Moodboard

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.