Films and Trailers Part 4.

Moon Trailer (2009)

The Moon trailer completely does the opposite of the Zombieland trailer. It gives the audience snippets  of information at leaves them to decipher it on there own. 

• Long, slow paced establishing shots of the moon.
• Mid-shot of the main character running on a treadmill and then close ups of his face and reactions- connection with the audience allowing them to "read" him.
• Non-diegetic orchestral music pondering and building. 
• Close ups of dominant element talking to the robot and depends on it to cut his hair.
• The pace of the trailer builds with the parallel music and at the point of the crescendo  it pause to allow the robot to speak "Perhaps you're imagining things". 
• Duration of shots decrease and cuts increase mirroring the soundtrack.
• The mise-en-scene in the close ups of the main character illustrate his isolations and allow the audience to empathise with him.
• Establish long shot of the Earth from the moon emphasising the distance and isolation.

Expectations 

• Sci-fi drama set on the moon- creating isolations.
• Dependant on technology especially the robot- masculine.
• The robot having a secret agenda conforming to the "technology turning against humans" stereotype. 
• Illusion- Been there for a long while and going insane due to the lack of socialisation

Moon Film 

This film is a sci-fi drama, it is compact and holds a lot of information for such a film. It is set in one  fixed location contains many settings as we journey through one man's discovery. 

• The isolated setting immediately allows the audience to sympathises with the main character Sam. He craves human attention through the use of the robot Gerti.
• We are given countless close ups and mid-shots of Sam and Gerti's progressive relationship- Gerti's use of emoji icons as facial expressions reinforces unsettling nature.
• No only does he talk to himself he also names his plants and different bases by human names, Moreover he transmits his findings to Earth through a video log suggesting his absolutely loneliness.

• The long establishing shot denotes a moon mining base,illustrated by the text inserted titles for each new locations, base. 
• Immediately the audience is lured away from the false sense of security as it is set on the unknown. The fixed stations in a closed facility constantly feels claustrophobic  surrounded by white wall which connote madness.
• The majority of shots within the base are level however when there is danger, off-centred high angle shots are used to distort the audience.  

•  Gerti's reactions and sneaky behaviour create suspicion of an ulterior motive,not only for the audience but Sam also and reinforces not only society's dependency on technology but only the power in which they would gain if ever were to turn against humans. 
• Gerti is omnipotent behaviour and calm monotone voice which at times talks down to Sam again reinforces the atmosphere and connote he has a secret agenda.  
• As Sam discovers move, he unfold more of the base- in which high angle shots are used in order to highlight his vulnerability. 
• Blackouts and transitions are used illustrate a new phase and scene. 

• The discovery of the second Sam leaves them both bewildered and searching for answers./ Her we see more close up of the characters reactions to illustrate his turmoil and allow the audience to empathise with the character. 
• Quick cuts and blackouts are used to connote danger and suspense in mysterious discovering scenes- here the lighting is darker compared to the bright white on the base. 
• The younger Sam seems more stern and agile and there for only his purpose. In contrast to the older Sam who seems less sane but accepting of his surroundings and the way in which things are.
• They only begin to explore the rest of their bases when the older Sam begins to deteriorate.

• As his world begins to crumble, we have more distressing scenes such as him being buried alive and we fear for the characters mental and physical state as the more he learns the more ill he becomes. 
• Longer durations of shots including many internal cuts to close ups make the scene longer creating an emotional atmosphere when there is news.  
• The way in which the trailer create disorientation is fully explained in the film, and offers the answers to the confusion created. 

Films and Trailers Part 3.

Zombieland Trailer (2009)

The Zombieland trailer highlights the main aspects of the movie, the concept, narrative and what it involves, another spoiler type trailer. It immediately heightens the audience to the genre of the film and emphasises the humour with the sound score. The red band trailer shows elements of horror, violence and scenes of a sexual nature. 

• Orchestral music builds whilst an establishing mid shot of the two main characters one nerdy and the other a southerner with a cowboy hat- in a supermarket with a banjo.
• It stops as comedic contrapuntal diegetic banjo song is played it the cuts to an overweight scary looking zombie man running towards them, and eyeline shot back to the southerner as he  races towards and goes to smash the zombie across the face with the banjo sets the scene for the narrative alone.
• The music builds as it quickly cuts to an establishing shot of the world from space with the text "Welcome To Zombieland".
• Non-diegetic voice over narration from the main character as various locations are shown descending into turmoil- car crashes, blood splatters and people running from zombies.
• Various locations in America are used suggest a nationwide effect adding realism. It also mimics the narrative of constantly having to move and be unsettled due to the circumstances. 
• The use of slow motion close ups  and mid-shots, paired with non-diegetic contrapuntal soundtrack emphasises the humour in the scenes. For example the mid-shot of a half naked female zombie stripper with money in her underwear, running after a tubby Chinese businessman in slow motion still clutching dollar bills in his hand. 
• The country and western type music reinforces the comedy in the scenes and pauses allowing for epic diegetic comic relief moment to be highlighted, which is a convention of this hybrid genre.
• High angle shot of brutal murder of zombies however with the different soundtrack makes it humorous. The music also changes when the atmosphere shifts. 
• A contrast of bright Orange titles are used against a black screen to make important information stand out.

