Trailer Analysis - Mad Max (1979)

MAD MAX


I have chosen to analyse this trailer as it is set in a post apocalyptic setting. It also has a different atmosphere to the trailers that I have analysed prior to this, and has a lot of action.


Camera angles, shots and movement

• Near to the start of the trailer, there is a shot that zooms in to the side of a car. This represents an oncoming threat which gives a sense of danger.
• Soon after, we see a shot of the protagonist (Max) in his car. The camera is behind him and we can not see his face. The camera tracks forward and but his face is still not revealed. This creates mystery as to who this man is, which builds suspense and anticipation.
• The next shot of Max is framed so that we only see the bottom of his face in his car's wing-mirror. This again builds the anticipation that the audience has about this character.
• Shortly after this there are extreme close-ups of different parts of the car as Max turns it on. This again builds anticipation as we know that action is about to happen.
• The 'reveal' of Max is an extreme close-up of his face meaning that the viewer can only see his sunglasses. This again, builds anticipation for action.
• Soon after, there is a close up of the villain's face which fills the entire frame. This is discomforting and allows the audience to understand the villain's fear. The fact that the villain is scared shows Max as a hero, which is attractive to action fans.
• After the antagonist is involved in a large explosion, we see a close up of Max's face which is shot from a low angle. This shows that he in unfazed by killing, which is a convention of action movie protagonists.
• The fact that he is unfazed also helps to establish the film's post-apocalyptic setting as being 'lawless' and uncivilised.
• Later on in the trailer there is a POV shot of Max driving, showing the speed and the danger of it. This helps to establish the lawless atmosphere but is also attractive to action fans, as the audience can feel as if they are in his position.
• Later on there is a handheld shot that zooms in to an extreme close-up of Max's eyes. This connotes danger.
• Toward the end of the trailer there is a long shot where Max is walking away from the camera and he is framed in the centre of the shot. This connotes purpose, and means that he is going to take action, which is attractive to action movie fans.
• Near to the end of the trailer there is a shot that zooms in on the front of a car that is driving toward the camera. This gives a sense of danger.

Mise-en-scene

• Near the start of the trailer, there is a shot of a gun pointing at a car, and the gun takes up most of the shot. This shows the violence of the world and also shows, quite simply, that there will be guns in this movie, which is attractive to action fans.
• Following this, there is a shot of a bare foot slamming on a brake pedal. The bare foot is symbolic of an uncivilised world.
• Soon after, there is a shot where a van gets smashed into by a car. This car crash is a clear sign of action and excitement and also denotes the lawless setting.
• Following shortly after, we see a car flipping which is again a clear sign of action and excitement and also denotes the lawless setting.
• Following this, there is a shot of a car smashing through a caravan. Once more, this is a clear sign of action and excitement and also denotes the lawless setting.
• The clothing that many of the characters wear in the trailer seems to be improvised. This is a stereotype of post-apocalyptic fiction.
• Max is wearing sunglasses in many shots in the trailer. This makes him seem more intimidating, which is attractive to action fans.
• At the end of the starting 'car chase section' of the trailer there is a big explosion. This is a satisfying conclusion to the build up of anticipation and is attractive to action movie fans.
• Later we see an antagonistic character break a car windscreen with a machete. This establishes the lawless setting.
• After this we see another antagonistic character doing a wheelie on a motorbike through a town. This again is a denotation of the lawless world.
• Directly after this we see a shot of a man hanging off of a post on a building. This once more expresses the lawless and uncivilised nature of the world.
• Later on we see a shot of a mannequin getting shot in the face. This is a very PG-13 way to connote serious violence and, once again, conveys the lawless nature of the film's setting.
• We later see a shot of the antagonist hissing. This animalistic behavior shows how uncivilised the world is.
• Throughout the trailer there are many shots that are just of parts of cars. This shows that cars will be a big focus of the film, which is attractive to action fans.

Editing

• The very first shot of the trailer is of a car. This simply shows that cars will be a big focus of the film.
• Throughout the trailer there is narration that matches with the images on screen, and we only see something if the narrator mentions it. (e.g. The narrator says "A crack interceptor for the main force patrol" and we see the word 'interceptor' on the back of Max's car.) This makes the story accessible for the audience.
• The entire first 'section' of the trailer consists of an action-packed car chase. This conveys that the film will be exciting and full of action.
• Towards the end of the first section there is an eyeline match between max and the back of the antagonist's car. This suggests that he is going to dispatch of the antagonist, which builds anticipation.
• When the antagonist crashes, there is a very fast sequence of shots that consist  of the crash itself and shots of the antagonist's face. This denotes danger which shows how formidable the protagonist is.
• Later on in the trailer there is a shot of bikes flying off of a bridge that has been put into slow motion. This serves to emphasise the action.
• Toward the end of the trailer, the shots follow an order of focusing on the protagonist's car, and then the antagonist's bike, the protagonist's car, and then the antagonist's bike again. This gives the impression of a duel and is a sign of action.
• We are not shown what happens at the end of this 'duel' which makes people want to watch the film to find out what happens at the end.

Sound

• At the start of the trailer, the narrator says "On the abandoned highways of tomorrow". This instantly establishes the film's setting as being in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world.
• There is a stab of string instruments that occurs here to emphasise this.
• When the narrator reveals the protagonist's name as 'Max', there are heroic sounding trumpets in the background. This portrays Max as being a hero, which is attractive to action fans.
• Soon after this, we hear the antagonist shouting violently. This shows him as being uncivilised, but also establishes him as a villain.
• Toward the end of the first section, the music builds up in a rising crescendo which builds up anticipation for action. The music ends with a deep bass note when the antagonist crashes, creating a satisfying conclusion.
• Later on in the trailer, we see shots of antagonistic characters screaming and shouting, giving the impression of an uncivilised world.
• At the very end of the trailer, the narrator says: "Pray that he's out there, somewhere." This emphasises the protagonist's heroic qualities by suggesting that the audience need his help too.

Trailer Analysis - 28 Days Later (2002)

28 DAYS LATER


I have chosen to analyse the trailer for this film as it is set in a post-apocalyptic setting. It was also a successful trailer as it managed to attract a wide audience to watch the film.



Camera angles, shots and movement

• Throughout the trailer there is lots of handheld camerawork. This is difficult to follow, which is discomforting to watch. It also gives the impression of reality, which makes it scary.
• Near to the start of the trailer, there is a shot of a girl laying on the floor. The camera has been tilted 90 degrees so it looks as if she is standing. This is discomforting to the audience and creates an atmosphere of fear.
• Later on in the trailer, there is a high-angle extreme long shot of the protagonist. This makes him appear very small and weak, making the world around him seem more dangerous.
• Soon after this there is a shot that has a zombie (the antagonists of the film) in the centre of the frame. This breaks the rule of thirds which is uncomfortable to watch and will make the viewer feel fear. It also seems more intimidating and creates an air of danger.
• The previous shot occurs as an 'instant zoom'. This sudden movement of the camera is unnerving and creates a sense of strength in the antagonists, making them seem more dangerous.
• Soon after this there is an extreme close up of the protagonist's face filmed using a handheld camera. This is another unnerving shot which again helps to create a fearful atmosphere.
• In one of the many nonsensical shots in the trailer, the camera zooms quickly into the side of a woman's face. As it does not zoom directly on the centre of her face and due to the fact that it is a very obvious zoom, this shot is unsettling and aids in creating a sense of fear.
• Following this there is a shot of the protagonist that has been shot at a Dutch angle, which gives a sense of madness and rage, which again helps to create a sense of fear.

