CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Brief Overview 
Five twenty-something friends become 
holed up in a remote cabin. When they 
discover a Book of the Dead, they 
unwittingly summon up dormant 
demons living in the nearby woods, 
which possess the youngsters in 
succession until only one is left intact 
to fight for survival. 
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Setting the Mood // Finding the genre 
The trailer opens with a wide shot, showing a series of dead trees that linger in the 
foreground, slightly concealing the dark landscape that lies beneath. The background 
reveals a gloomy woodland area, with the prop of an old cabin that stands off centre 
of the screen. The weather is miserable. 
The diegetic use of thunder sets the mood. It shows the rain falling in front of the 
lens, and the cracking sounds in the distance establishes a sinister atmosphere also 
making the audiences’ expectations to be just as chilling as the setting. 
This combination of mise-on-scene features and diegetic sounds, leave us under the 
impression that the film is within the horror genre. 
Q: 1, 2, 14
The trailer targets the audience, by using the youthful group of 
teenagers similar to the age of the target audience. Because of 
this, I've chosen to place it within the 18 – 25 age gap. The 
movie is rated as an 18, and the cast appear to be within the 
same age range. 
Also, seen on the right, is the original cover of the first Evil Dead 
movie, released in early 80’s. Because of this, the film may also 
target an older audience, those who were interested in the 
original film may be intrigued by the modern day re-make. 
This is an effective way to broaden the films target audience. But 
alternatively, depending on how well it is recreated, It can 
disappoint those who were in favour of the original film. 
Targeting the 
Audience 
Q: 3, 18
The trailer consists of 108 different shots (excluding 
intertitles) and the trailer lasts 2:22. It uses many 
shots, all put together with transitions such as simple 
cuts, but also fading to black was used a lot at the 
beginning to show a darker, slower pace before the 
break of equilibrium. Then we notice the pace 
increases and so does the number of cuts. 
Shots and 
Techniques 
The use of over the shoulder shots 
make us feel a part of the film, as if 
we’re personally experiencing the film 
ourselves. This makes the audience 
feel more involved. 
This shot shows a dimly lit room and a 
long, dark haired girl sat at the end of 
the bed; reflecting on the horror genre. 
The diegetic sound of the door creaking 
as it opens reflects on the spooky, 
horrific atmosphere we were 
previously introduced to from the first 
establishing shot. 
Q: 4, 5, 6
Shots and Techniques continued & (mise-en-scene) 
Q: 5, 16 
Close up and Extreme close ups are used in the trailer to 
emphasise the gore and to establish the great detail within the 
special effects and make-up. This detail can be shown in the 
shot to the left. Also, you can see the close attention to detail in 
possessed Mia’s face: scars, cuts, bruises, dirt, blood and not to 
mention her menacing eyes. 
In contrast to the previous shot, an extreme long shot is used to 
distinguish the ghastly, dead woodlands, surrounding the 
characters as they fight for their lives. The use of the fog and 
the dead trees makes the shot look effective. Efecting on the 
horror genre. 
This long shot of the river, represents the thin line between 
them and civilisation. It shows that they are literally isolated 
from humanity, in this god forsaken place. The construction of 
mise-en-scene consists of the river itself, barricading their only 
way out. The car in the foreground, steaming, showing that 
their escape vehicle isn’t operating. And the yellow danger sign 
reading ‘high water’ shows that they’ve had the worst of luck in 
this situation.
Code of Enigma 
When watching films, as an audience, we tend to question things 
a lot when they aren’t clear as to what is happening. This is 
knows as the code of enigma. In this trailer in particular I found I 
asked “What is this entity that haunts them?” or “Why is 
it attached to that poor girl’s soul?” But I think the biggest 
question is “What is that book, and how did it get there?” 
as the trailer progresses, it reveals the revolting consequences of 
ignoring the books orders. But fails to reveal the whole plot and, 
ultimately, how it got there. This entices the audience. 
Also, linking back to the second scene, the diegetic use of dialogue “Please, Please. You have to 
get me out of here.” Shows the girl’s desperate need to evacuate the cabin – leaving the audience 
curious as to why they need to leave. This good use of a code of enigma leaves the audience curious 
to find out what happened before and after the demonic unleashing. 
Q: 11, 12
Sense of Narrative 
The sense of narrative within the Evil Dead is quite 
simple and somewhat cliché to other horror films: 
• A group of kids/students travel to a once visited 
location somewhere out of their comfort zone. 
• The group seem to be having the time of their 
lives 
• Alcohol and partying often occur 
• The group do something they shouldn’t, resulting 
in bad consequences 
• The majority of the group are killed off, either 
leaving 1 or 2 people who work together to try and 
fix what they have done. 
• One is killed during the resolution of the problem, 
leaving a heroin (usually a female) 
• The heroin either saves the day, ending the curse 
and resolving the problem, or they die and the story 
lives on. 
Q: 10 
• The group travel by car to their old cabin 
that is situated in the woods 
• They go to ‘let loose’ and have a good 
• They bring plenty of beer and narcotics 
• The group do something they shouldn’t, 
resulting in bad consequences 
• The majority of the group are killed off, 
leaving David and Mia 
• Possessed Mia is killed/purified 
• Mia and David defeat the demons
Diegetic Sounds 
There are a number of diegetic sounds within the 
trailer that reflect on the horror genre of the film. 
The main use of diegetic sound is the dialogue. In 
this case, the dialogue is adjacent to the pace of 
the trailer. For example, the first dialogue we here 
is the young girl in the bedroom. The pace in 
which she talks to the boy (David) is slow. And she 
whispers. This makes the dialogue less 
understandable but also scarier. 
Later on in the trailer, the camera cuts back and forth; showing the same girl looking terrified as she 
whispers to the boy “There was something in the woods. And I think its in here, with us.” and then to a 
number of gruesome camera shots showing the evil work of the paranormal entity. This cut back 
speeds up the dialogue to show an improvement of pace within the trailer. This could also be the same 
structure of the actual film. 
Q: 7
Non - diegetic Sounds 
As well as diegetic sounds, trailers tend to you use non-diegetic sounds to create an effective trailer. 
The sounds can range from the soundtrack of the trailer to music added in. 
In this case, the soundtrack is quite simple; it starts off with a slow paced droning sound which, on it’s 
own, can be quite haunting. The sound is created electronically and is used in a lot of horror films and 
sci-fi movies to emphasise situations. 
Then the sounds change to a drum beat, that is in sync as each word of the inter titles appear. There 
are also number of faint, low pitch synth sounds that accompany the harsh drum beat. This creates a 
distortion effect, making the sounds quite eerie. 
This technique repeats itself until the climax of the trailer, then the beat is interrupted by an enhanced 
drone sound to emphasise the arrival of the entity. Then we here only a slight change in the beat; there 
seems to be more beats behind the drone, and a few ‘clanging’ noises. 
The beat is increased to accompany the montage of sinister clips as well as the fast-pace intertitles. 
The pace soon slows down, to come to an end. We then here the ghoulish chants of possessed Mia 
that accompany the final title of the film, ‘EVIL DEAD.’ 
Q: 8
Characters & their Relationships 
The characters, as said before, are all normal college students. There aren’t many close relationships 
within the cast, other than them all being close friends from college. 
But one in particular, is the relationship between David and Mia. In the trailer, David and Mia are the 
first two characters we see. They're also the only two characters that share the same shot and aren’t 
trying to kill one another. This close relationship isn’t a domestic relationship, but David and Mia 
happen to be brother and sister. 
This isn’t shown in the trailer in any obvious way, but I think it’s important to reveal the fact that the 
trailer doesn't show any joyful or near – romantic scenes. It doesn't even have a break of equilibrium, 
which is why I think this trailer is unique. It quite literally throws us in at the deep end, with no 
introduction of characters or plot. (Only that of the book) In hoping we, as an audience, will soon catch 
along to what is happening. 
Q: 9 
David 
Mia
Intertitles 
The trailer uses intertitles in a very clever and effective way. The individual word appears as the beat 
of the soundtrack is heard; making us read every word, one at a time. This sync of text and sound is 
obviously intentional and makes the whole trailer come together, flowing through the intertitles to 
the next seen. 
“From the producers of the horror classic Comes a new vision.” 
This title explains a bit about the original Evil Dead movie, describing it as a horror classic. It also stated that the 
re-make is a complete new vision compared to the original, suggesting that we look at the story line at a 
different angle and perhaps the plot is different. 
“Once you unleash evil. It will consume you. “ 
This title tells us about the plot, explaining their actions; reading the book to unleash the evil that will later on 
consume you. Consume relates to the demonic possession taken place in Mia’s soul. 
“ This April FEAR WHAT You will become.” 
This title tells us the release date of the film. It was released in the UK on the 12th August 2013. But this relates to 
the American release. It also says “Fear what you will become” this creates a sense of panic for the audience, 
suggesting that demon possession could happen to anyone. 
Q: 13
Trailers as promotional devices 
Trailers are probably the best way to put your film out on the market. Trailers are a very effective 
combination of sound and visual elements, creating a exhilarating experience for the audience. 
