Trailer Analysis Guidance

Consider the following key questions about mise-en-scene and camera composition to analyse film openings: What costume do characters wear and what are the key connotations? What body language is used by characters and to what effect? What are we shown by proxemics (how far apart characters are) and what is communicated to the audience? How is lighting used and what effect does it have? What settings are there and how are they established? What is said and how does it make the audience think or feel? What key shots are used and to what effect? Aim to analyse three film openings using key terms and concepts learned in your G321 and G322 studies.

Shot types

Main shot types of Batman: The Dark Knight (TRAILER)

One of the the main shot types is a birds-eye view of a city (Gotham) this is so that we will know where the film will be taking place, in the Dark Knight the joker is trying to take over the city.

The second main shots are close ups. This is where they introduce each of the main characters and we get too see who are the heroes and who is the villain.

The next is a long shot. This lets us as the viewers know that there is a love interest. This is because there is a man and woman standing on a balcony.

Genres

Genres

I would have to say my favorite type of genre is Cartoon/Animated. This is because I like how in these Cartoons they're able to do impossible things you can only imagine doing. For example in the Unbeatables, football table players are able to move and become real and join in a real football game which is clearly impossible. I think this genre allows there to be more exciting and interesting story lines.

Brad Bird is the director of Incredibles. He knows what to involve in an animated movie. He added impossible things such as people with super powers. They also defeat the idea of logic as there is no police and they have super powers which is highly unlikely.

Genre	Conventions	Film titles
Horror	Murder, death, screams, traps, blood, tense music, stupid decisions	Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paranormal Activity
Comedy	Funny, slapstick, dark humour, witty, wordplay	Superbad, anchor-man, hot fuzz, TED
Cartoons	Impossible things, poor logic, humour, excitement	Cloudy with a chance of meatballs, unbeatables, monsters Inc.
Action	Explosions, car chases, hero, villain, death, guns	Fast and Furious, Dark Knight, Die hard
Sci-Fi	Space, futuristic, made up planets,	Star Wars, Gravity

The Journey Begins

Congratulations on starting your journey towards becoming a creative and reflective film producer! Start your journey by commenting on your favourite genres and your reasons for being a fan - aim to explore conventions of genre and profile a notable director!

Cameron Dentus

What is your favorite film and why?

My favorite film has to be Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2, I like this film because I felt it was very unique and I am quite a big fan of Cartoon films. Some people may say its childish and random but I really like it and its something I can always watch over an over again.

Who is your favorite director and why?

I would have to say James Cameron is my favorite director. I think this because his film 'Avatar' was amazing and it took him so long to produce this film.

Do you have a favorite genre?

I wouldn't be able top say i have one specific favorite but I would say that Cartoons, Horrors and Comedies would be my top three, I don't normally watch films for their genres, I tend to watch them if they are good or have good reviews.

What film release are you anticipating?

I am excited for Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, this film comes out in 19/9/15. This is the lead on from the first maze runner which I found amazing. From the trailer I have interpreted that it is much more action packed and more sudden death moments to keep me on the edge of my seat. 

What was the last film you saw and what did you think? 

The last film I saw was called 'Pants on fire'. This film was about a teenage boy which lied about a lot of things to get out of detentions, being late and to make himself act like a hero. Later on in the film the people and scenarios that he had made up came true but it was actually just his sisters acting group playing the roles of the things he had lied about. Overall I found the film okay, its had a pretty basic story line and there wasn't anything that kept me on the edge of my seat. I also didn't find it funny. I found it mildly entertaining so would give it a 3/10 overall.