Scream 4
Fast cuts reveal a lot of plot, such as who gets killed.
The antagonist's identity is possibly revealed as a female character is shown taking off the iconic Scream costume.
A lot of points in the story are shown, including death, and character reactions to these deaths, for example setting up cameras to catch the villain, and casual school scenes. These are called narrative hooks, because they make the audience want to watch the entire film.
Style - Lighting
The scenes that include visuals of the antagonist are all low-key, and the majority of the scenes where he doesn't appear are high key. This could be because darkness is associated with evil and danger, whereas lightness represents hope and safety.
The antagonist has a black costume, so he blends in with the darkness, adding to the suspense and horror element.
The high quality graphics give the audience an idea of the film's budget or general quality, as the titles and graphics are very high quality. They also give an idea of the tone of the film, as they are all dark and eerie.`
Characters
Examples of stock characters in the trailer includes the typical nerd/ geek, the helpless victims, and the 'slutty' blondes.
The protagonist is a typical female victim, assuming the role of the "Princess" according to Propp's character theory.
There are multiple helpers, both male and female, and there is only one antagonist.
The film's protagonist, a female character, seems to survive the longest.
All of these features are typical of the horror genre.
Style - Mise-En-Scene
In the trailer, props such as knives, phones and cameras are used to enhance the general quality of the film. For example, equipping the antagonist with a knife is much scarier than having him simply run towards the camera unarmed. This is typical of horror films, as many horror antagonists have weapons, specifically sharp objects. In addition to this, the fourth wall is almost broken, as he runs directly at the camera, intending to make the audience think that he is attacking them.
The protagonist and the supporting characters have a 'normal' costume, making it easier for the audience to relate to them and enjoy the film more, according to Blumler's Personal Identity theory. On the other hand, the antagonist wears a black robe with a contrasting white face so that he blends into the background more and making it more surprising when he appears suddenly. This dark costume follows the conventions of horror films, and the casual, everyday costumes of the other characters follow the conventions as well.
Industry Details
No actor names are included in the trailer, although the director's name is - Wes Craven. By doing this, the studio has missed out on the opportunity to capitalise on fans of the famous actors in the film, such as Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox. However, Wes Craven was a very famous director, especially in the horror genre, so this may have been enough to persuade horror fans to watch the film.
The release date is shown at the end of the trailer to inform the audience of when they are able to watch the film. The caption screens are medium takes, simply because they need to be informative but not boring.
The style of the caption screen is mysterious, as it includes dark colours and a close up/pan of the antagonist's mask.
Surprisingly, there are no links to social media in the trailer. These details may have been omitted so that the attention is drawn to the release date itself.
Themes
There is an example of an enigma code in the trailer, as the audience is left wondering who the antagonist really is. Although a female character is shown to take off the costume, this is likely a tease intended to make the audience want to find out if it is really her. It is especially effective, because the female character is a recurring character, who fans of the franchise will already have a preference for her.
Universal themes in the trailer include teamwork and hope, as the supporting characters band together in order to survive the antagonist's attacks. The use of universal themes means that audiences around the world can relate to themes in the film, although hopefully a less extreme version of the ones shown on-screen.
Style - Sound
There are multiple crescendos in the trailer, each of them synchronised with the onscreen action, for example we can hear high pitched strings when the antagonist stabs a victim.
Silence is used to create tension, as it is followed by a loud sound effect, sometimes the high pitched strings.
In contrast, there are also low pitched sounds that also add to the tension. This is typical of horror trailers, as suspense and tension is commonly created via the use of crescendos and low pitched booms.
Locations
From the trailer, we get the impression that the majority of the film takes place in a suburban area with large houses and school. These areas are typically associated with innocence and safety, which conflicts with the genre of the film. This contradicts Carol Clover's "Horrible Place" theory, which states that the victims usually die in horrible places such as empty warehouses, or dark alleys, and in the trailer, most of the deaths take place in a house, therefore making the trailer unconventional for a horror film.
The antagonist's identity is possibly revealed as a female character is shown taking off the iconic Scream costume.
A lot of points in the story are shown, including death, and character reactions to these deaths, for example setting up cameras to catch the villain, and casual school scenes. These are called narrative hooks, because they make the audience want to watch the entire film.
Style - Lighting
The scenes that include visuals of the antagonist are all low-key, and the majority of the scenes where he doesn't appear are high key. This could be because darkness is associated with evil and danger, whereas lightness represents hope and safety.
