1. the silence of the lambs
trailer analysis
Editing
This trailer follows the conventions of trailer editing by using
fast jump cuts after a pivotal point during the trailer. In this case the
line “who is the subject, hannibal the cannibal” sets off a new
sequence of the trailer which involves fast cuts which fade to black
to allow for the trailer to flow better, visually.
Shots begin at a
medium pace to allow the
audience to be in a calm
state of mind, whilst also
being captured before the
pivotal character is
announced (Hannibal the
Cannibal). After their
main character is introduced, the trailer moves to a fast tempo
where shots are short. This is to create a sense of chaos and a
build up of tension as the audience would be finding it hard to track
events, adding to the convention of the genre which relies upon a
build up of tension, creating a climax and suspense.
Camerawork
2. The most popular angle used in teaser trailers is close ups.
This is used to capture the emotions of the characters.
Establishing shots of the prison corridor and CCTV screens are
placed at the beginning of the trailer, to create the correct
atmosphere for the trailer and sets the mood for a thriller styled
trailer.
Close up shots are used between Hannibal and the detective to
build tension between the two characters as the conversation in
hand is gruesome and difficult to listen to from an audience
perspective. Fast tracking shots are used when a man stumbles
from the right side of the screen to the left creating a sense of
recklessness, all adding to the feel of the trailer, which is coming
across as hectic and climatic.
close ups of key objects such as the sowing machine and the
insect are used as symbolism, in particular the insect that was
being held in Hannibal’s hand represented his control of the victims
he has had in the past and his unchanged nature.
Sound
There is a movement from diegetic to non-diegetic during the
trailer were the character, Hannibal, makes the noise of a ticking
clock suggesting that time is running out. However his speech
fades as the shot changes but is replaced with the actual sound of
a ticking clock. This has been done to give emphasis on what he
said.
A large percussion arrangement is used to to signify dramatic
events to the audience as the trailer progresses. The sound gives a
3. tribal and slightly chaotic
sense to the trailer and as a
non-diegetic sound, it builds
a subtle attitude to the feel
of the trailer.
Costume
Hannibal, is dressed in a prisoner outfit for the majority of the
teaser trailer. Its a one piece overall which is minimal in eccentric
design and is, rather designed to meet the person’s basic
requirement from clothing, which is to cover the person. The
minimalist costume makes the audience believe that he is less
important than in comparison to other characters that are dressed
in suits and tailored clothing. This contrast between simple and
complex design in clothing is done to extinguish the difference in
class between Hannibal and the people that are analysing, making
him seem almost sub-human to the audience, which in deed his
activities that put him in prison, would suggest so.