Mise-en-scene

• At the start of the trailer, most of the footage is shot in low-key lighting. This darkness helps to create a fearful atmosphere.
• Near the start of the trailer, there is a clip of a petrol station exploding. This is a sign of danger that is very obvious to audiences. This clip is shown on screen for longer than the other nonsensical shots at the trailer's opening, so that it can be easily seen by the audience.
• Soon after there is a shot including payphones hanging off the hook. This is a stereotypical sign of panic that can be easily recognised by audiences, creating a sense of fear.
• Following this, we see footage of the protagonist walking around a completely empty Central London. This is a strange sight and is therefore unnerving, creating a sense of fear. It is also a spectacle which would entice an audience to watch the film.
• In this sequence, we see a bus tipped over. This is a clear sign of destruction and danger.
• Soon after, there is a shot of a crucifix. This religious imagery helps to establish a post-apocalyptic setting, as a religious 'judgement day' is a stereotype of the genre.
• Later on, there is a POV shot that 'runs' toward a set of double doors at the back of a house. The house is stereotypical, and is likely reminiscent of some audience member's residences. This is jarring as the audience can relate to the image and feel fear of the antagonist running toward a typical place of comfort.
• In addition, there is a warm orange glow coming from within the house, making it seem more comfortable. This therefore makes it more uncomfortable that something is violently running towards it as it creates a 'nowhere is safe' message.
• Soon after this, there is a shot of silhouetted figures running toward the camera. This is frightening as the audience cannot see who they are, thus tapping into the fear of the unknown.
• Later on, there are two subsequent shots of large explosions. This creates a sense of danger, but would also be attractive to action-loving audiences.
• At the very end of the trailer, a man turns around to see a zombie behind him. This sudden appearance is designed to frighten the viewer, and will attract horror fans.

Editing

• The first section of the trailer is essentially a long montage of fast, nonsensical shots, with brief sound clips that have no context. The shots also constantly 'flash' with black colour, meaning that the clips do not stay on screen for long enough to be properly identified. This is unnerving as it taps in to the audience's fear of the unknown.
• The first section also contains intertitles that give information about the plot. When a new intertitle appears on screen, there is an image (an eye, for example) that flashes briefly on the screen. This happens too quickly to be noticed, so it subconsciously taps into the audience's fear of the unknown.
• Near to the beginning of the trailer there is an image that has been layered on top of itself, creating a 'seeing double' effect. This is unsettling and helps to establish a feeling of fear.
• Also near the start, there is a shot that has been recoloured to be a blood red colour, which is coupled with the sound of a blade swinging. This creates a feeling of rage and danger.
• Later on in the trailer there is a jump cut that goes from a close up to a long shot. This is unsettling which helps to bring a sense of fear.
• Soon after there is a shot of the protagonist speaking. This shot then shrinks vertically toward the centre of the screen, creating the image of an old TV switching off. This helps to show the protagonist's disintegrating mental state which is unsettling to watch. It also means that the shot is on screen for less time meaning that is is more nonsensical and therefore helps to create a sense of fear.
• In the shot where the camera zooms into the side of a woman's face, the shot quickly flashes in negative colour. This is unsettling and startling, creating a sense of fear.
• Later on in the trailer, there is narration that says "Never go anywhere alone" and "Only travel during daylight". With each of these lines, we see shots of people disobeying these orders. This entices the audience to watch the film as they want to know what has led the characters to put themselves in danger.
• Soon after this, the rapid nature of the clips slows down, and the music stops. The protagonist then says "this is a bad idea". This emphasizes the dangerous nature of the films setting.
• As the title '28 Days Later' appears on screen, a pair of eyes (coloured in a blood red) also appear that stare directly at the camera. This is unsettling and frightening to the audience and also has connotations of evil and danger.
• The trailer ends with a negative shot, which again, is unsettling and frightening.