The antagonist has a black costume, so he blends in with the darkness, adding to the suspense and horror element.
Sound
Sound effects are synchronised with the on-screen action, for example the high-pitched strings are synchronised with the stabbings. This creates fear and suspense because it occurs unexpectedly, so the audience is shocked.The high quality graphics give the audience an idea of the film's budget or general quality, as the titles and graphics are very high quality. They also give an idea of the tone of the film, as they are all dark and eerie.`
Characters
Examples of stock characters in the trailer includes the typical nerd/ geek, the helpless victims, and the 'slutty' blondes.
The protagonist is a typical female victim, assuming the role of the "Princess" according to Propp's character theory.
There are multiple helpers, both male and female, and there is only one antagonist.
The film's protagonist, a female character, seems to survive the longest.
All of these features are typical of the horror genre.
Style - Mise-En-Scene
In the trailer, props such as knives, phones and cameras are used to enhance the general quality of the film. For example, equipping the antagonist with a knife is much scarier than having him simply run towards the camera unarmed. This is typical of horror films, as many horror antagonists have weapons, specifically sharp objects. In addition to this, the fourth wall is almost broken, as he runs directly at the camera, intending to make the audience think that he is attacking them.
The protagonist and the supporting characters have a 'normal' costume, making it easier for the audience to relate to them and enjoy the film more, according to Blumler's Personal Identity theory. On the other hand, the antagonist wears a black robe with a contrasting white face so that he blends into the background more and making it more surprising when he appears suddenly. This dark costume follows the conventions of horror films, and the casual, everyday costumes of the other characters follow the conventions as well.
Industry Details
No actor names are included in the trailer, although the director's name is - Wes Craven. By doing this, the studio has missed out on the opportunity to capitalise on fans of the famous actors in the film, such as Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox. However, Wes Craven was a very famous director, especially in the horror genre, so this may have been enough to persuade horror fans to watch the film.
The release date is shown at the end of the trailer to inform the audience of when they are able to watch the film. The caption screens are medium takes, simply because they need to be informative but not boring.
The style of the caption screen is mysterious, as it includes dark colours and a close up/pan of the antagonist's mask.
Surprisingly, there are no links to social media in the trailer. These details may have been omitted so that the attention is drawn to the release date itself.
Themes
There is an example of an enigma code in the trailer, as the audience is left wondering who the antagonist really is. Although a female character is shown to take off the costume, this is likely a tease intended to make the audience want to find out if it is really her. It is especially effective, because the female character is a recurring character, who fans of the franchise will already have a preference for her.
Universal themes in the trailer include teamwork and hope, as the supporting characters band together in order to survive the antagonist's attacks. The use of universal themes means that audiences around the world can relate to themes in the film, although hopefully a less extreme version of the ones shown on-screen.
Style - Sound
Silence is used to create tension, as it is followed by a loud sound effect, sometimes the high pitched strings.
In contrast, there are also low pitched sounds that also add to the tension. This is typical of horror trailers, as suspense and tension is commonly created via the use of crescendos and low pitched booms.
Locations
From the trailer, we get the impression that the majority of the film takes place in a suburban area with large houses and school. These areas are typically associated with innocence and safety, which conflicts with the genre of the film. This contradicts Carol Clover's "Horrible Place" theory, which states that the victims usually die in horrible places such as empty warehouses, or dark alleys, and in the trailer, most of the deaths take place in a house, therefore making the trailer unconventional for a horror film.
The Forest
Narrative
Strong focus on protagonist and the main setting of the film. Antagonist possibly revealed, although the figure is ambiguous, and only shown through a long take of through a blurry shower screen. Not much of the plot is revealed, only that the protagonist is searching for her sister. This is unconventional for horror films, for example in the 'Scream 4' trailer, a vast amount of the plot is revealed, including a few of the supporting characters being killed and the identity of the antagonist possibly being revealed - all in the trailer.
Style - Editing
Characters
The protagonist is a female, which, similar to 'Scream' follows Propp's theory as she is presented to be the 'princess', although she is also the 'hero' as well. There are no examples of stock characters, as the protagonist is presented to be independent and intelligent, and there are very few other characters to support her. It is ambiguous whether there is a single antagonist, multiple antagonists, or any antagonists at all. This is unconventional for horror films, as there are usually a selection of stock characters to support the protagonist. In addition to this, the antagonist is typically shown clearly, and sometimes the antagonist is the face of the film, as seen in the 'Scream' franchise, in which the mask is repeatedly displayed.
