2. MEDIA LANGUAGE
In the following slides I will be analysing three horror
trailers which are
The Purge
The women in black
Paranormal activity 3
I will be analysing how the trailer has been produced
through the use of cinematography, sound, editing
and mise-en-scene.
3. THE PURGE
Here a close up of two
people who we assume are
the villains wearing masks
has been used , the masks
are related to the horror
genre as they are seen as
scary and suspicious
looking.
Here is a close up of
writing on a wall written
in blood. The torch light
on the wall shows
dramatic lighting and
builds up tension.
Here is a shot of a women
showing her body and
wearing a white dress. White
is a typical colour to wear in
horror films as the blood on
her dress shows up a lot
more, she is also holding a
weapon.
Here is a shot of
people with guns which
has been caught on a
cctv camera showing
that its reality.
Here the
foreground has
been blurred and
the background
is in
focus, focusing
on the villain
following he
victim.
4. THE PURGE
Cinematography- there are a lot of extreme close ups, close ups and mid shots throughout
the purge. By using close ups it gives the audience a more understanding of the
characters faces and expressions. Over the shoulder shots during the trailer are used to
show the audience that the victims are being follows by the villains to build up tension.
The victims are shown to have low authority as there are several low angle of the villains
showing that they have more power to the victims.
Editing- There is writing at the beginning of the trailer giving a brief of what is happening.
There is a straight cut to a family and there home showing that they are wealthy.
Everything begins to speed up towards the end of the trailer creating tension for the
audience. There are also fade out cuts during the trailer which is associated with horror
films.
Sound- During the trailer there are voices over’s which make it looks realistic like it’s a news
report. There is also non diegetic music put over the trailer to build up tension showing us
that it’s a horror film. The sounds used have been emphasized to scare the audience.
Mise-En-Scene- Dark settings have been used as they are stereotypical of a horror film and
the audience will know straight away. Blood and darkness are related to the horror genre
and also masks are used in several horror films to hide the villains identity.
5. WOMEN IN BLACK
An establishing shot of
dark, old room has been
used at the beginning of the
trailer to show the audience
where its set.
A close up of an
scary looking
child's toy has
been used to
create tension
about the film
An establishing shot of a
dark deserted place with
nothing but just a horse
and cart.
A low angle shot of
the house showing
its power which
looks old and
haunted
A high angle shot of
somebody walking into the
dark haunted house looking
down on the person that's
entering
A shot of the character
looking out the window with
a unusual ghost looking face
behind them causing
tension.
6. WOMEN IN BLACK
Cinematography- The trailer begins with an establishing shot which shows the audience
where the action will be taking place throughout the film. There is a lot of close ups and
mid shots to show the characters facial expressions and to show the creepy child's toys.
There are low angle shots of the house to show its power of it. Dark lighting has been
used because this is typical of horror trailers.
Editing- Fade outs have been used during the trailer leaving a black screen which is a
typical colour associated with the horror genre. Shorter takes have been placed together
in a face pace more towards the end of the trailer to show tension.
Sound- At the beginning of the trailer the sound of wind has been used, this is a typical
sound associated with horror trailer as it creates are eerie atmosphere. There is a voice
over of a child telling the story of the film in a nursery rhyme style. These are both used in
horror trailers a lot to create a scary feel. There is the sound of a child's toy playing when
there is tension in the trailer which speeds up.
Mise-En-Scene- The setting of the horror trailer is an old place which is very dark which is
very common in horror trailers. There is a lot of use of child's toys which creates a scary
feel to the trailer. Blood is a typical convention of the horror genre also and deserted
places.
7. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
Distorted recording
making the trailer
look realistic.
Mirror shot
showing it’s a
home made
video looking
realistic
Dark child's room with just
light from the fish tank and
the child standing at the
top of the stairs
8. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
Cinematography- the camera used in this film trailer is handheld like home videoing
cameras. Using an handheld camera makes the film look more realistic to the audience
creating a more scary vibe. Also the handheld camera makes a shaky hand recording
showing that the character is scared when recording, this is also shown through the mid
shots and closes ups of the characters facial expressions. There are mirror shots,
flashbacks during the trailer giving them a better under standing of the film wanting them
to watch more.
Editing- The editing during the trailer is that there has been a distorted and fuzzy look to the
recordings this makes it look more realistic to the viewers. Some shots have been sped
up creating tension throughout and cuts back to the previous paranormal activity films.
Also there are slow motions cuts to build up tension because the audience will know
that something is about to happen.
Sound- The voice over throughout the film which has been distorted and creates a nervous
atmosphere which is typical of the horror genre. The non diegetic sounds creates tension
throughout along with the screams. The child's laughter creates more tension also.
Mise-En-Scene- The trailer has a very dark lighting which is very typical. A bright light is
used to emphasize the scary dark parts in the trailer. The characters look casual as it’s a
home made video making it look very realistic and gives it more of a scary atmosphere.
