The 2008 film Taken tells the story of a retired CIA agent whose daughter is kidnapped while visiting Paris. With his background in espionage, he uses his skills to track her down and save her from being sold into human trafficking. Starring Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace, the film was directed by Pierre Morel and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. It was a commercial and critical success, spawning a sequel in 2012.

2. PLOT: A retired CIA agent travels across Europe and relies
on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who was
kidnapped on a trip to Paris to be sold into prostitution.
RATING: 7.9/10
GENRE: Action/Crime/Thriller
MAIN ACTORS: Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace
RELEASED: 2008
SEQUAL: 2012
DIRECTOR: Pierre Morel
WRITERS: Luc Besson & Robert Mark Kamen

3. Luc Besson:
DIRECTED: District 13 – 2004, Taken 2008 & From Paris With love
2010
CINAMATORGRAPHY: Transporter 2002, Some Things Gotta Give
2003, Unleashed 2005, Love and other disasters 2006, War 2007
R.M.Kamen:
FILMOGRAPHY: The Karate Kid 1984, Leathal Weapon 1992, The
Devil’s Own 1997, Transporter 2002, Taken 2008, Transporter 3
2008 & Taken 2 2012
Luc Besson (he both helped write the film as direct):
FILMOGRAPHY: Taxi 1998, Kiss Of The Dragon 2001, The
Transporter 2002, Unleashed 2005, Hitman 2007, Taken 2008,
Lockout 2012 & Taken 2 2012

4. •In the beginning of the trailer we
are introduced to the two main
characters as being father and
daughter, this emotional
connection is the driving force
behind the film, and what keeps
the viewer attached to the film,
causing the rush of emotion of the
will he won’t he save her
•The close up shots of both
characters faces show the
emotions very clearly, the female
character portrays fear and panic
and the male character shows
controlled fear, but confidence in
himself.

5. •Selected sound of scream instils emotion in the viewers, as does the
background music which makes them feel panicked.
•Close up, low angle shot, on male character as he gives his speech
shows him to be very serious, controlled and powerful, so you know he
will be a man of his word.
•The breathing at the end of the trailer and down the phone builds
tension and suspense – which are key in creating rushes of emotion in
viewers.
•The trailer is fast paced, which is in keeping with the thriller genre,
and there is a lot of anticipation in the trailer.