Industry Details
The film name is also revealed at the conclusion of the trailer, which is important to include, so that the audience know what the film is called.
Themes
Universal themes include hope and love, as the protagonist is constantly searching for her sister, and even travels to Japan to do so. Universal themes are effective, because everyone around the world can relate to them, meaning that they are more likely to enjoy the film.
Style - Sound
Style - Editing
Very fast cuts are used to display the action and aspects of the plot. It is also used to introduce the characters in a fast and effective way. Long takes are used at the start and at the end to set up the horror tone. There are a lot of long takes, which are commonly included to create suspense. For example, in this particular trailer, a long take is included in the shower scene, as the antagonist creeps towards the protagonist and increases the tension. This is unconventional for the horror genre, as fast takes are typically more common than long takes, as they show off more of the film, although long takes can be common, as they are more effective at building tension and suspense.
Style - Mise-en-scene
It is clear that this film takes place in the modern day, as the housing interior has modern furniture, and all of the characters have a 'modern' costume, consisting of jeans, T - shirt, and jacket. Attention is drawn towards the protagonist, as she wears a brighter costume than the other on-screen characters. Most of the settings have a bland colour palette, for example the forest is mostly dark green and brown. However, bright colours are used to draw attention to certain objects, such as the tent which appears to be a recurring theme. . This is conventional for horror films, as the protagonists often wear bright costumes to display their innocence and to support that they are the protagonist.
Locations
From watching the trailer, the audience is given the impression that the majority of the film takes place in Japan. Parts of the film takes place in a real-life place called 'The Suicide Forest', so audience members who have heard of this place may be more inclined to watch the film, as it has ties with the real world. This conforms to Carol Clover's "Horrible Place" theory, which states that many horror films are set in typically scary setting, such as a dark alleyway, an empty warehouse, or in this case, a forest. Therefore, the setting of this film is conventional.
Style - Mise-en-scene
It is clear that this film takes place in the modern day, as the housing interior has modern furniture, and all of the characters have a 'modern' costume, consisting of jeans, T - shirt, and jacket. Attention is drawn towards the protagonist, as she wears a brighter costume than the other on-screen characters. Most of the settings have a bland colour palette, for example the forest is mostly dark green and brown. However, bright colours are used to draw attention to certain objects, such as the tent which appears to be a recurring theme. . This is conventional for horror films, as the protagonists often wear bright costumes to display their innocence and to support that they are the protagonist.
Locations
From watching the trailer, the audience is given the impression that the majority of the film takes place in Japan. Parts of the film takes place in a real-life place called 'The Suicide Forest', so audience members who have heard of this place may be more inclined to watch the film, as it has ties with the real world. This conforms to Carol Clover's "Horrible Place" theory, which states that many horror films are set in typically scary setting, such as a dark alleyway, an empty warehouse, or in this case, a forest. Therefore, the setting of this film is conventional.
Characters
The protagonist is a female, which, similar to 'Scream' follows Propp's theory as she is presented to be the 'princess', although she is also the 'hero' as well. There are no examples of stock characters, as the protagonist is presented to be independent and intelligent, and there are very few other characters to support her. It is ambiguous whether there is a single antagonist, multiple antagonists, or any antagonists at all. This is unconventional for horror films, as there are usually a selection of stock characters to support the protagonist. In addition to this, the antagonist is typically shown clearly, and sometimes the antagonist is the face of the film, as seen in the 'Scream' franchise, in which the mask is repeatedly displayed.
Industry Details
The star's name is not displayed at any point during the trailer, which is unconventional, and ineffective, as the production company is therefore not able to capitalise on her existing fanbase from her previous work. This is unconventional for all films, not just horror films, as production companies will often advertise the fact that they have a star in their film to attract more people and therefore generate more revenue at the box office.
The closest thing to an enigma code in the trailer is the condition of the protagonist's sister, whom she is desperately searching for. The identity of the antagonist is not a major question that the audience may have, because it rarely shows up in the trailer and it seems that it may not have a large input in the plot of the film.
The release date and is shown at the end of the trailer to inform the audience of when they are able to watch the film. The caption screens are medium takes, simply because they need to be informative but not boring.The film name is also revealed at the conclusion of the trailer, which is important to include, so that the audience know what the film is called.
Themes
Universal themes include hope and love, as the protagonist is constantly searching for her sister, and even travels to Japan to do so. Universal themes are effective, because everyone around the world can relate to them, meaning that they are more likely to enjoy the film.