Trailers can also be found on a number of platforms; 
• DVD/Blu-Ray at the start of the film, used as advertisements. 
• At the cinema when watching a film. They tend to play trailers of a similar genre/style. 
• Social Media – Facebook/Twitter use them to advertise the film and broaden their audience. 
Q: 17, 20

Evil Dead analysis

  • 1.
    CLICK HERE TOVIEW VIDEO
  • 2.
    Brief Overview Fivetwenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. - Sony Pictures Entertainment
  • 3.
    Setting the Mood// Finding the genre The trailer opens with a wide shot, showing a series of dead trees that linger in the foreground, slightly concealing the dark landscape that lies beneath. The background reveals a gloomy woodland area, with the prop of an old cabin that stands off centre of the screen. The weather is miserable. The diegetic use of thunder sets the mood. It shows the rain falling in front of the lens, and the cracking sounds in the distance establishes a sinister atmosphere also making the audiences’ expectations to be just as chilling as the setting. This combination of mise-on-scene features and diegetic sounds, leave us under the impression that the film is within the horror genre. Q: 1, 2, 14
  • 4.
    The trailer targetsthe audience, by using the youthful group of teenagers similar to the age of the target audience. Because of this, I've chosen to place it within the 18 – 25 age gap. The movie is rated as an 18, and the cast appear to be within the same age range. Also, seen on the right, is the original cover of the first Evil Dead movie, released in early 80’s. Because of this, the film may also target an older audience, those who were interested in the original film may be intrigued by the modern day re-make. This is an effective way to broaden the films target audience. But alternatively, depending on how well it is recreated, It can disappoint those who were in favour of the original film. Targeting the Audience Q: 3, 18
  • 5.
    The trailer consistsof 108 different shots (excluding intertitles) and the trailer lasts 2:22. It uses many shots, all put together with transitions such as simple cuts, but also fading to black was used a lot at the beginning to show a darker, slower pace before the break of equilibrium. Then we notice the pace increases and so does the number of cuts. Shots and Techniques The use of over the shoulder shots make us feel a part of the film, as if we’re personally experiencing the film ourselves. This makes the audience feel more involved. This shot shows a dimly lit room and a long, dark haired girl sat at the end of the bed; reflecting on the horror genre. The diegetic sound of the door creaking as it opens reflects on the spooky, horrific atmosphere we were previously introduced to from the first establishing shot. Q: 4, 5, 6
  • 6.
    Shots and Techniquescontinued & (mise-en-scene) Q: 5, 16 Close up and Extreme close ups are used in the trailer to emphasise the gore and to establish the great detail within the special effects and make-up. This detail can be shown in the shot to the left. Also, you can see the close attention to detail in possessed Mia’s face: scars, cuts, bruises, dirt, blood and not to mention her menacing eyes. In contrast to the previous shot, an extreme long shot is used to distinguish the ghastly, dead woodlands, surrounding the characters as they fight for their lives. The use of the fog and the dead trees makes the shot look effective. Efecting on the horror genre. This long shot of the river, represents the thin line between them and civilisation. It shows that they are literally isolated from humanity, in this god forsaken place. The construction of mise-en-scene consists of the river itself, barricading their only way out. The car in the foreground, steaming, showing that their escape vehicle isn’t operating. And the yellow danger sign reading ‘high water’ shows that they’ve had the worst of luck in this situation.
  • 7.
    Code of Enigma When watching films, as an audience, we tend to question things a lot when they aren’t clear as to what is happening. This is knows as the code of enigma. In this trailer in particular I found I asked “What is this entity that haunts them?” or “Why is it attached to that poor girl’s soul?” But I think the biggest question is “What is that book, and how did it get there?” as the trailer progresses, it reveals the revolting consequences of ignoring the books orders. But fails to reveal the whole plot and, ultimately, how it got there. This entices the audience. Also, linking back to the second scene, the diegetic use of dialogue “Please, Please. You have to get me out of here.” Shows the girl’s desperate need to evacuate the cabin – leaving the audience curious as to why they need to leave. This good use of a code of enigma leaves the audience curious to find out what happened before and after the demonic unleashing. Q: 11, 12
  • 8.
