Se7en (1995) Trailer Analysis

Se7en (1995)

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Score: 8/10

The trailer for the film Se7en explains the narrative of the film, without revealing all of the good bits within the film. The trailer is accompanied by a voice-over to explain the narrative further to the audience.

There is speech used directly from the film, as well as a voice-over. Low key lighting is used, this suggests to the audience that this is not going to be a happy film, low key lighting is also one of the conventions of a horror/thriller film. The trailer doesn’t expose all of the good bits within the film, but it gives the audience enough to entice them to watch the film. Slow to fast collision cutting is also used to create tension and suspense within the trailer, and reflects the emotions felt throughout the film. The soundtrack and the editing also fit together very well, this also helps to create tension. There is also a recurring theme of red throughout the trailer; this connotes blood, as well as evil, and is one of the conventions within the horror genre. The use of the ticking metronome suggests that time is an enemy within the film; a sound bridge is also used to carry the sound of the ticking metronome into the next scene.

Although I enjoyed the trailer for Se7en, I thought that the voice over ruined the dramatic style of the trailer. I have given the trailer an 8 out of 10 because overall I think that it is a successful trailer for its target audience and genre, and I am considering using a soundbridge in my trailer.

Candyman (1992) Trailer Analysis

Candyman (1992)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Drama

Score: 5/10

The trailer for the film Candyman explains the narrative of the film, as well as allowing the audience to explore the certain character roles within the film.

Slow to fast collision cutting was used throughout the trailer, it also sped up towards the ending to create tension and suspense. Establishing shots were used throughout the trailer so that the audience could get a sense of the location, and of the mood of the scenes. The locations shown were mostly isolated, with very few chances of human interaction. Low key lighting was also used throughout the trailer to try and give it sense of darkness and seriousness. High angles were used on the main character to suggest that she is weak, this could be a technique to surprise the audience.

There were a few negative aspects within the trailer that made it feel childish and too much of the film was revealed, which doesn’t give the audience much left to explore when watching the film. A voice-over is used throughout the trailer; although it helped to explain the narrative, I thought that it gave the trailer a cheesy and unserious feel to it. I also think that the trailer could have been shorten so that not all of the good scenes were revealed.

I have given the Candyman trailer a 5 out of 10 because I don’t think that it builds suspense and tension in comparison to other films. Although it explores the locations and characters, it doesn’t leave the audience with many surprises when watching the entire film.  

Black Swan (2010) Trailer Analysis

Black Swan (2010)

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Score: 10/10

The trailer for the film Black Swan explains the narrative of the film, without spoiling the good bits within it. It includes dramatic and exciting parts within the film to promote the films use of the thriller and mystery genre.

A voice over is used at the start of the trailer in order for the audience
to understand the narrative of the film. Low key lighting is also used throughout the trailer to express the dark and evil characters within Black Swan, it also gives the trailer a sense of mysteriousness; and begs the question who is lurking behind the darkness? A low angle is used on the main character at the beginning, then as the trailer ends to the end, high angles are used; this shows the shift in power and the transformation of the main character. Inter-titles are also used to inform the audience of who is helping to produce the film, this is a marketing technique in order to entice audience members based on who is starring in the film, as well as producing it. Fast paced collision cutting is used towards the end of the trailer, and helps to build suspense and tension. The editing is also used to show the main characters state of mind, and how it deteriorates throughout the film. Another good aspect of the film, is that it doesn’t give away critical scenes within the film, so that when the audience watch the film, they will be surprised.

I have given the trailer 10 of out 10 because of the reasons stated above. I think that this is a very successful trailer, and I will be including some of the techniques, such as editing to show the characters state of mind, in my own psychological horror trailer.

Frankenstein's Monster

Frankenstein's Monster

Frankenstein’s Monster is a well-known horror film character; he has appeared in many different films and television programmes. The creation of Frankenstein’s Monster is considered as the birth of science fiction within the horror genre. Frankenstein’s Monster first appeared in a film in 1910, but the fictional character is most recognised through actor Boris Karloff. Boris Karloff has portrayed Frankenstein’s Monster in films such as Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939). 