Style - Sound
The trailer begins with a slow, but positive-sounding score, but is quickly interrupted by a loud sound effect, intended to scare the audience. The score from the beginning repeats, but with more minor notes, creating a sinister tone. Wind blowing, whispering sound effects and echoes also help to create an eerie atmosphere. The sound effects are synchronised with the on-screen action, for example dramatic sound effects play when action occurs or when parts of the tagline appear.
Style
At the beginning of the trailer, the lighting is low-key to create a gentle, innocent tone as it takes place in a small house. It changes to high-key as the other scenes are outside, suggesting safety, although we know that this is not the case. Some scenes are in low-key, for example when the protagonist falls down a hole. This creates a mysterious tone, and the audience gets the idea that she is in trouble, as visibility is at a minimum. This is conventional for horror films, as the low-key lighting often presents the idea that the character on-screen is in danger, while high-key lighting suggests that they are safe.
Style
At the beginning of the trailer, the lighting is low-key to create a gentle, innocent tone as it takes place in a small house. It changes to high-key as the other scenes are outside, suggesting safety, although we know that this is not the case. Some scenes are in low-key, for example when the protagonist falls down a hole. This creates a mysterious tone, and the audience gets the idea that she is in trouble, as visibility is at a minimum. This is conventional for horror films, as the low-key lighting often presents the idea that the character on-screen is in danger, while high-key lighting suggests that they are safe.
Assassin's Creed
Narrative
Not much of the plot is revealed in the trailer, only that the film takes place in two time periods, and there is a lot of action and fighting in both. However, a voice-over is included during the shots of the old time period, to give the audience a very brief idea of the premise of the film. This is conventional for all genres, because otherwise, the audience would be told a lot less about the film, and would therefore be less interested in paying to watch it.
Style - Lighting
In the modern day scene, the lighting is mostly high-key, although instead of creating a sense of safety as seen in the trailers I previously analysed, it is instead used to portray wealth, as the protagonist appears to be in a scientific laboratory of some kind. The scenes in the old time period completely contrast this, because there is a lot of low-key lighting, this time suggesting poverty and danger. This technique is more commonly used to set the tone of the scene, for example a dark setting may suggest something bad will happen, however in this trailer, it is used more to display wealth than danger, although the latter is slightly hinted.
Style - Editing
There is a lot of switching between the two time periods, which suggests that this will constantly happen throughout the full-length film. This has likely been included to keep the audience engaged, because they may get tired of watching a certain scene, but then be invested in the film once it changed to a different setting. On top of this, there is an interesting transition to the first time we see the old time period, as the camera seems to quickly zoom into the protagonist's eye, and into the new setting. This technique is rarely seen in any movies, although it is more likely to appear in genres such as thriller, as the close up and extreme close up can show a character's emotions in an interesting way.In addition to this, the majority of the takes are short, as to again, retain the audience's attention through the action-packed scenes. However, in one of the shots, we see the protagonist leaping between buildings and, tension is created via the use of the slow-motion, as it is initially unclear whether he will make the jump or not. Again, slow-motion is very rare in horror films, and is more common in genres such as action films, in which it is needed for the audience to be able to take it all in.
Characters
Immediately, the protagonist is revealed to the audience. The male character fits with Propp's theory, as he is clearly shown to be the 'hero' of the film. The same actor - Michael Fassbender, is used to play the part of the protagonist in the old time period, suggesting that the two protagonists are related, as I doubt the lack of budget is the reason for the actor's repeated appearance. Although we aren't shown much about the present day protagonist, we are shown that the old time protagonist is very much a hero as he is shown leaping between buildings and fighting enemies, further supporting Propp's theory. We are shown very little supporting characters, only a female scientist in the modern day, and a fellow assassin in the past scenes, along with multiple scientist extras and possibly the reveal of the male antagonist of the past time period. The two contrast each other, as the modern day character is presented to be more of an antagonist as she forces the protagonist to co-operate with her, whereas the female character in the past is shown to be helping the past protagonist towards his goals. Both female characters are shown to be strong and independent, which conflicts with Propp's theory, which suggests that women are the typical 'damsels in distress' and need rescuing most of the time, which is typically the male protagonist's role.
