trailer research

1) What cinematic techniques are used to establish mood and tone?

The first 30 odd seconds show scenes from the film without any explanation, and we get many people’s perspectives on what’s going on, yet still we don’t know; there is the air of mystery.

2) How does the trailer establish the themes and narrative?

It establishes the themes that are normal for the action genre, by showing explosions and vast buildings moving. Also, from 37 seconds onwards, there is a gun or some sort of destruction in almost every scene, which really outlines the genre. In terms of establishing the narrative, there is a voice over, spoken by the main character, giving his character’s view on the film, which then affects the storyline. There are also titles on the screen that give facts that would be useful in understanding the film It slightly shows what each character’s role is in the film, yet in so much detail that we can really only tell whether they are a protagonist or baddie. 

3) How does the trailer establish genre?

The trailer establishes itself as an action thriller by showing action scenes and dramatic music right from the start. It also shows that the film has an air of mystery by starting the advert off with a question. The film’s dramatic side is shown by presenting the two main characters at the beginning.

4) Who is the target audience and how is this audience targeted in this trailer?

The target audience would be the core audience, 16-24 year olds, as well as people who like the sort of film like 2021, and this is shown by them using as many similar scenes as they can in the advert, to show this latter group of people that this is a film that they would want to watch.

5) What is the reason/ effect for using the director's name and previous work?

The reason that they show the director’s name is that people will recognise him as having created extremely successful films, and if they went to see it they will remember that they enjoyed his film. The effect is that then people will expect his new film to be of equally good quality, which will result in higher numbers at the box office, so then more money.

Salt

1) How does this trailer promote and focus on the big star? (look at camera work, editing, sound...etc..)

The big star, Angelina Jolie, is in almost every single shot, which shows off to a viewer that she is important, and makes them watch her closely, which is made easier by that fact that they have deliberately chosen someone who is thought of by many as being extremely attractive. There are lots of close up shots of her face, in different positions to show an all round perspective.

2) Action films are thought to appeal to a predominately male audience. How does this trailer target both a female and male audience separately?

Regarding attracting female audiences, she is shown in a position of power and importance in her workplace, which some would see as her being a pioneer, also it is not always that there is a female action hero in a film, so where women might be tired of seeing men always starring in the action genre, having a woman have the lead role would target the female audiences. Male audiences would be attracted by the action genre, but also because of the hero being very pleasing to the eye.

3) How does this trailer use editing to create atmosphere?

The trailer uses editing at the beginning to piece together- using clips from the film- the entire storyline in the interrogation room, to show the audience the build up to the more active part of the film, which leads to excitement.  When she is on the run, the short shots and quick cuts result in tension. The different shots from CCTV images make the audience think that she cant get away but then they show her jumping onto a lorry so immediately there is a feeling of excitement. The confusion that arises in the minds of the viewers means that people will be more inclined to go and see it so that questions they have may be answered.