Thriller Trailer Analysis

Throughout the Shutter Island trailer there are many key factors that make it easy to distinguish that this film is a thriller. For example sounds such as non digetic sound are utilized to encourage the ideology of this film and constructs a status for itself. The non digetic sounds are exceedingly fast paced and they occur often within the trailer to build dramatic tension, excitement and suspense for audience as they most likely want to be subjected to it, if they watch the film.

Another key factor is the setting, this film clearly displays that it’s located near the sea and in a mental asylum, ultimately portraying the thrilling side of movie. The sea connotes purity and truth, which may associate later on in the film, adding curiosity. A mental asylum signifies the aggressive change and the harsh developments of one’s mind. This may also apply later on in the film resulting in predictability, adding to the audience pleasures.

Most mental asylums are considered as uncanny and unexplainable, meaning that the film would be represented to be uncanny and unexplainable, giving the film a mysterious sense to it. This trailer denotes that it’s a thriller due to the content such as mental patients, tranquilizers, professional nurses etc; therefore the semantic field of this trailer suggest it’s a thriller.

Low key lighting is an essential aspect in creating a successful thriller film. Low key lighting is used frequently within this trailer to emphasis the fact that this film is filled with enigma and it could also imply that there’s going to be negative atmosphere right the way through. This trailer successfully uses camera angle to highlight the necessary props to indicate that it’s a thriller. For example close ups of mental patients faces to show the audience intimidating facial expressions.

The weather in this trailer insinuates that this film is chilling and also sets the mood/theme, this is called pathetic fallacy. It looks cold and eerie which foreshadows the harsh truth that is soon to take place. This editing method allows the audience to gain anticipation, inquisitiveness and concern for all characters within this film, Shutter Island.

The trailer for ‘The Ones Below’ is a traditional thriller film. The major factor that upholds the idea of it being this genre is the sound. Throughout the trailer, music is featured; however it changes significantly to connote negativity and tension. At the very beginning of the trailer cheerful music is played to clearly set the mood, to be specific a guitar is utilized which signifies sincerity and desire. Whilst the trailer continues the non-digetic sounds start to amplify, this is called a crescendo. On the contrary when certain scenes start to get profound the music will get quieter, this is called a diminuendo, and then the music will completely stop to add more concentration to the scene.

 There are also digetic sounds such as raising ones voice which symbolises antagonism, hostility and lack of remorse. Also the sound of a baby crying and is heard more than once, emphasising that fact that foreshadowing is involved, therefore it’s evident that this film takes a pessimistic turn. After a female character says that “[she’s] always wanted a child” the music changes from being relatively composed to being intense and worrying. This immediately confirms how having a child/becoming parents is the main topic of this film and the root of all conflict between the four main characters.

Facial expressions (close ups shots) are a significant element to this trailer because it highlights the reactions of the characters and helps the current situation become more distinct. Two shots are common shot types within this film, these take in the view of two people and help to distinguish the relationship between the two characters.

The setting is in a household which displays the realness and in some way it’s more relatable making the film more successful.   Low key lighting is challenged in this trailer which is anti-stereotypical; however the trailer still expresses the convention of a thriller. This trailer adheres to Todorovs theory; equilibrium, disruption and restoration. At the very end of the trailer a female character says “you never know your own neighbours”, this makes the viewers question the persona of certain people.

 

The trailer for this film adheres to Todorovs narrative theory by having the calm before the storm (equilibrium) and commotion in the middle of the film (disruption) and then finally when the equilibrium is restored this is called the restoration. At the start its is evident  that the main character within this film is moderately happy and content with his life however as the film progresses its clear to see the changes in his behaviour and emotions, ultimately changing his character overall.

I would say that Mise –en scene is a significant generic signifier in noticing this genre. The viewers are presented with usual character archetypes which adhere to Props’ theory. The trailer denotes the male character riding his bike in his school uniform, playing football with his friends, and having a girlfriend. This shows that he is an average and a stereotypical schoolboy.  Whilst these scenes are occurring, non – digetic sounds are utilized giving the overall feeling of this section of the trailer as being in high spirits. On the other hand when ‘Based on true story’ appears on the screen the music changes dramatically becoming faster paced, focusing on a specific friendship that is in the process of forming. This foreshadows the upcoming events that will soon be recognised later on in the film.

The audience are presented with the disruption of the trailer as we see domestic abuse, bullying, violence, stalking etc. These are major issues that still arise in today’s society which highlight the faults within certain members of the social order. This can be seen as offensive or controversial to the viewers, having an effect on them, such as sympathising with the characters. While this is going on, the schoolboys’ sanity is being compromised emphasising the thriller sense of this film.

The internet is a main concern in this trailer which represents the reality in society. Technology is a props used to engage a younger target audience and add to audience pleasures. The internet is the key focal point throughout this trailer and exaggerates the dangers and risks of getting too involved. This creates nervousness and builds dramatic tension for the viewers; also this is very relatable and could also experience these worries.