This document analyzes the camerawork, mise-en-scene, editing, and sound techniques used in the trailer for the comedy film The Hangover. It discusses how close-ups, two shots, and wide shots are used to convey emotions and the scope of comedic situations. Costume, lighting, props, and setting are employed to establish characters and create humorous scenarios. Fast-paced cutting between juxtaposed shots and shot-reverse-shots enhance the comedy. The dialogue and non-diegetic music further set the light, fun mood of the film.

1. The Hangover Trailer Detailed Analysis
Camerawork
This film trailer has three main shot types: Close-up, two shot and wide shot. Each are
very common and conventional for comedy filmtrailers and each have a different
effect.
Close Up
There are a number of close up shots within this trailer. These shots give the effect of
showing the audience a character’s facial expressions to portray emotions, helping
to tell the story which in turn, helps with the humour aspect. In the particular
example shown above, one of the character’s fiancésare angry and the close up
helps to portray this emotion. Consequently this makes the situation funnier for the
audience as it is realistic and has probably happened to them at some point too.
Two Shot
Two shots are also commonly used within this trailer, mainly because the film focuses
on a number of couples so are often seen together. Two shots are usually used when
two characters are having a conversation and show the audience the reactions to
one another. In comedy these work well as it makes an argument more
exaggerated so therefore, more humorous. In the example shown above the couple
are discussing how ‘mature’ his friends are when his friend shouts “ageing doctor
douchebag in the background. The fact you can see the wife’s reaction makes the
situation funnier.

2. Wide Shot
Wide shots are used very often in comedy filmtrailers due to the effect they have.
Wide shots show the audience the wider sceneof what is happening. Due to being
able to see everything which is going on around the characters, the situation is
funnier as you can see the full effect of their actions. In the above example, the
characters have just woken up to their roomafter a drunken night. The wide shot
shows the complete mess and broken furniture, showing the extent to which they
got drunk, adding more humour.
Mise – en – scene
Mise – en – scene is very important for comedy filmtrailers as it helps to tell the story
and what the characters are like, sometimes adding more humour to the trailer.
Costume
Costume is an important part of telling a story. In a comedy trailer it helps to
emphasise the funniness of the situation. In the first example above, a character is
shown just to be in a t-shit and underwear. This emphasises the drunk night they had
which makes the situation funnier for the audience to watch. Costume also helps to
show the differencesbetween the different characters within a film. Usually, in a
comedy you find someone who is of a higher class to another character. In the
second example above, it shows threedifferent characters all wearing different
costume. The man in the middle is wearing a smart dress shirt whereas the other two
are just in a polo and t-shirt, emphasising the different personalities.
Lighting

3. Conventionally, comedy films always use bright lighting unless the scene requires it.
This is because comedies are supposed to be feel-good films. In the first example
shown above, ambient lighting is used. This has the effect of making the scene look
as natural and realistic as possible. The more realistic the film is, the funnier it is. In the
second example shown about, high key lighting is used. This helps to create the
atmosphere of a feel-good film.
Props
Props are used within comedy films to make a situation funnier and to help tell a
story. In the above example, we see empty beer cans, broken glasses and a
chicken. This suggests the extent of how drunk the characters were due to the
glasses being smashed, this wouldn’t happen in a normal situation. The chicken
adds the humour aspect as it is just so bizarre.
Setting
Setting is an important factor of any film trailer. It helps to tell the story and put the
characters in a certain place. The Hangover filmtrailer has two very contrasting
settings. Firstly, the trailer shows a manor house with neat gardens, connoting a
peaceful and relaxing environment. It then switches to a pool side with women in
bikinis, everyone having a good time. This creates the humorous reality of the
characters not being where they should be.
Editing
Editing within comedy films, especially trailers, conventionally is very fast paced. This
ensures the maximum comedic effect.

4. Cut
Cuts are very common within The Hangover filmtrailer. They are all faced paced
and juxtapose one another. In the example above, the first shot shows a couple
having a conversation. Due to their facial expressions being serious, it connotes that
their conversation is of an important matter. This shot then cuts to the next one which
shows the guy in the first shot with all of his friends, travelling in a convertible with his
friends having fun. This juxtaposes the first serious shot, creating comedic effect.
Shot-reverse-shot
Shot-reverse-shots help to make scenes more humorous within a comedy trailer. It
achievesthis as it shows the audience the reactions of characters to each other’s
actions. In the above example we see that at first, we see the three characters
turning round and staring at something then the next shot shows a police car and
officer and then it returns to the first shot. This is funny to the audience as it is a
realistic situation which thesecharacters are in and connotes they are in trouble for
their actions.
Sound
Dialogue
Dialogue in a comedy trailer usually uses the funnier comments to attract the
audience and make them want to watch the film. In the above example, a police
officer is shouting “in the face” when using a taser on another character’s face. This
In the face,
in the face!

5. is funny as it is very unrealistic for someone with authority to do, therefore making a
humorous situation.
Non – Diegetic Music
An important aspect of comedy film trailers is the non-diegetic background music
which sets the mood from the film. In the Hangover trailer, a lot of feel good, popular
music is used to attract their primary audience. In this example, the lyrics of the song
being played say “liveyour life” which connotes freedom, linking to the fact that the
characters are going to have fun and be free. This adds to the feel good mood of
the film.