1. Detailed Analysis
Detailed analysis of “The Cabin in the Woods” film trailer
Within the first 25 seconds of the trailer the use of camerawork
such as wide shots, and the rule of thirds sets the scene and
portrays the idea of isolation as a group of friends prepare to
go on holiday. The use of an aerial shot in the trailer shows just
how isolated they are from the world as they drive through
dense forest. As well as this the lighting is quite low-key and
therefore creates an eerie effect mixed with suspense as they
travel to their destination.
The use of an establishing shot shows a highly conventional
setting of what appears to be a rundown or abandoned cabin,
isolated from the everywhere in the centre of woodland. As
well as this the use of lighting in this shot creates a sense of
impending danger as long shadows are cast across the ground
by trees. Other shots used in the trailer such as a two shot
show a range of horror conventions, for example, due to the
film being aimed more at a teen audience the cast are relatable
in both age and the costume that is worn. Further mise-en-
scene conventions are the use of low-key lighting which in the
image to the left shows terror and panic.
The use of mise-en-scene in the trailer is highly conventional
of the genre. The characters used are based upon the
stereotypes of the genre i.e. the male (centre) is seen to be
the strong character in the group. The female (centre) is seen
to be the blonde stereotype in the trailer as she is portrayed
as being the dumb, slutty character that gets into danger
frequently. The use of lighting in the trailer is mainly made up
of low-key, by doing this the assumption can be made that it is
a film made up of a lot of suspense and mystery as something
is going on out of their control. The use of costume in the
trailer is casual clothes, by doing this the trailer is able to
advertise to a more teen audience. Within the extract the
settings shown appear to be derelict which creates which,
again, is something that reflects
the isolation of the characters as
they go to their destination.
Props are used effectively in the
traielr to create an unnerving
feeling in the setting of the film.
The use of a wolf head in the
background creates the illusion that it is jumping out at them.
Other props are used such as a bear trap, this is seen being
dragged along a pier by an unseen person showing danger as
a person lies limp at the end of the pier, after most likely
being injured by something.
The use of sound in the trailer begins by suggesting that the film is based upon a summer party as
non-diegetic music is used with an uplifting tempo as the friends get into the caravan and prepare

2. Detailed Analysis
for a break. However this changes as the trailer transitions into a darker and more twisted scenario.
The non-diegetinc music changes from being upbeat to a more darker and eerie tone before finally
finishing with a heavy rock song, that quickens along side the trailer. The use of diegetic sound in the
trailer such as dialogue creates a less serious tone at the beginning of the trailer but as it goes on the
dialogue becomes much more serious as characters begin screaming and shouting. This is
conventional of the genre as horror aims to scare.
Editing in the trailer is used to progressively tell a
story without taking into account the main features of
what happens in the film. This is done through the
repeated use of straight cuts to progress deeper into
the film and show a passing of time. Transition effects
are used during cuts to interact with the audience,
this is something that is conventional of many trailers,
not just of the horror genre. The wording of the text
‘you think you know the story’ makes the audience
think about what it is that is actually going on, making
them delve deeper into what iot is that is going on. CGI
is also used in the film trailer to show a bit more of the
story. The use of visual effects are quite conventional of
horror films as they enable the creation of much more
elaborate monsters and creatures, however most effects are done through make-up and costume.
The order of the shots is used to create a dark and suspense filled trailer, that is emphasised largely
by the connection of different shots. Continuity editing is also used in the trailer to create more
realism through the use of action matches and establishing shots.
The way in which this trailer is conventional of the horror genre is the fact that it takes into account
stereotypes and the the conventions of the four key areas. For example the use of mise-en-scene in
the trailer is made up of dark scenes, low-key lighting and shadows to create an eerie effect and also
create suspense. The location is also isolated which is typical of the genre as it allows the audience
to become more attached to characers. The camera shots used in the trailer are also conventional of
the genre as they are made up of a range of high and low angle shots that concentrate on the
characters, as well as POV shots that allow the audience to see the point of view of the characters.
Another convention of the trailer is the use of sound, this is because much of the diegetic sound is
exaggerated and the non-diegetic sound is fast paced and loud. Characters in the trailer are also
conventional as they are based upon stereotypes of the horror genre.
The trailer is conventioanl to form as well as genre. The trailer is conventional as it begins with film
certification and then leads to the production company logo. It frequently cuts to other scenes from
the film without revealing what it is that actually happens and as it does this it briefly introduces the
main characters of the film. The trailer also uses exagerated non-diegetic music throughout as a way
of keeping the interest of the audience and will then quieten when a character is seen in a bit more
depth. Another way in which is is conventional to form is the use of continuity editing as a way of
creating a story without revealing the overall polot of the film. The trailer then ends with a teaser by
displaying ‘coming soon’ which is conventional of the first trailer to release for a film as it shows that
there is still more to come.