The document discusses various filmmaking techniques used in the trailer for the movie "The Roommate." It analyzes shots including establishing shots, close-ups, and over-the-shoulder shots. It also discusses the use of color, lighting, editing, locations, and tag lines to build tension and suspense. The analysis is meant to inform the creation of the author's own thriller trailer.

1. The Roommate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mUDIohiK2I
(2010)
Just like the other trailers which I have analysed “the roommate”
includes the production company’s name during the first few Todorov’s theory of narration is very effectively
seconds of the trailer. Having analysed two trailers; and seeing used in this trailer. As the trailer begins with an
that this is a convention followed by most trailers (in general). I equilibrium and gradually grows into the distraught
would be following this convention as it acts as an indication that of the equilibrium. However, it does not have a
the trailer is in fact a trailer. (advertising both my movie and my new equilibrium. I would have to keep this in mind
company) when planning my trailer. As it includes leaving
my audience on a cliff hanger, making them want
to go and watch my movie.

2. The Roommate PROPS:
Props are effectively made use of in the shot
above as it immediately tells the audience that
the room (in the scene) is in fact a girl’s room.
This over the shoulder allows us the audience to
see the pictures on the wall; which are females
however, they look more like aspirational or icons.
(however, if it were to be a male’s room,
stereotypically, the women would/may be sex
symbols or even their crushes) the colour of the
laptop is red (which stereotypically is a much
more girly colour, however, if it were to be a
male’s laptop, the colour would either be a black
or a blue. )
In conclusion, this is something I would have to bear in mind; stereotypes. What certain costumes and even props may connote to
the audience. Also the colours of the props as they can add a slight hint of tension. For example, the colours used in the scene
above are red, black and white. Which could be classified as contrast colours as they do not compliment each other. This could be
connoting that their (the two girls in the shot) friendship may be fake or unreal. As there are no bright colours in their room.

3. As I have mentioned earlier the use of colour of
props (costumes) are very important as they help Again, I would like to touch on the use of colours of props in “the roommate”.
add some sort symbolism to the item itself. For This movie/trailer uses this is almost every scene. For instance in the close p
instance, a red dress to be worn by little red riding shot above, we are viewed a social networking site whereby her roommate only has
hood helps to foreshadows to the viewers that she is one friend. However, although we the audience may not make much of this, the
in danger. colour of the laptop used is red (which again, is a generic code of thrillers and
Also, in the shot above; the colours of the costume horrors) used to indicate danger.
used are very dark which immediately indicates some Having mentioned all of this, my group and I would have to think very closely and
sort of evil or dark side in the owner clearly about the specific colours of the props that are to be used as they help to
increase climax and tension as well as indicating something to the audience

4. LOCATION:
In the shot above a long shot as well as an establishing shot
is used to introduce the introduction of a scene, whereby
setting the scene; letting the audience know the primary Similarly, the high angle shot has also been used to introduce
location of the whole movie/trailer (a campus) the next scene in the trailer. This birds eye view shot indicates
A high angle shot allows the audience to view the magnitude to the audience that there has been a shift in location, thereby
of the location. making the trailer much more easier to understand.
This appropriate use of camera angles is one I and my group However, although this could at times be the best way to
would have to bare in mind as a straight close up shot of the introduce a new scene. It is not the only way. I say this
scene would leave the audience confused. because even a medium shot can be used to do so (when used
appropriately)

5. Unlike the other locations which I have just analysed, this
shot introduces a new location without the use of a high
In the shot above a high angle shot has been used to introduce angle shot or a long shot.
another scene to the audience. I particularly like this shot as the The use of a medium shot to introduce the library helps to
camera angle used functions in to two ways. indicate to things.
• To view the magnitude of people in the club. (we the audience That the character is in a library and at the same time he
are aware that this is a club due to the use of effect lightning) is searching for a book.
• The high angle shot belittles the characters in the frame. As well as this, a tracking shot is used to follow his
Almost insinuating that they may be in danger, whereby movement as her searches for a book; this indicates to the
belittling them indicates that they are smaller than the danger viewers that he is in fact searching for a specific book. This
awaiting them. is because he goes through a number of books before the
tracking stops.

6. LIGHTING:
Through my previous analysis of other thriller trailers such as Unlike the previous screen shot which I have just analysed, the
“insidious” and “don’t be afraid of the dark” it not new to me that shot above could be classified as the total opposite to the one
dark lightning has been used in the shot above. This could be on the left. The screen shot above uses daylight as a way of
classified as the codes and conventions of thrillers, as it helps to adding lighting to the scene while.
again, increase tension and climax.
The difference between these two shots is that the one above is
The above scene was viewed to the audience using very little
sound. Allowing them (the audience) to contemplate on the next the equilibrium while the one on the left is the distraught of the
event to take place. Subsequently creating and heightening tension equilibrium as well as the attempt to restore the equilibrium.
and suspense Having said his, my group and I would have to think of how to
Also, in the shot above, the character is wearing a black costume. introduce our storyline to our audience. For instance, we could
This automatically allows her to blend in with the dark lightening; just cut straight to the attempt to restore the equilibrium just
symbolizing a sense of evil. as “don’t be afraid of the dark does ”)or start from the
equilibrium (just as “the roommate” and “insidious” does.)

7. 2 seconds 2 seconds 2 seconds
In the series of shot above is an indication of how “the roommate”
starts. Dissolves are used to start the trailer in a mellow manner.
As we are viewed an equilibrium we the audience get a sense of
Editing
absolute happiness as the editing as well as this, high key lighting
is also used to connote a sense of a happy dream.
However as the trailer heightens; the editing becomes faster.
Also, the lightning also changes. I say this because the lightning
becomes low key making the trailer much more thriller like.
The transition from dissolves and fades to straight cuts indicated to
the audience that the equilibrium which they have witnessed has
been destroyed.
Having said all of this, as I already mentioned in “insidious” I would have to think
about how to indicate to the audience that an equilibrium had been destroyed. My
group and I could begin the trailer by using todorov’s theory or immediately begin
it using a distraught equilibrium. Although I may not be creating a short
film, narration would be something kianna, Elizabeth and I would have to think about
very clearly as our editing choice of props, lightning and location depends on it.

8. Tag Lines and Inter-Titles.
Although I may not have analysed the use of tag lines and inter-titles in my other thriller trailer analysis, It is another major
part of the making of my thriller trailer. I say this because my editing as well as narration depends on it.
Some Inter-tiles included in the roommate:
Tag line used in the roommate: