Films and Trailers Part 1.

Brick Trailer (2005)

The Brick trailer sets up an expectation which intrigues the audience to watch the film. The trailer uses intense mystery to entice them to want to see it. The drama mystery conventions which the trailer emits although gives all information required still leaves the audience guessing as to what is to happen in it. 

• The audience is introduced digetic sounds of a panicked female on the phone, while non-digetic music tickers in the background- An establishing long shot of a telephone box by an isolated highway a night, somewhere in America.
• A smokey text insert before the establishing shot comes into focus reveals the film title.
• Sound bridge of 7 seconds which is mysterious and creates a wind effect, connotes an eerie atmosphere
• There is dim lighting and the panicked female on the other end of the phone is saying unfamiliar code word which appear as smokey text on the screen- it  immediately unease the audience.   

• Mid-shots of protagonist familiarise the audience with him and his composition- 
• His body language is small and lacking confidence, casual clothes- usually a white T-shirt  and glasses throughout however builds as the pace builds.
• Factual newspaper article emphasise realism and believability. 
• Close ups of the dominant element- main focus, and low angle mid shot to show authority 
• There are various transitions to new locations such as car parks, school, back seats of vans however it is in a closed setting, centring around one small suburban area in America.
• Smokey text inserts which fade away as fast as they were there 
• Non-diegtic voice over which anchors the visuals
• Pace builds as do cuts and fades, this is parallel to the music
• A tracking close up through the gaps of the library bookshelf illustrates his search which cuts to a high angle birds eye shot of Brendon entering a dark room connoting the depth and danger of the situation

• The "Pin" is introduced through voice over being a "dope runner"- dark room and black clothing only lit by a match as smokey text fades from the screen.
• Fast paced, quick shots of protagonist and a Rubik cube information man- well informed and on his side.
• Point of view shots to show progression of his search- the principals office is brightly lit and the angle shot on both characters are similar showing the balance and safe heaven for Brendan.
• Action enigmas such as the close up of the racing car and Brendan getting punched- emphasises excitement.
• The non-diegetic music is steady, then increase however stops to allow the comic relief of the orange juice scene then picks up again. 

Expectations:

• Intense mystery drama/thriller.
• Many twists and turns which keep the audience guessing.
• Exciting action points.
• An underlying element of comic relief.
• USP- Special Jury Prize- Originality of Vision- Sundance 2005

Brick Film (2005)

The Brick Film however juxtaposes from it's trailer. The film trailer itself did not give away the Film Noir tropes- such as a blue tinted colour pallet- exposed in the film. Some of the what seemed crucial scenes in the trailer where merely a passing thought in the actual film. 

• The film contained many close ups from a low angle of the protagonist Brendan, illustrating his dominance however this shifted when he was struggling for control using either a level or high angle shot showing his vulnerability.
• His  body language also implied his state and emotions during transitions to new locations. He continuously wore casual attire and glasses white T-shirt
• This telephone scene in the trailer was at night however, in the film it was at day making it seem less scary and menacing.
• Many scenes follow this pattern where the danger and fighting takes place during broad daylight subverting the connotations. 

• During the drama party scene we are introduced to Laura formally here. This long shot shows he wearing a red Japanese style dress connoting danger but also passion. she is portrayed more of a sex symbol compared to Emily's girl next door type look.
•  A dimly lit room casting a lot of shadows emphasising she has a lot to hide.
• When Emily is seen the digetic sound score is the same every time adding familiarity and stability to her character presence.
• Laura is usually seen in black, with red lipstick again connoting danger and passion yet, seen coming out of darkness into light clutching at innocence to the audience. 

• Lighting focuses mainly on the dominant element except when he's going into darkness to uncover the truth.
• Throughout the film the use of darkness and silhouettes is used in order to reinforce the fear of the unknown 
• Locations also create new atmosphere, during some scenes it reinforces the emotions and other times its subverts the audience- such as the scene in which Brendan is being chased through the high school the pleonastic digetic footsteps make the scene thrilling however the bright blue sky, brightly lit corridor juxtapose the scene. Whereas in the Pin's den, it is under ground in a dark wooden room which is claustrophobic and dimly lit basement- he is cloaked and surrounded by eagles.

• Significant symbols are more often than not complemented which zooms and close ups emphasising their importance.
• The tunnel creates many connotations for Brendan's character- the fear of the unknown into and coming out of darkness- darkness disorientating and the fact he becomes engulfed in a world which is unfamiliar is mirrored by the lighting
• Another significant symbols are the spinning mirror which connotes distortion and alternative persona's at which point the close up of  the brick-white light is discovered which connoted 
• Towards the revelations at the end of the film Brendan has vivid and bright warm colour pallet flashbacks which connote his past happiness compared to his withdrawn unhappy self now. 
• By now the audience is so exposed to his anti hero antics that this becomes the "norm", this is emphasised by the constant battle between black and white lighting.