This document analyzes the Inception teaser trailer through a discussion of the codes and signifiers present. It notes that shots of motorbikes, helicopters, partying with alcohol and women connote themes of action, wealth, and masculine dominance. Establishing shots of tall office buildings suggest a fast-paced business setting in a powerful city location. Well-dressed male characters in suits and a focus on the stock market reinforce themes of sophistication, luxury, and a demanding business environment. Symbols of wealth like cigars, the Gherkin building in London, and a diamond ring are also discussed.

1. Inception
Teaser Trailer Analysis of codes and
signifiers

2. The use of motorbikes and helicopters connote wealth and a
possible theme of action which therefore could mean that the film is
fast-paced

3. Throughout this trailer there are various shots showing
partying, alcohol (particularly champagne) and women which all
connote a sense of masculine dominance and that wealth allows
you to get/have whatever you want. Also, specifically the shot of
champagne infers that the film could be based on people of upper
class.

4. The shots of tall office blocks show that this film is set in a
city location, which connotes power and fast-paced business.
Also, being made aware that this film is located in a city gives
the audience an idea of possible themes that are normally
associated with this setting

5. Cigars are stereotypically associated with men of upper
class, connoting a sense of high status. This paired with a location
of a large sophisticated style of window overlooking city office
blocks suggest that this character is a wealthy business man. Also
as we can the Gherkin building in the background, we know
some of the film will be set in London which is also a very
powerful city

6. Many male characters in this teaser are dressed in suits, which
show sophistication and class. A strong sense of image/luxury
clothing connotes that the business they work in or their
lifestyle requires this high level of sophistication.

7. This shot has been edited so that the audience can see a screen of
various numbers which is the stock market. The intense
concentration on the characters face reinforces that this is a
demanding business to work in. Furthermore, the stock market
itself connotes money and is known to be a lucrative business
involving various risks being taken

8. The single, close up shot of the diamond ring links to the
theme of wealth running throughout this trailer, it also
suggests that wealth allows you to get whatever you want.

9. There are three clips in the teaser trailer that
display, separately, the words ‘money’, ‘sex’ and ‘power’. These
titles are displayed on a black background and are written in tones
of orange and yellow. They show to the audience that they are
prominent themes in this film. Furthermore, they relate to the
overall tone of wealth, class and luxury displayed throughout the
trailer

10. This shot shows violence, of what we assume to be the main
character breaking a frame. This could connote a possible
theme of violence in the film or an example of the
pressures/strain caused by working on the stock market

11. The final shot of this teaser trailer shows the title of the film ‘Wall
Street: Money Never Sleeps’ and its release date. This title tells
the audience that the film will be primarily based in New York and
could also connote a sense of deception and criminality.