3. As seen in many science fiction movies the trailer immediately
opens with action. Here we see the usual conventions- space,
spacecraft and in the top right a unexplored planet/moon.
4. Diegetic dialogue is used to build story allowing for the watcher
to grasp concept without voice over as seen in many old
trailers.
5. The production company is shown after action in order for the
trailer to immediately pull in the watcher.
6. A combination of diegetic dialogue interlaced with space sequenced is
used here to the background sound of a eerie building track. In this way
suspense is built the watcher able to pick out the plot of the movie
without it being directly conveyed. Furthermore tension also builds as the
soundtrack instantly suggests danger, the intensity of the dialogue only
adding to this. The dialogue of a “epidemic” and “absolute secrecy” again
suggests danger and keeps the watcher wanting more.
7. White text on black background is used to build story
line and elaborate on context.
8. An establishing shot of the main characters is used
here, standing somewhat valiantly with connotations of
a quest, linking into the title- Space Odyssey.
9. An over the shoulder shot is used here to make the
watcher feel almost as if they are embarking on the
quest with the characters as if the movie is a much as a
adventure for the fictional spacemen as for them.
10. White text against black background continues to be
used in order to build story and context for the viewer.
11. An enemy seems to be introduced in the form of a
computer here, we see the crew arguing against it
confusion and anger abounding. As this happens the
cut speeds increase a variety of shots being displayed
for only seconds.
12. Following this a number of strange shots are showcased with no
explanation. They are cut from so quickly the watcher has no time to
even attempt to comprehend them. In this way the trailer ends in
excitement and suspense the only option left to the viewer is to view
the movie to comprehend the strange variety of shots. This build
interests and ultimately generates revenue and fans.
13. Finally as the music reaches its climax the title of the movie is
showcased meaning it will stick in the viewers head.
14. WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS
TRAILER’S ASSEMBLY?
There appears from this trailer to be two ways in which Science fiction
trailers open- either as seen in gravity and in this one we are thrown
straight into the action or it slowly builds. This trailer throws you into
the action immediately it’s interesting to note that this assembly
device has been used throughout science fiction history. For my
trailer I will do the same.
Black background with white text is also used within this trailer in
order to build context and assert the meaning of the movie.
Another convention used here is the fast cut sequences which finish
the trailer with action leaving them wanting more.
16. This trailer opens with the production company
contrary to the themes I have seen in my other
analysis
17. Instead of throwing the watcher straight into the action this trailer begins
with voice over and growing suspenseful music. The voice over talks about
the “climatic clash of good and evil” this is an interesting play on narrative
techniques as good vs evil features in many science fiction movies. In this
way the convention is used to pull in an audience.
18. Music is used here to push the trailer forwards, the theme tune of Star Wars
played as the title is shown. This is exciting for fans of the movie series as
they associate the theme tune with their much beloved movie. For this
reason the title is more likely to stick in their heads.
19. Following the title the watcher is immediately thrown into the action. In this
way they are more likely to continue watching. It also raises for excitement
for the movie release.
Model work was
used in order to
create the illusion of
flying spaceships.
Frame by frame
the movie was
meticulously
drawn over in
order to create
the illusion of
explosions.
20. The protagonist of Star Wars is introduced amid the
action, in a high action chase seen. We are given no
context by the narrator in this way the anticipation for the
movie builds. Confusion mixing with excitement to create
the ultimate pull.
21. Again narrative techniques are used through voice over here as the
line “the battle for freedom rages on” is heard amongst a huge
fight sequence. Action used to push a narrative ideal of the movie.
22. The main characters are introduced through a series of action sequences.
The voice over idolising the life and exploits of the so called rebels. This
means that interest is gained for those who have never viewed a Star Wars
movie. And loyal fans who love the main characters are only driven to
anticipate the movie even further.
23. Key elements of story telling seem crucial to this trailer. The voice
over used to introduce them to a watcher: “The strength of a
leader”. Perhaps this is done in order to make science fiction
appeal to a larger audience.
24. This shot is used to display the “strength of friendship” again a key
element in all story telling. The two shot clearly portrays the two
characters.
25. The more mythical elements of science fiction story telling are
introduced through the “power of the force”.
26. As the music changes so too does the characters displayed, the
‘bad guys’ shown after the protagonists. In this way we gain the
sense of opposition described a true show down of good and evil.
Practical effects
of smoke used
to make ‘Darth
Vader’ look
more imposing.
27. This shot raises tension for movie goers as it is
evident that the battle of good against evil is
not so one sided as it may have appeared at
the beginning of the trailer.
Explosives
used here in
order to create
the practical
effect.
Use of set to
transport the
audience to a
science fiction
universe.
28. Dialogue is used here to as a pull to the movie
goers. We here Luke say “Is Darth Vader really my
father” this is a crucial question of the previous
movie and for fans of the series a huge pull.
A massive star
of the time
using his name
to pull audience.
29. A two shot is used here for striking effect as it
pictures the sworn enemies of the Star Wars
universe standing side by side as if equal, or in
collaboration. Of course due to the fact that it is a
trailer no explanation is offered.
Costume is
crucial to the
nature of Darth
Vader’s
character
defined by his
garb.
30. While this looks like
CGI this was
meticulously drawn
in frame by frame as
the movie was
produced entirely
with practical
effects. However it
has the same effect,
the use of futuristic
weaponry to
transport an
audience to another
world.
A staple of many science fiction movies- action and
battles between good and evil, not only of ideology
but physically as well.
31. The last shot of the trailer is purposefully chosen to be
impactful, the sheer scale of the battle creating
excitement for the audience. Furthermore such a scale of
space battle was almost unprecedented.
32. WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS
TRAILER ASSEMBLY?
While this trailer is old and obviously different compared to the
modern day it is highlights a interesting feature of movie pull-
narrative. It discusses in length the battle of good and evil and human
emotion within the science fiction world. This is a clever marketing
device to pull in audiences that would not usually be attracted to
science fiction- attracted to the very soul of most movies- friendship,
courage, rebellion and good vs evil.
Furthermore despite the time gap we see the same methods
employed- quick cuts, interlaced with music and action alongside
long scenes to give an insight into the movie.
33. The trailer opens with the production company as seen in the Star
Wars trailer. Music builds in the background the start.
34. Marvel is also quickly displayed this is a brand that sells movies and
therefore acts as a pull to watch the trailer in of itself.
35. Non-Diegetic dialogue is heard over the top of the music “Logan
what have you done?” This links into the appearance of Wolverine
looking far from the man we are used to- haggard, old and scarred.
36. Here a long shot with Hugh Jackman in the foreground is used to
show the change and sorrow he has faced.
Rain is used to portray
mood here sadness
usually linked with
poor weather.
The use of the
rum bottle is
particularly
striking as it is
clear Logan
aims to escape
his problems
rather than
face them.
Perhaps
broken by
sorrow.
37. Makeup is used here to
create the war damaged
look of Hugh Jackman.
The scars on the
outside reflect the scars
on the inside.
Hurt by Johnny Cash is heard throughout the
trailer but the line here is “I hurt myself
today” this is clearly reflective of the damage
inside and out as seen in the shot.
38. This desolate and destroyed set is used to reflect the themes of
the movie- the world of the Xmen is desolate and destroyed also.
Furthermore this is a recognisable location to Xmen fans and
therefore shocking to them to see it in such a state.
39. Black is used to break up the shots, moving in time with the music for
added effect.
40. A panning shot is used to introduce a new character to the audience only her back
is shown meaning the audience is left wondering who she is.
41. Non-Diegetic dialogue is again used to create context for characters. We hear
“she’s like you” as her face is introduced to the audience. The previous shot of
Jackman asking “where is she” allows the audience to infer that she is his
daughter. Furthermore the striking nature of the girls intense stare contrasts with
her age.
42. This shot is used to reflect the internal issues Logan is clearly facing, staring into his own
name as if trying to grasp some meaning from it. The focus on the foreground blurring
the background works well to bring the watchers eye to it. We hear the dialogue “she
needs our help” although Logan seems hesitant in this, from this the watcher can infer
that his sense of self will perhaps deride from this girl he will help.
43. Once context has been established the music pushes forwards bringing on a
wave of action which entices the watcher to continue on and raises the hype
and anticipation for the movie.
44. The ‘bad guy’ of the movie is introduced to the audience his costume crucial in
our instant judgement of him.
A skull tattoo is
clearly visible on
his neck, a
symbol of death
and therefore
inferring he too
brings this.
The robot hand strangely
leads the audience to miss
trust him as it is something
inhuman.
45. The use of the
gun prop gives
a sense of
immediate
danger to a
much beloved
character of
the Xmen
universe.
This short scene is long enough to shock the audience but short
enough to allow them no time to figure out or comprehend
properly what is actually happening.
46. The simple action of a smile here is used to quickly build a sense of growing unity between
the three characters, as little time as 3 seconds with the right use of shots already building a
story in the watchers head.
47. As the music builds so too does the intensity of the action, here we can see Wolverine in his
most recognisable pose claws out an unstoppable force. However the addition of blood
somehow makes it more gritty and perhaps more attractive to audiences who enjoyed movies
such as Deadpool.
CGI used to
achieve his
jump height.
Makeup used to
portray blood.
48. Interestingly in the next sequence the girl displays the same level of acrobatics as him,
perhaps insinuating the fact once again that they are one of the same. A mixture of CGI and
stunt doubles is most likely used to obtain this effect.
49. The final action shot the viewer is left with is that of the claws of Wolverine pushing away the
claws of the girl. In this way we are left to wonder what action could ensue and therefore have
more of a desire to watch the movie.
50. The next shot entirely contrasts that of the previous reasserting the unity of Logan and the
girl. The slow pan up clearly highlights the difference in height and the protection he offers to
her.
Both wear denim perhaps a
costume choice again to display
unity.
51. As the title of the movie is shown we hear the phrase: “Logan you still have time” This pushes
the viewer to understand once again that the movie is based around one mans attempt to find
himself once more. Furthermore the simplicity of the title matches that of the film it is one
mans journey: Logan’s.
52. WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS
TRAILER ASSEMBLY?
This trailer builds in a different way to the rest allowing music to be
it’s push rather than visuals. This shows that music is a key feature to
trailer making- allowing action, emotions and feelings to be
highlighted by music.
Again it builds slowly establishing context and then hitting the
watcher with a wave of action. This makes the trailer more appealing
to the watcher meaning they are more likely to go and see the movie.
Mystery is also a key feature- who is this girl? Why is she so
important? What has happened to the mutants? All questions which
can only be answered by viewing the movie.
