed seamlessly with the solider's heartbeat. The build up enables a crescendo to be reached, alongside the intensity and pace of the non-diagetic music. The beats of the music are synchronous with the cross cutting editing. The built up in tension alongside a strong storyline creates a thrilling trailer.

 

How it uses sound codes for dramatic effect 

Dramatic effect is created from the very start of the trailer. The absence of dialogue exaggerates the lack of sound which in return heightens tension. Having no sound also enforces a sense of concentration and focus as the solider knows the stakes of making a mistake in a war environment. There is a lack of sound in the whole trailer, however, during the montages of the flashbacks, there is an aspect of asynchronous sound (the soldier's heavy breathing and heartbeat). 

Cloverfield

03

How esssential narrative elements are explained through intertitles  

The intertitle displayed below allows the audience to understand more about the meaning behind the film name 'Cloverfield'. It is revealed that "Cloverfield" is a case, regarding a new and unknown force to man kind. One of the most essential elements explained is how the incident site was 'formerly' known as Central Park. The word 'formerly' implies that Central Park does not exist anymore. One can assume that it has been destroyed by the alien 'Cloverfield' force. The incident Site is called '447 area' which resonates with me as an audience member as it has connotations of 'Area 51'. This suggests to me that the film genre is sci-fi. 

Action teased in the trailer 

Action is teased in the trailer through quick cross cutting between scenes. This is effective as not everything is revaled to the audience, leaving them curious and wanting to watch the film. In addition, not once in the film do we actually see the 'Cloverfield' case. By withholding information; a sense of mystery is created. When creating a trailer it is essential to not reveal too much of the plot and key moments; as the film will be less worthwhile to watch for the audience as they already know what will happen. 

How it introduces the central character 

The central character is revealed through the close up shot of a man arriving to his suprise party. The camera then cuts to the back of the man's head as he watches a building collapse. The contrast between the man smiling and laughing, with the destruction of the building, creates deliberate juxtaposition. Further on in the trailer, the same man talks to his camera explaining how 'something attacked the city 7 hours ago.' His name is also revealed, Robert, this builds more of a personal relationship with the action on screen and the audience watching the trailer. 

How it introduces the central conflict 

The central conflict is introduced when we see people fleeing their homes. Buildings have caught on fire and large pieces of debris are flung onto the streets. It is evident that 'Cloverfield' has created chaos in New York and that its citizens must escape the city in order to survive. 

How it uses sound codes for dramatic effect

Sound codes are used in a purposeful way in this trailer. Dramatic effect is created through the constant and sudden changes in sound effects. At first we hear the laughter of people celebrating a party; then contrasted with the eerie sounds of a building collapsing. People screaming 'oh my god' adds to the tense atmosphere. The sounds of a camera bugging as Robert attempts to film the action unfolding creates a sense of realism. Dramatic crescendos are used for a 'jump scare' effect. 

 

Cloverfield

Institutional information

 

The Paramount Pictures logo is displayed at the start of the trailer. Paramount is an influential name in the cinema world; therefore, due to its strong reputation, the audience will expect a high standard film experience.  

Alongside this 'Bad Robot' is also displayed, a less well known, but very creative film company. The proudction company logos have been edited with a glitch effect.