To coincide with the previous blog looking into film posters, I decided to look further in to film trailer production, at how they reflect the film and also link with the film posters.
To find a perfect example, I needed to look into the blockbuster films, at either The Strangers or Saw VI. This is because the blockbuster movies would be more well known than independent films and could provide feedback which can be easily accessed, also they would more than likely have been shown more times as trailers than independent.
The film trailer I looked at was The Strangers. It was shown to audiences in March 2008 in America, prior to it’s May 2008 release. Below is the trailer:
The trailer starts off with the company’s logo’s using effects such as fading in and out, and blurred writing. The company’s logo’s are placed on a black background, creating a sense of darkness and this enhances the film genre. Preceding this is a fade in of a landscape with dark colours, then there is a screen shot of a remote location surrounded by darkness and trees. This is accompanied by slow piano music using just piano keys not a melody, and also sounds of the forest (birds, crickets), trying to set an atmosphere. You are then introduced to the two main characters, the characters who’s names are printed on the film poster, using a hint of subtlety with a romantic theme. The character are shown talking to each other, as if in conversation with the music playing in the background, then there is a loud bang at the door. The bang halts the characters to look suspiciously at the screen. It is now that the audience are first introduced to the genre of horror. The music then stops and the audience are given the noises of a swing creaking, followed by deep bass thudding and then more piano playing.
For the first time in the trailer, the audience are introduced to text: ‘Inspired by true events’. This is repeated on the film poster and is an attempt by the production team to scare the audience before they’ve seen the film, and also make them believe that the film is true. The words also allow the audience to tell themselves that the clips about to be shown in the trailer will be true and appear more realistic to them. These words are followed by further screeching noise from swings, and also an image of the swings themselves.
The audience are then shown more words: ‘We always tell ourselves,’ as an attempt to entice the audience and make them feel a part of the trailer and as one of the characters. Further words are followed after with short clips in between of roughly 3 seconds; ‘There’s nothing to fear,’ and then repeated with the words: ‘But sometimes we’re wrong.’ These words are also on the film poster and a way of audience being able to link the film to the poster. This was followed by a scene from the movie, with a character standing in view in silence whilst behind her, out of the shadow comes another figure. This scene is followed by a sudden black screen with another bang. The other character is then seen leaving a car with what appears to be a gunshot through the back window.
The characters then speak suspiciously using sentences like, 'There's someone out there!' which of course is used to frighten the audience. After the slow long clips at start of the trailer, there appears to be a lot more faster short clips now. There is a clip around 1:13 of the trailer which shows the couple with what appears to be an empty house, with music playing in the background. I think this clip is very powerful in the way it captivates the audience, and keeps them on the edge of their seats. The music plays while the audience still think there is someone in that house with them, the couple are then seen exploring their house, finding evidence such as a burnt mobile phone and writing on the walls. The audience now know they are being targetted somehow.
The trailer now draws to a close with an axe powering through a door, while the music gets stuck looping over. The characters are seen running away terrified about what lies behind the door. The background noise starts to dull down now, and all you can hear is the music looping, while the screen displays shots of the characters and the strangers. There are also words displayed on screen saying things like 'What are you afraid of' which targets the audience themselves and makes them a part of the trailer. When roughly 20 seconds of this is over, the music suddenly stops and the screen goes black. You hear a voice say: 'Why are you doing this to us?' and a response: 'Because you were home.' and the trailer finishes showing a blurred figure with a mask on, and the film title, The Strangers.
I think The Strangers' trailer is a brilliant example of an attempt to get the audience watching a sense of panic and interest into viewing the film. The way the trailer is put together and the sequence that it unfolds is well planned and makes the viewer want to know the rest of the story. Also the use of colour and lighting really has an effect on how the trailer can be understood to people watching.
I'm glad I had a look into The Strangers' trailer as it has helped me understand how the film poster is linked to the film. The poster uses the same techniques as the trailer, but without the use of animation or videography. It has also helped me with ideas for my film poster, for my next post I will start to look into ideas for my film posters.
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