The trailer introduces the three main detective characters and establishes their different personalities and traits. It then presents the crime being investigated, showing shots from the film of their investigation into the murders of six victims using low-key lighting typical of film noir. Towards the end, it focuses more on the individual emotions of the characters and introduces the femme fatale character of Lynn Bracken using shots that emphasize the male gaze.

1. 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.

2. A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis
Hanson, 1997
Introducing the three detectives

3. A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: LA Confidential, Curtis
Hanson, 1997
Introducing the crime
Low-key lighting
The femme fatale character of Lynn