Sound

• The trailer begins with the sound of an alarm blaring, creating an immediate sense of danger.
• In the opening montage, lots of the sounds are screams and running noises, creating a sense of panic and fear. The fact that we do not see the source of these sounds taps into the audience's fear of the unknown.
• Later on in the trailer, the protagonist shouts "Hello?!" which echoes. This is a stereotypical piece of dialogue that connotes that the character is alone, so this is instantly accessible by the audience.
• After this, there is silence for a brief period of time, this creates tension which in turn creates a sense of fear.
• This silence is then interrupted by the loud sound of a car alarm. This is startling and should frighten the audience. This sudden scare would attract horror fans.
• In the first clear shot of a zombie, there is a sound clip overlayed saying "They're infected". This explains the threat and makes the plot accessible for the audience.
• The music in this section of the trailer is post-rock which has a steady tempo and an eerie feel. This creates an atmosphere of fear.
• The sound effects at this point are also in time with the music. This use of rhythm helps to make the threat seem stronger.
• Soon after, a female voice narrates: "There's something in the blood". This makes the plot accessible to the audience.
• The next section of the trailer has fast paced music that is reminiscent of music used in high-octane sequences in Action films. This promotes the film as being exciting.
• Within this fast paced section, there is a clip where the protagonist says "hello?" and all music stops. This contrast creates tension which sets the audience at unease.
• The next section of the trailer has slower, serene music which is a huge contrast to the rest of the trailer and the violent images on screen. This use of binary opposites is strange and unsettling.
• However, the music does sound positive. This is attractive to the viewer as it creates a feeling of hope.

Trailer Analysis - The Road (2009)

THE ROAD

I have chosen to analyse the trailer for this film as it is set in a post-apocalyptic setting. It was also a successful trailer as it managed to attract a wide audience to watch the film.

Camera angles, shots and movement

• Throughout the trailer there are many two shots featuring the protagonist and deuteragonist. This makes it apparent to the audience that the characters have a strong bond.

• Near the beginning of the trailer, there is an establishing shot of a large destroyed building which slowly pans left, allowing the viewer to see more destruction and gain a better understanding of the film’s dangerous setting.

• Throughout the trailer, there are long shots showing the characters travelling through the post-apocalyptic setting. The use of long shots means that the characters look small, conveying their weakness and that the world is dangerous.

• A third of the way through the trailer, there is an extreme close-up of the protagonist’s eyes and face, and the gun that he is holding is out of focus in the foreground. This conveys a sense of danger and conveys that the characters have to fight to survive.

• During this part of the trailer, the camerawork is handheld. This is more intense as it is more reminiscent of the protagonist’s point of view, which helps to evoke a feeling of danger.

• Shortly after, there is a brief extreme close up of a knife that the protagonist is holding. As this is the only object in the shot, it conveys that life is dangerous and the characters will have to be violent to survive.

• Towards the end of the trailer there is a shot of the deuteragonist’s face which pans down to reveal a gun in his hands. This conveys how people have had to change to live in this dangerous environment.

Mise-en-scene

• At the start and throughout the trailer there are many shots that show the two main characters walking through destroyed landscapes (as well as shots of the destroyed landscapes by themselves). This establishes the setting of the film as being dangerous and post-apocalyptic.

• The trailer begins with a shot of the protagonist caring for the deuteragonist. This instantly establishes the relationship between the two characters. It also conveys that the main focus of the film will be these how these two characters survive in the apocalypse, not the apocalypse itself.
• Soon after there is a shot where a crucifix can be seen in the background, followed by a shot of the protagonist praying. This religious imagery helps to establish a post-apocalyptic setting, as a religious 'judgement day' is a stereotype of the genre.

• Throughout the trailer there are shots that are lit by an ambient, orange firelight which create a hopeful atmosphere that is attractive to an audience. These are also the only colourful shots in the trailer, which again, creates a hopeful atmosphere.

• The majority of shots in the trailer are lit with high-key, grey lighting, and the shots are mostly devoid of strong colour. This creates a bleak and dangerous atmosphere.

• Around the 30 second mark, there is a shot of skulls displayed on sticks in a line. This is used as an audience can instantly recognise it as being a sign of extreme danger.

• At the end of the trailer, many of the shots are of positive things such as the characters smiling. This conveys a hopeful atmosphere which is attractive to an audience.

