A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis
Hanson, 1997
The three characters are introduced
with a voiceover and a short clipthat
summarises their personality. It shows
that their personalities are widely
different from each other and
establishes an equilibrium for the
audience. - i.e. the first stage in the
Todorov narrative structure. This can
also link with Propp’s different
character types as you can clearly see
that the detectives all have different
traits- hence the voiceover “they were
three cops that have nothing in
common”
The build-up in this trailer is very short
lived and is incorporated within the opening
of the trailer. Youcan see the three
detectives interacting with each other in
short snippets of dialogue. For example
when Ed says to Bud “how do youthink this
will lookon your report” shows that he is
more of a character that likes to play by the
rules forfear of retribution. An enigma code
is establishes when Ed is asked if he is
prepared to be despised by the department
for one single act and willmake the
audience intrigued as to whathe has done.
Opening: Establishes setting
and introduces character.
Build up: relationships
established; development of
characters and their world.
Problem: a dilemma or series of
complications: characters faced
with an obstacle (or several) to
overcome. There may be more
than one ‘problem’ in the
narrative.
Events: a series of events
as characters try to
overcome obstacles and
solve problems. Further
complications may arise in
the process
The premise of the crime is
introduced through the narration
of the man in the courtroom who
narrates a series of shots, which
help explain the plot of the six
victims that have been killed. There
are numerous shots with a very
short length that depict moments of
action within the film. A lot of the
shots in this sequence use low-key
lighting as they take place during
their investigation into the crime
on the street. This is typical of a
noir trailer due to its traits as a
genre. There are more enigma
codes subtly placed within the
trailer for example when Ed says,
“the clue is when he had his throat
slit”. This use of short shots makes
the trailer feel more action packed
and therefore the audience are
more likely to see the film
The trailer takes a softer tone
towards the end as the clues in
the narrative are withdrawn and
more emphasis is placed on their
individual emotions. We can see
that there is a clearly defined
femme fatale in Lynn Bracken
and these shots include the idea
of Mulvey’s male gaze. The music
becomes orchestral and the use
of dialogue is reduced.
A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis
Hanson, 1997
Introducing the three detectives
A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis
Hanson, 1997
Introducing the crime
Low-key lighting
The femme fatale character of Lynn

Trailer Analysis: LA Confidential

  • 1.
    A2 Media StudiesTrailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis Hanson, 1997 The three characters are introduced with a voiceover and a short clipthat summarises their personality. It shows that their personalities are widely different from each other and establishes an equilibrium for the audience. - i.e. the first stage in the Todorov narrative structure. This can also link with Propp’s different character types as you can clearly see that the detectives all have different traits- hence the voiceover “they were three cops that have nothing in common” The build-up in this trailer is very short lived and is incorporated within the opening of the trailer. Youcan see the three detectives interacting with each other in short snippets of dialogue. For example when Ed says to Bud “how do youthink this will lookon your report” shows that he is more of a character that likes to play by the rules forfear of retribution. An enigma code is establishes when Ed is asked if he is prepared to be despised by the department for one single act and willmake the audience intrigued as to whathe has done. Opening: Establishes setting and introduces character. Build up: relationships established; development of characters and their world. Problem: a dilemma or series of complications: characters faced with an obstacle (or several) to overcome. There may be more than one ‘problem’ in the narrative. Events: a series of events as characters try to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Further complications may arise in the process The premise of the crime is introduced through the narration of the man in the courtroom who narrates a series of shots, which help explain the plot of the six victims that have been killed. There are numerous shots with a very short length that depict moments of action within the film. A lot of the shots in this sequence use low-key lighting as they take place during their investigation into the crime on the street. This is typical of a noir trailer due to its traits as a genre. There are more enigma codes subtly placed within the trailer for example when Ed says, “the clue is when he had his throat slit”. This use of short shots makes the trailer feel more action packed and therefore the audience are more likely to see the film The trailer takes a softer tone towards the end as the clues in the narrative are withdrawn and more emphasis is placed on their individual emotions. We can see that there is a clearly defined femme fatale in Lynn Bracken and these shots include the idea of Mulvey’s male gaze. The music becomes orchestral and the use of dialogue is reduced.
  • 2.
    A2 Media StudiesTrailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis Hanson, 1997 Introducing the three detectives
  • 3.
    A2 Media StudiesTrailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis Hanson, 1997 Introducing the crime Low-key lighting The femme fatale character of Lynn