This document provides an analysis of the key visual and audio techniques used in the movie trailer for "Insidious" to build suspense, tension, and engage the audience. It describes several memorable shots that are introduced, such as a close-up of the protagonist, images of a horse rocking eerily, and a sinister character appearing suddenly. Jump cuts between these unsettling shots, ominous music, quotes from the film, and moments of silence are emphasized to thrill and intrigue viewers about the plot of this horror movie.

2. This close up of the boy allows
the viewers to meet the
protagonist. The use of the close
up creates tension, and the
distressed/blank emotionless
face creates a certain animosity
which frightens the viewer.
The use of the colour red
stands as a connotation for
danger/violence. As this film
is under the horror genre
this colour is typically used
as most films in this genre
feature violence and danger.
This also was used as it
stands out against the dull
background,.
The use of the pyjamas
that the boy is wearing
suggests to the reader
this film may have
something in connection
with sleep, therefore
nightmares as we know
it is a horror film.
The use of mentioning other
films will help sell the product,
and as this film ‘insidious’ has
been created under the same
director as paranormal activity
which was a huge blockbuster
success, we can therefore
expect it to be of somewhat
great quality.
The use of the house in the background
suggests to the reader that this house plays a
big part of the film. Even though not the biggest
feature, it still is somewhat noticeable to the
viewer. To add, the house establishes the
setting of the film. The house also is connected
with the tag line at the top that reads “its not
the house that’s haunted”
The writing at the bottom is extra information
of who participated in the making of the film,
the fact it is in a smaller white font shows that
this may not be of such importance as the
The use of the writing ‘its insidious’ in the
boys eyes suggests that there is a haunting
inside of the boy and allows the viewer to get
an understanding of what the film may be
about aka. The boy being haunted.
This is the tag line. This is used to allow the
reader some insight to the film and acts as
something to remember the film by.
The use of the dark skies in the background
give a very eerie, creepy setting which gives
a more dramatic and tense atmosphere to
the poster.
The use of
mentioning the
director of the
film is shared
understanding
as the viewers
may recognise
his name.

3. The initial shot in this clip introduces the film title ‘Insidious.’ a fade to black transition then leads
to the next shot where we are introduced to a close up of the protagonist. The sound used here
is actual sound from the movie that reads ‘are you ready’ then the protagonists reply ‘yes’. This
leaves the viewer wanting more and questioning what is he ready for.

4. The next scene shows some form of timer ticking. The sound here is a constant ticking noise which
lasts throughout several following shots for approx. 20 seconds. This builds up suspense and tension
and leaves the viewer wanting to view more. The next scene is of some onscreen text that reads ‘from
the makers of paranormal activity’. Most trailers use this feature as it allows the viewer a shared
understanding of who created the films, and will encourage them to see it and help sell the film as
most people are familiar with the incredible blockbusters Saw and paranormal activity.

5. The next shot is a series of shots showing their family life. This allows the viewer to understand the characters
and their lifestyle. These shots are moving image from the film and as already stated builds up the story so the
views can understand in more depth what the storyline is. The next most notable shot is where the boy is in
hospital. This completely changes the moos of the story as the previous few shots were of a more happy nature.
The use of this shot leaves the viewer wanting to know why he is there and what happened, instantly intreging
them to watch more to get answers.

6. The next scene shows a horse rocking backwards and forwards. This gives a really eerie and creepy feeling and
builds up suspense and anticipation. The next few shots are similar and give the same sinister feeling. An example
of this is the second image of a shadow forming in the window. The fact that it is night and there is minimal light
leaves the reader waiting in suspense for that bang or noise that they can expect is coming. The noise in the
background is a sinister sound that gets louder as more of the shadow appears. This again builds up tension.

7. The next scene is of the mum and dad crowding around something and in the background we can see bloody
handprints on the bed sheets and a hospital bed. This leaves the viewer asking what has happened and wanting to
know more. The next scene shows a range of jump shots of technical equipment, and the experts guiding us through
them, and in the background talk of all this digital equipment being placed around the house. This leaves us asking
why does the house need this? Is there a haunting to the house? The next scene shows an extreme close up of one of
the experts eyes, this is used to show intensity and fear.

8. The next scene shows a close up of the expert whispering something directly to the audience. The next shot
jumps to an extreme close up of the expert who continues to mutter something. In the background we can hear
some form of creepy music that seems to be playing at a fast pace, this is to keep up with the jump shots and
intensify the audience. I believe these shots are significant as they are examples of the fast pace jump shots that
really intensify and thrill the audience.

9. In this shot we are met with this devilish, sinister looking character behind the protagonist. This shot
instantly engages the audience as it is the most frightening and memorable shot out of the trailer
even though it lasts for just a second. In the background there is still the eerie fast paced music
however we can hear a voice reading ‘what is it’. This is what the audience want to know. Who is this
character, why is he there and what happens next. The use of this shot allows the audience some
insight to the film however not enough to not want more. The next shot is extremely notable as it is
the shot that is featured in silence, and the use of this silence leaves the viewer anticipated and
waiting for that loud noise or jump. The fact that this shot is in darkness adds to this sinister appeal
and adds to the suspense.

10. The next scene is of the expert saying “its not the house that’s haunted, its your son”. This is
important as on the poster the tag line reads “its not the house that’s haunted” this shows the link
between the two and keeps the viewer entertained and wanting to know more about what is
haunting the son. The next few scenes are jump cuts of different moving images for example the
image above, this just builds up further tension and gives the viewer further insight to the film.

11. The final scene shows a women reaching out to the screen, this scene is important as when
the viewer believes that the trailer is finished, this gives the final unexpected jump which
gives the ultimate thrill and shock to the audience. This final scare will make the trailer also
more memorable.