Editing

• Before even mentioning the post-apocalyptic setting, we see shots that establish the relationship of the two main characters. This conveys that the main focus of the film will be these how these two characters survive in the apocalypse and not the apocalypse itself.

• Later on in the trailer there is a shot showing a row of skulls held up on sticks. There is then a jump cut and the shot is more zoomed in and is in negative colouring. This effect has been put on the shot to make it seem more sinister and convey the danger of the world in which the film is set.

• Soon after this, there is a section of the trailer that is reminiscent of a standoff in western films. This has been included as it is a stereotypical scene that the audience can instantly recognise and therefore instantly get an idea of the high-stakes atmosphere of the film.

• At the end of the ‘standoff’ section, the protagonist fires a gun at something off-screen and the screen briefly flashes white before cutting to black. This creates mystery as we do not see the outcome of the scene, which entices the audience to watch the film.

• Following this, there is a montage of shots of the antagonistic people that the narrator is talking about. This conveys the danger of the film’s setting and makes the threat seem very large.

• Shortly after there is another montage showing the protagonist holding weapons and looking dangerous. This gives a hopeful atmosphere, but also helps to establish the setting of the film, as it shows how the world has changed.

Sound

• The trailer begins with calm, serene music played on piano and strings. This creates a hopeful atmosphere right from the start, which displays the film in an attractive, positive light.

• There is narration from the protagonist throughout the trailer. He talks about the state of the world, making the story of the film accessible to the audience, meaning that they will be more likely to watch it.

• To end the calm music, there is a reversed cymbal sound with some deep drums. This creates a dramatic change in tone from the opening music, which helps to convey the danger of the film’s setting.

• Later on in the trailer, there is faint moaning/whistling music that is uncomfortable to listen to. This creates a tense atmosphere and connotes the high-stakes nature of the film.

• Following this, there is deep, intense string music that has a steady, marching pace. This helps to demonstrate the strong, unrelenting nature of the threat in the film.

• However, toward the end, the trailer takes on a completely different tone. A positive-sounding song with major chords begins, which conveys a hopeful atmosphere which is attractive to an audience.

Defining the genre of my film

In the essay 'The Semiotics of Consumption in Post-Apocalyptic Movies' by John Pantzalis of Saint Leo University, U.S.A, Pantzalis states that "Classifying a movie into a genre is not as straightforward as it seems. Most movies will include elements from several genres thus making clear classification problematic."

As my film will have a post-apocalyptic setting, it should be simple to classify as being of the 'Post-Apocalyptic Genre' which Pantzalis defines as "science fiction movies that show a future society that has emerged out of a major catastrophe."

However post-apocalyptic can be seen to be a sub-genre that stems from the genre of science fiction. Pantzalis states that a mainstream future prediction is of the science fiction genre, whilst a doomsday future prediction is of the post-apocalyptic genre.

Wikipedia states that "Science fiction films have often been used to focus on political or social issues, and to explore philosophical issues like the human condition" This statement is true of the film that I seek to make.

In my film, my characters will be under constant threat from the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, meaning that the film will be action packed. Wikipedia defines action films as having "a resourceful character struggling against incredible odds, which include life-threatening situations, a villain, or a pursuit which generally concludes in victory for the hero." This definition is also true of the film that I wish to create.

However, my film will focus more on the characters and their relationships, rather than the spectacle of action sequences, meaning that my film could be defined as a Drama. Wikipedia defines drama as being "a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes. Dramatic themes such as moral dilemmas and corruption put the characters in conflict with themselves, others, society and even natural phenomena."

Based on these definitions, I would define the genre of my film as being a Sci-Fi Drama (more specifically, a post-apocalyptic drama).


Sources: 
http://www.acrwebsite.org/search/view-conference-proceedings.aspx?Id=11314

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction_film

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_film

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drama_film

Brief

Brief 2.

I am going to make a promotion package for a new film, to include a trailer, together with a film magazine front cover featuring the film and a poster for the film.