Frankenstein’s Monster was originally portrayed to be an 8 foot tall monster with an unpleasant appearance. He had yellow translucent skin pulled tight over his body, defining his bones and features. He also had watery radiant eyes, black hair, black tips, and noticeable teeth. Frankensteins monster is also based on a gothic novel written by Mary Shelley in 1815, this novel is considered the first horror novel.

Frankenstein’s personality used to be portrayed as a sensitive, intelligent creature, who wanted to share his life with another creature, like himself. Frankenstein is motivated by loneliness to complete acts of murder and brutality.

Frankenstein's Monster has anged throughout the years, as can be seen below.

1910 Frankenstein's Monster

1931 Frankenstein's Monster

2014 Frankenstein's Monster

Frankenstein has become more attractive, and looks more like a human. He is also portrayed as the protagonist in the film I, Frankenstein, whereas before he was portrayed as the antagonist. This shows how this iconic horror character has changed and developed throughout the years in order to keep the audiences ever changing interests. The film, that claims to be based on the Mary Shelley novel, Frankenstein shows how Frankensteins monster is becoming more human and sympathetic in appearence. 

Day of the Dead (1985) Trailer Analysis

Day of the Dead (1985) 

Genre: Horror 

My Score: 5/10

Classes Score: 4.5/10

 

The trailer for Day of the Dead (1985) contains a voice-over that loosely explains the narrative of the film. The trailer also shows people sitting in a cinema; this footage is not in the original film. The scenes that are from the original film do not explain the narrative, the film concentrates mostly on a zombie called ‘Bub’, but he is only seen a few times within the trailer.

There are a few positive aspects within the Day of the Dead (1985) trailer. The trailer didn’t reveal the over-all plot and ending of the film, it also didn’t spoil the gruesome gory scenes within the film, which will leave the audience feeling shocked when watching the film. The trailer also links with the other films such as Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Night of the Living Dead (1968).

There are many negative aspects within the trailer for Day of the Dead (1985). The trailer doesn’t grip the audience; there is no sense of tension in the trailer. There was also footage used that is not in the original film, which was seen as misleading and false advertising. The trailer also sells comedy, when there is no sense of a comedic atmosphere in the film. The pacing of the trailer is also very slow; it does not excite the audience, or create a scare or tense atmosphere. The music could also be described as ‘ice-cream van’ music, it does not create a jumpy or nervous atmosphere like horror trailers should, it makes the over-all trailer feel comedic and sad. The voice over begins to become irritating towards the end of the trailer, the voice over also seems to dominant the entire trailer.

The average score is 4.5/10, this is because the voice over is irritating and cheesy, also the trailer does not make the film appear scary or gory, which are two main elements that attract horror fans.

Pusher Trilogy (2005) Trailer Analysis

Pusher Trilogy (2005) 

Genre: Horror/Crime

My Score: 9/10

Classes Score: 8/10

 

The trailer for the Pusher Trilogy is a representation of some of the activities and things shown within the three films. The trailer features guns, cars, drugs and sex with minimal amounts of scenes relating to the horror genre.

The positive aspects of the trailer include the fast paced editing that keeps the audience’s attention; the trailer also gives a brief outline of the film. There are also inter titles used to show comments from other organisations. There are also lots of hints towards a lot of sex, drugs and violence, and successfully delivers on what it suggests. The shots used match well with the music, when scenes involving action is used the music speeds up to create a dramatic effect. The trailer also doesn’t reveal too much of the plot, or show any key plots within any of the film.

As well as positives, there are also negatives aspects with in the trailer. There isn’t enough detail about the narratives of the films, which may put some people off of watching the Pusher Trilogy. There are also moments within the trailer were the same clip is used twice, this can make the audience feel as if not enough effort has been put into making the trailer, therefore they may think it will reflect in the films. In some areas of the trailer the montages are too quick and too frequent to be able to grasp the concept of the three films.

The average score for the Pusher Trilogy was an 8/10. It scored this because the trailer is a genuine reflection of the films, also it doesn’t hold back on what the film is about and what it includes. The trailer also doesn’t add unnecessary footage that is not included in any of the films. The trailer didn’t score higher because it doesn’t entice horror fans, the trailer is very fast paced with no ‘scare factor’ therefore it will more likely attract crime and action fans.

