This document analyzes the trailer for the film Scream 4. It summarizes that the trailer establishes the sequel context and brings back familiar elements like Ghostface. Through editing, shots, and music, the trailer aims to build fear and suspense for the horror genre. It targets a teenage audience through comedy, modern style, and music. Medium and wide shots are used to generate sympathy for characters and imply many people are at risk from the unknown killer.

1. Scream 4
Trailer Analysis

2. Unique selling point
Sequel and previous history is revealed to
ensure a new audience are also interested
and entertained. The icon of Ghost face
and speakers voice is recognised by the
viewer and thus the movie is sold using
these features.

3. Genre & etc.
No computer generated images are shown to give
the impression of reality and a representation
of ordinary people.
This trailer is a horror; revealed through fast pace
editing of close up shots to display terror and
present possible victims creating fear. The shots are
compressed together to suggest time is an issue.
Other obvious indictors are present, such as the use of
language, diegetic dialogue over the phone (killer is
anonymous); the change in the nature of the threat
with increased terror and cruelty. A long shot breaks
the suspense and effectively reveals the tone of the
film.

5. Narrative
Diegetic dialogue states previous relations
and provides viewers with main characters
names etc. diegetic dialogue of two male
characters discussing the murders
becomes a sound bridge between
numerous shots.

6. Target audience
A teenage audience of 16+, this is
suggested by the presence of comedy , a
modern style/ mise-en-scene, young
characters portrayed by actors from
similar films and TV shows aimed at the
same audience, their discussions,
clothing, music which becomes instantly
intense when the threat is present.

8. Music
Slow drum beats to imply a further build up
to something worse than is seen. Music
becomes fast until a sudden stop towards
the change in editing with fewer cuts at the
end. The music gets faster, possibly to
enforce shock and make the viewers heart
beat faster because the notes get closer and
therefore it is assumed that any murder or
event is getting closer and therefore it is
assumed that any impending murder or
event is becoming inevitable.

9. Shot types
Medium close ups to show characters and
create sympathy as well as gain interest
during a short space of time. This occurs
because it appears personal and the
images seem to show genuine emotions.
Wide shots are used to imply there are
many people at risk and all individuals to
the viewer are considered suspects or
victims, this uncertainty attracts viewers
as they want to confirm guesses or find
out who is involved.

11. Camera angles
Eye line match to generate the feeling of
being a witness in the scene, this is the
viewers point of view shot forcing them
into the scene.
High angle is used during situations of
vulnerability and fear to expose the
cause- isolation; common of horror films
because the protagonist normally has no
one to trust.

12. Dialogue
Screams to provide the unexpected, as
some one new may die- they have a blasé
attitude which may mirror the audiences
hence it becomes plausible that the
horror, though truly terrifying can be
stereotypical at times.
“Welcome home Sidney” instantly
establishes the films identity. “Go ahead if
you have the guts” purposes the main
characters are brave and hard to scare-
thus the film will be terrifying beyond
normal and more interesting.