2. The silent house (2012) trailer
I think this trailer would be enjoyable to create as it would be simple to find locations to
be used to film in and create appropriate, effective shots. It begins by not introducing the
audience to the characters but showing them shots and giving them a glimpse into the
storyline through the voiceover that it begins with. After showing a few clips of the
complicating action in medias-res, the equilibrium begins. We only see a short section of
equilibrium before we see clips of the complicating action and the state of disequilibrium
begins. We are unaware as to what is happening but we can see that the protagonist in in
a lot of stress and is in a vulnerable position. This creates tension and makes the audience
worried and want to find out what happens next. Also the way only a small amount of
speech is used creates a sense of worry and concern for the audience as we can only hear
eerie background music and sounds. In this trailer it is clear who the protagonist is, but
we are unable to see the antagonist which gives us a sense of fear of the unknown as we
cannot see who and what is causing the disequilibrium. During the middle of the trailer at
one point all sound stops and then suddenly begins again which would shock the
audience at the same time as the protagonist suddenly realises she is in a vulnerable
position again and panics.
3. Locations and camera shots
The locations in this film trailer are mainly during the night or in the dark to fit the mood
and genre of the film. This means in a lot of shots we are only able to see the characters
faces or what they are looking at which can create a stereotypically ‘scary’ atmosphere and
feel for the audience. Also, a lot of the locations are very empty and lonely which may
suggest a theme in the film. When the trailer is showing the shots while in a state of
equilibrium, the shots are during the day, therefore, the audience would be unaware that
the complicating action was about to occur. The dark, stereotypically spooky house location
scares the audience and instantly makes them aware that sometime is not right.
The camera shots in this trailer are very fast pace and change very quickly to the next clip.
The fast pace camera movement and fast pace action in the shots give a sense of
importance and panic for the audience. Also sometimes the camera angles are altered so
we are not able to see exactly what is happening in the shot. This makes the audience want
to see more and know exactly what is happening. Towards the start of the trailer there is a
shot of a house which is stereotypically scary and a horror movie feature.
4. Mise-en-scene
The costumes in this trailer are very simple and normal clothes, this is because the theme
of this film isn’t exaggerated and unrealistic. This makes the film a lot more horrific for
some people as it is realistic people in frightening situations. There are very few characters
in this trailer and only one main character that appears through most of the shots. I think
this is effective as if there were lots of characters involved it would take away some of the
effect of the silent and empty moments in the eerie clips. Blood is used as well as certain
props like lanterns as the protagonist walks round in her vulnerable state. Also
stereotypically weapons are used such as a knife for the protagonist to protect herself.
5. Sound
There is very little speech in this film trailer which has a positive effect as very little
sound gives it a scary feel and makes the audience focus more on the camera shots
and what action is going on rather than what the characters are saying. The
movement of the characters and the fast pace changes between camera shots is
much more important than speech in this film trailer. The sound and music in the
background changes according to whether the action is in a state of equilibrium or
disequilibrium. The music adds to the effect and lets the audience know when the
mood of the action is about to change. In one part of the trailer the sound completely
stops for a few seconds which alarms the audience and lets them know that
something bad is about to happen. When the sudden burst of noise begins
unexpectedly the audience are shocked and begin to focus more deeply on the
complicating action that is occurring.