Style - Mise-En-Scene
In the modern day, the supporting female character is shown to be wearing a white lab coat, therefore supporting the idea that she is a scientist, and presenting a sense of purity and professionalism, however the protagonist's costume is unclear, due to the repeated use of close ups. In the past scenes, most, if not all, of the characters are wearing robes, or long, flowing costumes which may have been included to support the fact that it takes place in the past, or perhaps because this is the signature costume of the franchise and so fans will recognise it more and be more inclined to watch the film.
Industry Details
The star's name is not displayed in the trailer, which means that the production company is unable to take advantage of Fassbender's large existing fanbase, and therefore get the film more publicity. This is unconventional for all films, as production companies will often advertise the fact that they have a star in their film to attract more people and therefore generate more revenue at the box office. The release date and is shown at the end of the trailer to inform the audience of when they are able to watch the film.
There are links to social media and the film's website, which is effective, as the audience are able to get more details about the film's release. This is conventional for all genres of film.
Themes
While there are no definite enigma codes in the trailer, the audience is left to wonder what the facility is, and who each of the characters are. There are multiple universal themes, including teamwork and hope, as the protagonist seems to be rebelling in both time periods and he has a number of allies in the past time period. Universal themes are important, because they allow the worldwide audience to relate to the characters, and therefore they are more likely to enjoy the film. The use of universal themes is very common, especially in blockbusters and films that are exhibited worldwide.
Locations
Sound
The music in the trailer is a hip-hop song, which I think is an odd choice as it doesn't fit with the time setting or the general tone of the trailer. In my opinion, the soundtrack is repetitive and boring, which contrasts the premise of the film entirely. It is likely that this song has been chosen because it is by a famous musician who has his own fanbase, therefore increasing the chances of more people watching the film. There are a lot of dramatic 'boom' sound effects which are synchronised with the action, similar to the previous horror trailer.
Narrative
Captain America: Civil War
Narrative
Captain America has gone against the law by protecting an old friend who was mind controlled into killing many important people in the world. He believes that the superheroes should not have to be held down by the military however Iron Man thinks the opposite, causing the two of them to gather teams and fight for their conflicting beliefs. This is different to conventions of horror films because not many enigma codes are created from the trailer other than of course who will win the fight.
Characters
Characters
Captain America and Bucky clearly have a very close relationship as the two of them would go through so much together.
As it is a superhero film, it is hard to identify who the main antagonist is from the trailer other than perhaps Iron Man who is typically known as the hero whilst Captain America is given more of a hero status as it is his film. From the trailer it seems that Captain America and Bucjy will make it through the film whilst it seems like Iron Man and War Machine might die.
Themes
Themes
Universal themes included in the film are:
Friendship – Captain America is staying by Bucky’s side even though he has done wrong.
Justice – Captain America wants justice for Bucky and will fight for it.
Betrayal – Iron Man feels betrayed by Captain America because he has chosen Bucky over him.
Style - Lighting
Style - Lighting
The lighting changes between low-key and high-key, suggesting that this instalment in the franchise is more serious than the rest. Although the film is part of a different genre to horror films this film in particular follows some aspects of horror films through the use of low-key lighting to create suspense.
Style – Mise en Scene
Style – Mise en Scene
Dirty costumes on some of the characters in the first scene of the trailer suggests a fight or struggle previously. Fully armed soldiers in the next scene solidifies this idea as they are later seen to be fighting Captain America and Bucky, showing that they are going against the law. Explosions and bullets everywhere also depict the fast paced action that accompanies the film’s dialogue. Multiple characters in different costumes show that they are all serious in fighting each other.
Style – Sound
Style – Sound
Music is quite slow-paced and quiet for majority of the trailer before increasing in tempo towards the end when the major fight begins. The backing track is very dramatic to relay how intense this film will be, which is a common trope of horror films as well as they often use music to build suspense and display tension.
Style – Editing
Style – Editing
There is consistent use of short takes in the trailer to convey the fast paced action in the film whilst also occasionally using long takes to alternatively portray a deep story as well. There is a lot of fast fades to black used in the trailer as well so that the audience cannot fully see how the film will play out and end.
Industry Details
Industry Details
Marvel studios is a hugely successful and well known comic book studio that has also expanded into film and television. The characters are also very well-known and liked by both children and adults, which is a major factor why their large collection of films are so successful.
Locations
Locations
Dark grimy room creates suspense as it is hard to tell where the characters are in that scene. Busy streets are used to show chaos as people are screaming and getting in the way. When inside lighting is generally low-key to show seriousness when dialogue is taking place.
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