Expectations 

• As this is similar to many spoiler trailers, it tells us  everything we need to know about it.
• It highlights the hybrid combination of comedy and horror by using the conventions from both to conform to the expectations of the narrative. 

Zombieland Film 

The Zombieland trailer revealed fast paced scenes varying form all of the film. The  trailer also gave  background and all you need to know of the narrative of the  film. However leaving the audience wanting  to see for themselves how it ends. 

• The mise-en-scene focuses on realism in America, patriotic as we firstly see the flag, everyone , person or zombie in everyday clothing to add to the potential of it could happen any day in any place. 
• The long shots of locations vary from the White House to street corners suggesting a widespread effect on the population and although there are many people around it is an isolating situation
• Establishing long shots of long winding roads connoting life on the road during this circumstances, keeping moving to survive. 
• Close ups of mid-shots of chaos and mayhem descending highlights the horror element to the film however the soundtrack subverts the atmosphere. 

•  Close ups of the main character- Columbus- nerd and vulnerable looking compared to the arrogance from the Texas cowboy makes the juxtaposition of these two characters and unlikely pair.
• The contrast between the two connotes isolation but also subtly portrays the genre of the film- combination of two very different conventions to make one hybrid genre. 
• Setting- in a supermarket makes it seem realistic once more yet their composition in the scene humorous this is added to using the soundtrack to illustrate the comic relief. 

• The use of voice over explains from the beginning to set the scene. The audience  instantly build a connection to this main character and sympathise and abide by what he is telling us- the voice of authority.
• The text inserts- the rules are an extension of his personality and reflection of his character.
• The rules are shown to be lifelike and real through their 3D and movement which mimics their purpose- such as the word "seat belts" click together and "cardio" beats like a heart.

• The animated text inserts also become a part of the scenery and blend to illustrate that they have become a way of life. It connotes that the rules have a mind of their own as they actively carry out their purpose. 
• Violence in places of sanctuary and solitude such as bathrooms or toilets and also in unexpected "normal" situations which have become unusual and nervy due to the circumstances. 
• Over the shoulder shots denote zombies move differently to humans denoting the change conform to the stereotype throughout the film. 

Films and Trailers Part 2.

Narc Trailer (2002)

The Narc trailer is more of a spoiler type trailer. It gives away the narrative and storyline to the audience revealing all they need to know about the film, however still entices its audience to want to see the film.

• Black out with white text inserts- informative and progression. 
• Slow motions and transitions such as fades, blurs to next scene => Narration.
• Enigma codes- fighting and gun shot emphasising danger 
• Flashes = danger, tension, mystery 
• Transitions to a white out which connotes death
• Close ups and mid-shots- to convey emotions- empathy for the audience
• Quick paced cuts and black and white lighting contrasts which can also cause a blue cold colour pallet.
• Costume and props - smokey, guns- sets up for the audience, contrasts 
• 2 main characters others integrate- such as through voice over
• white text inserts contrast lighting black/white (grey & cold blues)
• Digetic music builds as action increases e.g. guns, amount shots increase also
• At the point "Enough" the music stops and deeper music begs after- around 5 different sound scores are used  
• Split screen= contrast, progression, informative 
• Title + comings soon comes at end
• Key inserts=> truths

Expectation

• A crime, action, thriller film
• The audience is partially aware to the basis of the storyline. 
• Highlights things that take place by spreading it what happens using the sound score
• Exciting and faced paced 

Narc Film 

The Narc trailer is a spoiler and gives away much of the 3rd act however the film releases some of the twists and turns from the trailer in such an unusual way the audience is still surprised as to how these came out. 

• Close ups of facial expressions to let the audience empathise with the protagonist Nick- he is represented as an ex detective looking for a way back into the force.
• Low angle mid-shots when he is in control, he is always shot slightly off-centred to show his struggling persona emphasises the anti-hero. 
• This is also highlighted by his attire- leather jacket, woollen hat yet he wears a blue shirt illustrated cold character- his attire subverts the audience. 
• Whereas at home there is a warm colour pallet where he's most happiest.
• During the argument with his wife we hear the baby's piercing scream illustrating the intensity of the argument.

• The digetic music reflections the atmosphere such as daunting and menacing to go with canted angled shots and hand held shots during violence scenes- this also adds to the distortion and makes it seem more realistic.
• Panning- depth of field mid-hots in close proximity situation such as in the boardroom meeting 
• Elvin however the more angry reckless detective is well dressed and clean cut, always seen in a suit with shadows surrounding balanced out with white lighting making him have a split persona
• Split screens used to show progression, leads and interrogations- its also emphasises he is well known and implies Nick is everywhere at once.
• Reflective close ups, showing the outside world and a restless mind state, such as the pull focus shot of Nick and the city in this scene

• Snowy, struggling black and white emphasis on finding justice 
• The use of establish long shots highlight the isolation and vulnerability
• Blue tints and shadows creating mystery 
• High angle shot are used to show which character is dominant and controlling in the situation. 
• When the pace of the digetic music increases, the duration of shots decrease and mirror it.

• Pathetic fallacy and foreshadowing is used to heighten the tension. 
• Slow motions and zooms are used to emphasise the mystery along with transitions fades to show a continuous phase, a merging and confusion between truth and interpretations.
• Main symbols include a red car in which the gun is planted foreshadows the revelations.

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.