    Sense of Narrative The sense of narrative within the Evil Dead is quite simple and somewhat cliché to other horror films: • A group of kids/students travel to a once visited location somewhere out of their comfort zone. • The group seem to be having the time of their lives • Alcohol and partying often occur • The group do something they shouldn’t, resulting in bad consequences • The majority of the group are killed off, either leaving 1 or 2 people who work together to try and fix what they have done. • One is killed during the resolution of the problem, leaving a heroin (usually a female) • The heroin either saves the day, ending the curse and resolving the problem, or they die and the story lives on. Q: 10 • The group travel by car to their old cabin that is situated in the woods • They go to ‘let loose’ and have a good • They bring plenty of beer and narcotics • The group do something they shouldn’t, resulting in bad consequences • The majority of the group are killed off, leaving David and Mia • Possessed Mia is killed/purified • Mia and David defeat the demons
  • 9.
    Diegetic Sounds Thereare a number of diegetic sounds within the trailer that reflect on the horror genre of the film. The main use of diegetic sound is the dialogue. In this case, the dialogue is adjacent to the pace of the trailer. For example, the first dialogue we here is the young girl in the bedroom. The pace in which she talks to the boy (David) is slow. And she whispers. This makes the dialogue less understandable but also scarier. Later on in the trailer, the camera cuts back and forth; showing the same girl looking terrified as she whispers to the boy “There was something in the woods. And I think its in here, with us.” and then to a number of gruesome camera shots showing the evil work of the paranormal entity. This cut back speeds up the dialogue to show an improvement of pace within the trailer. This could also be the same structure of the actual film. Q: 7
  • 10.
    Non - diegeticSounds As well as diegetic sounds, trailers tend to you use non-diegetic sounds to create an effective trailer. The sounds can range from the soundtrack of the trailer to music added in. In this case, the soundtrack is quite simple; it starts off with a slow paced droning sound which, on it’s own, can be quite haunting. The sound is created electronically and is used in a lot of horror films and sci-fi movies to emphasise situations. Then the sounds change to a drum beat, that is in sync as each word of the inter titles appear. There are also number of faint, low pitch synth sounds that accompany the harsh drum beat. This creates a distortion effect, making the sounds quite eerie. This technique repeats itself until the climax of the trailer, then the beat is interrupted by an enhanced drone sound to emphasise the arrival of the entity. Then we here only a slight change in the beat; there seems to be more beats behind the drone, and a few ‘clanging’ noises. The beat is increased to accompany the montage of sinister clips as well as the fast-pace intertitles. The pace soon slows down, to come to an end. We then here the ghoulish chants of possessed Mia that accompany the final title of the film, ‘EVIL DEAD.’ Q: 8
  • 11.
    Characters & theirRelationships The characters, as said before, are all normal college students. There aren’t many close relationships within the cast, other than them all being close friends from college. But one in particular, is the relationship between David and Mia. In the trailer, David and Mia are the first two characters we see. They're also the only two characters that share the same shot and aren’t trying to kill one another. This close relationship isn’t a domestic relationship, but David and Mia happen to be brother and sister. This isn’t shown in the trailer in any obvious way, but I think it’s important to reveal the fact that the trailer doesn't show any joyful or near – romantic scenes. It doesn't even have a break of equilibrium, which is why I think this trailer is unique. It quite literally throws us in at the deep end, with no introduction of characters or plot. (Only that of the book) In hoping we, as an audience, will soon catch along to what is happening. Q: 9 David Mia
  • 12.
    Intertitles The traileruses intertitles in a very clever and effective way. The individual word appears as the beat of the soundtrack is heard; making us read every word, one at a time. This sync of text and sound is obviously intentional and makes the whole trailer come together, flowing through the intertitles to the next seen. “From the producers of the horror classic Comes a new vision.” This title explains a bit about the original Evil Dead movie, describing it as a horror classic. It also stated that the re-make is a complete new vision compared to the original, suggesting that we look at the story line at a different angle and perhaps the plot is different. “Once you unleash evil. It will consume you. “ This title tells us about the plot, explaining their actions; reading the book to unleash the evil that will later on consume you. Consume relates to the demonic possession taken place in Mia’s soul. “ This April FEAR WHAT You will become.” This title tells us the release date of the film. It was released in the UK on the 12th August 2013. But this relates to the American release. It also says “Fear what you will become” this creates a sense of panic for the audience, suggesting that demon possession could happen to anyone. Q: 13
  • 13.
    Trailers as promotionaldevices Trailers are probably the best way to put your film out on the market. Trailers are a very effective combination of sound and visual elements, creating a exhilarating experience for the audience. Trailers can also be found on a number of platforms; • DVD/Blu-Ray at the start of the film, used as advertisements. • At the cinema when watching a film. They tend to play trailers of a similar genre/style. • Social Media – Facebook/Twitter use them to advertise the film and broaden their audience. Q: 17, 20