The document analyzes common elements found in trailers for slasher films. It discusses the frequent use of diegetic sounds like screams and weapons to create fear and tension. Non-diegetic soundtracks also aim to mirror the mood, starting calm but becoming increasingly ominous. Stab sounds specifically are added during scenes revealing the killer to add shock. The trailers typically feature reckless teenage characters in isolated natural settings to set up punishment and limited escape. Camerawork accelerates as tension rises to tease high-action scenes without revealing too much of the plot.

1. TRAILER
OVERVIEW

2. ‘House Of Wax’

3. ‘Friday The 13th’

4. ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’- 2013

5. ‘You’re Next’

6. Wrong Turn 4

7. Butcher Boys

8. 1.Diegetic Sound; Screams
All six of the trailers include the diegetic sound of screams. By including screams
in the trailer it already gives an insight to the audience of the amount of fear which
is emphasised throughout the film. If there is non stop screams throughout the
trailer, the film will include just as much. This is effective as it adds to the fear
factor, as screams are associated with fright and helplessness. This will appeal to
the slasher target audience as they would love the idea of the characters being
frightened non stop. Furthermore, the screams come from both the female and
male characters. This is effective in a trailer as it goes against the stereotype of
men being masculine and afraid of nothing. By them screaming just as much as
the female characters it makes the antagonist seem threatening and powerful, as
he has the ability to frighten everyone.

9. Other Common Diegetic Sounds;
Door slamming
Car exhausts
Heavy Breathing
Knives/ Weapons
Sliced flesh
Clinking of metal
Broken Glass
All of these common digetic sounds add to the impact and thrill to the trailer. They

10. Sound; Non Diegetic.
Throughout all six of the trailers, non diegetic soundtracks are used to add to the tense
atmosphere. This soundtrack usually starts of calm and slow, or fun and energetic;
mirroring the personalities of the young and reckless teens. This is to open the trailer
with enthusiasm, however we as an audience know this feeling will not last long. This
soundtrack is usually broken by a sudden act of difference; for example as the night
falls in the ‘You’re Next’ trailer, the music cuts out as the masked killers are revealed.
This is a common convention in slasher trailers, as the audience can finally become
excited and ready for the action to begin. Furthermore, the non diegetic soundtrack will
be sinister and heart racing. This is made apparent in the Butcher Boys trailer. It is
action packed, reflecting the thrill which is happening in the trailers narrative. This
highlights how the non diegetic sound is parallel to the trailer. As the trailers continue,
the non diegetic sound becomes louder and more spine tingling; this is to add to the
thrill, suspense and action.

11. Sound; Stabs.
Stab sounds are used across all six trailers. These are highly effective when
constructing a slasher trailer as it adds to the jump scare on the audience. These
stab sounds are revealed to us usually when the killer is revealed or when it
strikes against his victims. For example, in the Friday The 13th trailer, as we are
revealed to Jason a stab sound is introduced to add to the thrilling impact, making
him seem powerful and even more threatening.

12. Character Types;
The most common characters featured in slashers are teenagers. This is because
the narrative includes them being reckless and loud; a common stereotype of
teens. By them being brutally killed, it is as if they are being punished for their
behavior. Besides You’re Next, the characters in the trailers are young and
reckless. They are a mixture of male and female; yet there is always one
promiscuous female. She is usually exploited clearly throughout the trailer. This
character is blonde, pretty and her costume is usually revealing to emphasise her
body. Slasher audiences will be able to identify her straight away as the character
who is usually killed first; also known as the ‘sacrificial lamb’.

13. Setting;
Each of the settings are isolated. They feature plenty of greenery to hide away the
brutal behavior which shall follow. By including a forest in the trailer it indicates to
the audience the type of slasher it will be; the trees allow lots of places for the
killer to lurk and hide. The trees also make the setting seem more frightening as it
allows the victims to become easily lost in their surroundings and have nowhere to
run.
As all of the settings are isolated with no one else around; it adds to the teens
reckless behavior as they are trespassing someone else's territory; making the
killer sound more threatening and fearful.

14. Camera;
Throughout the trailers, camera action and the timings of the shots are made
quicker as the tension increases. This creates a montage for the audience; they
are given a small insight to the action which will feature without giving too much
away. This is effective as it builds up tension for the audience, making the trailer
appear exciting and filled with non-stop chase.