Evil Dead (2013) Trailer Analysis

Evil Dead (2013)

Genre: Horror

My Score: 7/10

Classes Score: 8.6/10

The trailer for Evil Dead (2013) explains the basic narrative of the film, but also shows that they have changed the narrative slightly from the original Evil Dead made in 1985. A girl gets taken, by her friends, to a cabin located in an isolated wood so that she can break her drug and drink habits. She then becomes possessed and tries to kill her friends. The trailer explores some of the ways in which the possessed girl hurts her friends, and how they try and kill her in order to survive.

The trailer had multiple positive aspects, the use of slow to fast collision cutting throughout the trailer kept the audience engaged and also created an air of tension. The sound track and the editing are well timed; this makes the trailer even more effective on the audience. The quick flashes of action, as well as the sound effects also help the audience to get a feel for the overall mood of the film; it also excites the audience because of the sudden explosions of action throughout the trailer. The music also fits with the inter titles that are used throughout the trailer to elaborate on the narrative; the inter titles make the trailer look and feel more dramatic due to the sound effects and sound track used to accompany them. The trailer also shows genuinely horrific bits from the film that will draw in gore fans, for example; the knife sliding down the possessed girls tongue shown at the end of the trailer.

There were aspects of the trailer that I thought were unsuccessful, for example; I thought that the trailer explored too much of the film, it doesn’t leave much that the viewer hasn’t seen when watching the film. The trailer also ruins the plot for the audience, it isn’t secretive enough. The trailer is also longer than most film trailers; the trailer lasts 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the normal trailer lasts for 1 minute and 30 seconds. There was also the use of the overall unrealistic puke, which adds a comical element to the film that does not shine in any way on the comedy genre.

The trailers average score was 8.6/10. One of the reasons why it didn’t score higher was that it contained too much gore and didn’t leave much left to be shown in the film. It contained good inter titles which excited the audience, it also had plenty of collision cutting to excite the audience and create a tense atmosphere. The music also contributed to the tense atmosphere, also the trailer looked genuinely scary, therefore it would appeal to most horror fans.

Dawn of the Dead (1979) Image Analysis

This image is from a scene in Dawn of the Dead (DOTD) (1979). This scene is used to reflect the emotional states of the characters, it also shows the relationship between Fran and Stephan (Flyboy) breaking down. Both characters are naked in bed; this would usually illustrate sex, but the atmosphere of the scene demonstrates otherwise. There looks as if there is a line drawn between them both, the pillows and the shape of their arms establish this, the side that Fran is on contains low-key lighting, this could be a reflection of how Roger and Peter think that it is a bad idea to bring a baby into a world where you have to fight to survive. This scene consists of a slow cut, this it to create sadness and tension; the shot distance is also a long shot, this could be another representation of how distance Fran and Stephan are becoming. Laura Mulvey’s “Gaze Theory” is challenged in this scene, Fran’s breast is not shown for male pleasure, it is revealed to validate the breakdown of her relationship with Stephan. Character stereotypes are also challenged, Fran is blonde, and should therefore be the victim. Fran also is represented as an early feminist, as she is tough for the historical context of the film.

Dawn of the Dead (1979) Image Analysis

This image is from the film Dawn of the Dead (DOTD) (1979), this is one of the first scenes where an establishing shot is used so that we are aware of the volume of zombies that are dominating the ground floor of the mall. The two floors could be a representation of heaven and hell; the ground floor representing hell, and the top floor demonstrating heaven. A high angle is used to demonstrate who holds the power within the scene, the zombies are viewed as the weaker aspect, whereas the survivors who are looking down at the zombies are represented as the powerful, dominant subjects.  The lift in the centre of the image could symbolize the link between the two.  This scene follows the horror convention of an isolated location; the Monroeville Mall is where the majority of the film takes place. The use of a long shot allows the audience to view the entire middle section of the mall, and also allows the audience to gain an understanding of where the threat of a zombie attack will most likely be. The zombies also hold aspects of sadism; the audience find out that the zombies eat to survive through an interview on television, this show that they are not simply killing people of the fun of it. DOTD (1979) includes historical contexts, this includes the rise of the malls in the 1970s, the rise of the malls also links to consumerism; there is a scene in DOTD (1979) were a zombie is sitting in a wishing well holding coins and pennies, George Romero hated consumerism so he highlighted it in DOTD (1979).

Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analysis

This scene takes place towards the end of Dawn of the Dead (DOTD) (2004). This scene mostly consists of close ups of both Ana’s and Frank’s face; these expressionist angles are used to reflect the mood of the scene into the audience. Quick to slow montage was used in this scene, after the attack of the zombies, Frank tells the group that he has been bitten, the editing then slows and expressionist angles are used to build an atmospheric vibe within the scene. The American flag is visible in lots of scenes throughout DOTD (2004); the American flag is a representation of freedom. The flag is often behind either Ana or Frank; this is to show their goodness and also reflects a sense of patriotism. The idea of the flag could also symbolize the idea of American vs. ‘them’; ‘them’ could represent the zombies, and the zombies could signify the terrorists.  V.Propp and T.Todorov’s “Classical Hollywood Narrative’s Structure Theory” is used throughout DOTD (2004); the film does not start with a “set out equilibrium”, the equilibrium is already disrupted by the invasion of the virus, as well as the problem with terrorist’s; the “quest to establish new stability” is the search for a safe haven; the quest could be considered as “achieved” as they make it to the boat, but the happy ending does not occur.

Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analysis

News clips and photographs are shown at the beginning of Dawn of the Dead (DOTD) (2004) whilst the song ‘When the Man comes Around’ by Johnny Cash is played as the sound track. The beginning links to the terrorist attacks, such as the 9/11, that have happened in real life. Horror films usually take historical context and use it in order to scare the audience, this is because we have become we have become tougher when faced with things such as body horror. This image is grainy and not of a high quality to make the news report look realistic, news reports from other countries is usually shot from a phone so that it can be quickly sent to other countries. The beginning scenes could be enforcing how the virus has become terrorism and has been spread from the Middle East; this then creates fear and tension within the audience.

Psycho (1960) Image Analysis

This is the first scene in Psycho (1960) where we find out more about Norman, and his relationship with his mother, as well as his hobbies and interests; we also see that Norman is sexually attracted to Marion. This image views Norman in an innocent, yet disturbed light. Low-key lighting is used to create deep shadows, as well as casting a dark and gloomy atmosphere over the scene. Norman’s face is half-light, half dark; this could represent how the audience, as well as Marion, are currently viewing him as a good and innocent person, but we later find out that he is the opposite of that. The stuffed birds are not just decoration, they relate to Norman’s hobby, and they are also a relation to his last name, Bates; the shadows also help to add depth in the image. This scene is also shot in an enclosed location, in an isolated part of town; this follows the conventions of horror locations. This expressionist angle allows the audience to understand the mood of the scene, as well as determining what will happen later on in the film. The low angle of the image also makes Norman appear powerful and dominating.

Andrew Sarris' 'Auteur Theory' could be applied to Hitchcock films. Hitchcock has developed his own style of film making, and also his films reflect his personality and part of his (sometimes dark) soul. 

Psycho (1960) Image Analysis

This is the first scene from Psycho (1960) that reveals the killer, but the angle in which it has been shot at doesn’t allow the audience to see the face of the killer; this brings a sense of mysteriousness to the scene. The establishing angle allows the audience to look down on the action; this suggests that the audience is supposed to view the scene from a God-like perspective. The low-key lighting casts an eerie and tense atmosphere over the scene. The low-key lighting, as well as the shadows, suggests that there is evil and negative energy present. The empty space between the staircase and the corridor separates the image into two sections; this could represent the good and the evil within the scene. The knife is the most dominant prop within the image, this suggests that it is sufficient within the scene; the knife could also represent a phallic symbol, we later find out that Norman killed both characters within the film; the phallic symbol could demonstrate his fascination with woman, especially his mother, and his lack of masculinity. The editing within this scene was fast paced montage, this technique was used to build tension and insert panic into the audience. The Bates house is also an old, Victorian house; this by itself brings a haunted and disturbed atmosphere into this scene.