Saturday, 16 April 2016

Analyzing trailers

“Taken 2” trailer analysis





At the very beginning in Taken 2 film trailer it shows the film institution that allows the audience who have seen films from them to keep watching. The appearance of the institution logo allows the company to advertise themselves through their own product gaining themselves more popularity. The institution of 20th century fox also has a reputation of creating good successful films. 

The first scene within the film trailer is a clip showing a dozen of graves that have been dug for bodies to be buried in. This would engage and attract the audience as they can see that there has been mass murders/deaths therefore it could instigate that there would be action within the film. It could also question them to want to know how the people were killed and why they were, wanting them to watch the trailer furthermore. In addition the trailer shows flashbacks of the first film Taken, of when the main character had killed others, and they mention “We will have our revenge.” The audience can guess that there would be a lot of action content involved and a hunt for the main character if they are suggesting that he is the one that killed their own people. For new viewers it may be a little confusing but may lead them to watching the first film 'Taken' to gain a better understanding of the story behind the Taken franchise and then watch Taken 2 after in order to understand the film properly. Having included clips from the previous film I find beneficial and good as they are also able to promote and advertise their previous film they created, that may gain more attention.

During the trailer they make it obvious that the main character has people spying on him, even when he’s with his family and this can make the audience sense fighting scenes and chaos to come within the film. In addition the idea of the main character being in danger even when with his family would cause suspense and tension on the audience wondering whether his family may become targets too. 

The music used within the trailer creates tension and entices the audience as it is very sharp, deep and quick, during this they also can see the mother being taken, and essentially know that it’s going to involve the daughter to find her parents before they get killed. Having the music and scenes sync together creates an effect that engages the audiences more as two of their senses are being attentive to the trailer at the same time (Eyes and ears). Within  the trailer it clearly shows to the audience that it is a action/thriller film as there is loads of gun action which could also excite some viewers as well as informing them of the film genre. Towards the end they say the films name and the release date of “coming soon” which shows that it is a teaser trailer. Although teaser trailers may annoy some viewers as they want to be able to watch the film, it would also create a buzz around the film as people would be talking about it on social media and more people would have heard about it in time for when the actual film is released and has a huge fan base. At the very end they name actors and actresses and credits where it is due.

“Free fall” trailer analysis


Before the trailer begins, there is an age rating provided to allow the audience to know whether the film trailer is suitable for them. In this case it is for 17 and over as there is content of violence. Having a green screen is beneficial as they are able to warn parents that children of under age are to not view the trailer as content within it is not good for them to see.

As soon as the trailer starts the producers gain the audiences attention through the unexpected crash on the car which would cause shock and surprise to the audience. This is one of the main codes and conventions of an action/thriller trailer and I feel that they have implemented it into their trailer successfully as it had caught my attention straight away. Once this happens not only are the audience engaged they also see the institution and logo for the film as that is when it is shown which I find very impressive and good as they show the institution when the audience are most alert and engaged meaning they are more likely to remember the institution. 

In addition to these points, the they had said “They found mike dead last night” as the first speech the audience hear. I feel that this is effective for a thriller movie as it would give the audience a feeling  that there is action due within the film after having seen a body dropped onto a car. It could also make the audience feel that it may be an investigative film, therefore fans of NCIS or CSI may find it interesting and want to view the film. This also gives them an insight to the film as well and if murders and deaths intrigue them they will watch the trailer further and potentially view the film when released. 


The use of words used within the trailer also cause suspension and a tense feeling that causes the audience to be at the edge of their feet. For example “In a world full of lies, the truth can kill.” This could generate excitement and intrigue the audience to want to watch the film as the quote is so applicable to people's everyday life, and when a film is seen to be relate-able people tend to want to watch it.


The film trailer also uses deep slow bass, almost sounding like a horn to emphasis on the situation to create an effect of suspense on the audience. The sounds and use of weapons allow the audience to know the film involves action and falls within the thriller genre, therefore by using the conventions of a thriller trailer, those that like to watch thriller movies would be able to identify the film as one. Towards the end the music becomes higher pitched gradually which creates an effect of not knowing what is coming next and builds up to the climax or cliffhanger depending on what film trailers want to do. Usually the use of the gradual higher pitch sound is to build up tension until the very last scene that would require the audiences full attention.







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