The Imposter (2012) Theatrical Trailer Analysis

Recently I was recommended to watch The Imposter, a documentary based on a true story. And this got me thinking, could I replicate a documentary style film for my opening. So I set about analysing this opening for potential things I could emulate.





The trailer opens with Found Footage of the family, this is important in creating both the setting and the story line. Given that the old fashioned appearance of the camera and people involved in the composition create the idea that this occurred in the past.


This effect could be easily recreated through acting or even through using old footage of my protagonist. This would be easily obtainable should I use someone I know. I also like the addition of a voice over- as it almost creates a daunting feel when watching, however when it comes to my trailer I may avoid a constant voice over (sound bridge) as this may retract from the storyline if not done properly.




Next the narrative opening loses all sound and goes completely silent, this effect of no sound creates an unusual tone, which perhaps may be imitating the storyline. Then the camera slowly moves forward whilst in a dark and rainy setting, this contrasts starkly against family friendly opening created originally. Despite this there is still some light evident during the low angle wide shot, perhaps to suggest there is a good side to the situation.

However, the muffled voice over undermines the positive of the light , then the camera cuts away to an intertitle. Which fades in slowly, to create a haunting effect. The light at the top of the shot suggests the previous shot is linked to this information. 

Then during the crosscutting between intertitles and the reconstruction, we see an establishing shot of an open setting with a child isolated at the middle of the composition, this is accompanied by the translation of " HE'S VERY SCARED" we are then reminded of the child's innocence  at this point.


But once again the take doesn't last very long, then we are aware that the child's safety is reassured, as once again the titles fade onto the screen in a disorientating fashion. Overall, this trailer has really encouraged me to make a documentary style trailer, which is not only an interesting prospect in terms of developing a storyline as gripping as this one. But also the way in which this trailer includes actual found footage is something I would want to recreate.

The Shallows (2016) Theatrical Trailer

We start with an establishing shot of a large and spacious beach that is presented as idealistic in the opening shot, which immediately creates an inviting setting. However we do take note of the black mists that almost plague the crystal clear water, perhaps this is foreshadowing the potential danger within the water. This could be a case of appearance- especially as some would argue that some patches are in the shape of a shark which is evidently heading towards the isolated and small character- shown through the small shot composition which makes the female character seem  weak in comparison.






However this is immediately contrasted with a short sequence of clips which show this particular female character to be confident and in control, this is shown firstly with the slow motion shot as she calmly stays on her board.





Then we see her become engulfed by a huge and daunting wave (shown through a wide shot) yet she manages to hold the board steady. And the use of continuity editing allows the audience to consider this characters ongoing power.



It is worth noting also that there isn't any non-diegetic sound at this point, it is however the overpowering diegetic sound of waves.






Furthermore, later on in the trailer we experience a Point of view shot from the view of the shark, this creates fear , as not only is the camera moving at a fast pace, but it is also accompanied by non-diegetic sound which increases its volume the closer we get to the female.
Before cutting to an action match of her eating an apple, the loud crunch which is representing the shark bite.

                    






And after a sequence of short takes the audience are invited to consider the setting, in the sense that it is made to be paradise. This is shown mainly through the natural lighting used up until 0:49 seconds as then we see a change in lighting






- as it becomes darker, also the female character seems to be struggling which is portrayed through the constant and rigid camera movement.






 The red filter  transmits a message that the female character is in danger- as in this case it is representing blood which therefore highlights her pain.



Additionally when we are told what the danger is, even though the point of view shot and location hinted at it anyway, it comes as a surprise. At 1 minute 10 seconds we see the large shark leap out of the water and kill a man, this short take emphasises the potential danger- which encourages the audience to empathise with the female character as she is seen as isolated and vulnerable

Overall I think this trailer is effective as I like the wide variety of locations and camera angles/movements used, this is something I would like to emulate when making my own trailer and I believe that I can achieve this. This trailer has also highlighted the effectiveness of a theatrical trailer in terms of really allowing the audience to engage thoroughly with one character and see how either the setting or the actual character themselves could dramatically change within a short period of time.

Beauty and the Beast (2017) Teaser Trailer Analysis

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The trailer opens with the typical Disney intro, however this is not the normal colourful and bright looking appearance that we are accustomed to. It instead contrasts dramatically with a combination of dark and grey colours creating a haunting feel. Of course, with such colours connoting danger the audience are immediately made to question the child-appeal that the film has, which is an interesting idea as this film is a remake of the previous Beauty and the Beast. So perhaps the target audience for this film is a more mature and older viewer.

As the camera fades into and out of a black mist, we end up with an establishing shot of a grand castle- something that stereotypically plays a big role in modern day fairy tales. However the castle itself doesn't invite the audience inside and the slow and almost monotone non diegetic sound, creates the idea that the castle is a dangerous place. And as you can see, the theme of darkness is carried throughout the opening shots

The establishing shot then fades into a bright and laminated setting of an open room with a piano in the centre. This is accompanied by a sudden change in sound which has now become the non-diegetic sound of a piano playing. However as the camera slowly pans down,  the room gradually darkens and the once bright chandeliers which occupied a large part of the upper shot composition, become blackened.



The piano in the background continuous as a sound bridge throughout 3 shots, before changing to a complete non-diegetic soundtrack at 34 seconds, at this point we also consider that during every shot the camera position is moving. There is also a gradual change to darkness. For example in this case the wide shot displays the bright setting becoming quickly engulfed in webs- which coincides with the suddenly fast paced piano soundtrack.


However 34 seconds in, we see a change in tone, this is triggered by the high tempo music as well as the fast-paced fades between scenes which speed up the teaser and allow the audience to experience a variety of different settings at once within a short space of time. Additionally the enhanced zoom when focusing on the painting, exposes the audience to a sense of shock when the painting is ripped, in a claw-like fashion. Which conforms with the fantasy genre, in the sense that we typically assume there will be a villain or " bad guy".

After this scene however, the teaser resumes with a slower tone and pace due to black screens in-between shots. Perhaps enabling us to  to experience more of the storyline, with the voice-over as well as the short takes. It is also worth considering that both these two wide shots are shot with a still camera- perhaps to focus the audience or as an attempt to encourage a sense of nostalgia.

Also the following scene almost explains the storyline to the audience, with the red rose, and as the camera spirals away from an extreme close-up not only do we consider the romantic connotations of the rose (represents love). But also during the shallow focus we see Emma Watson, a huge female actor who will of course be one of the unique selling points of the remake.

But the final sound sequence as well as the inter title "Be Our Guest" reminds the audience of the classic film "Beauty and the Beast" which will for sure create nostalgia amongst the original viewers. This was achieved without giving away too much from the storyline which is perhaps why Disney decided to release a short teaser, just to remind the audience of the film itself.

To summarise, there are numerous things I have taken away from this teaser, one of them being that the fantasy genre is not something that I would like to create just because it limits me in terms of my audience, unless of course I make a sci-fi and the other aspect    being that I will include inter titles for my final product- despite my trailer being in the early stages, I think that it keeps the trailer flowing and at the end of the trailer I can further advertise my trailer.

Welcome back

Welcome back- 14/6/16

So today is the day I begin my preparations for my next piece of coursework, with regards to the future I look forward to creating, producing and publishing a new project, and I hope to achieve great success with the new task. After the last task I have realised that organisation is the key to a good product, so I will look to update my progress regularly throughout my project.

Here is a link to my last blog
http://chsmedia2015mclark.blogspot.co.uk/