The departed Trailer

The departed

The dearted has to be one of the met famous thrillers around. Martin Scorses directed it in 2006. Within the first scene we are introduced to a man, however he is just a dark figure with no light on him. This suggests he is a dark character but also a key character because he's shown to us first. This guy straight away says "criminals" therefore we know already crime is involved and then as he is still speaking we cross over to guys in jail. This shows us the stereotype that men are aggressive and therefore go to jail.

We then come across to Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon. Who are very big actors in the thriller genre. Therefore by featuring these actors in the trailer a mass audience would of been brought in. However these two actors feature a lot and this goes to show us that they are a huge part of the film. Prevalence is used because they feature theses two the most and its to tell the audience they are important. As Matt Damon is shown to be a chief police officer and then Leonardo's character is shown to us to be training to be a police officer. These gives us hints on whats going to happen later because were been shown police officers. Mise En Scene helps us identify that they are police officers because of the smart uniform and the weapons shown.

We also have limited female characters that we are shown, only one female character  therefore we see that stereotypes are going to be presented here. We also have only male police officers done and also only male characters in the "gang". The background sound at the beginning in is tense but then breaks into more happier music which is unusual and un-stereotypical for thrillers.

We are shown a phone as a key prop in this opening and this is for the target audience to identify with the film. This is important to show that this characters are using such a common device.

They also then show us some FBI documents in the trailer. These help the audience gain some information that possible might be important however fast pace is done when these are shown. Therefore it means they aren't as important as some parts however it may because its secret and want people to feel like its real. Its almost like they are searching behind someones back thats why it goes fast pace.

Sanctum Trailer

Sanctum

Sanctum is about a underwater cave diving team experiences a life-threating crisis during an expedition to the unexplored and least accessible cave system in the world. The director is Alister Grierson. Alister has done a few films such as: Kokoda in 2006, Bomb in 2005 and various short films.

This trailer has the excitement, tension and suspense that a thriller trailer wants. As it starts off simple and no complications however suddenly changes the pace and starts with  a quick surpass scene of everything going wrong within the cave.

Sound

We start off this trailer with non- diegetic music to set the mood within the film. We hear off screen music with the heavy breathing and also have over voice off someone talking and telling us the story. We suddenly hit into fast pace and the music has a sharp noise that is unknown. The whole music in general is very dark and mysterious.

We then come into diegetic music with the helicopter flying around the massive cave. We are introduced to another voice that we don't know who's it is and they tell us again about the story but certain key parts of the story "others to chase history".

Then diegetic music is introduced again in the noise of something which we then find out is water. The cave starts flooding and we get painted because we see the characters worried and some even die. We see the struggle and panic in their eyes which makes the audience feel it also. The music becomes so dramatic here because its the key part of the trailer.

Mise-en-scene

We also see that lighting within the cave is dark to create that realistic feel for thee audience. This dark lighting is a key convention for thriller's because it shows the mystery side and tension. We only get to see their faces and the facial expressions are very key for this story because we need to be able to identify and relate to these characters.

The costume really helps us as the audience because it makes everything look so realistic. The costume shows us they are divers and researchers as the props also have all the equipment you would expect to see. Also the lights that they have on the helmets also show us that this is a key prop because its their only source of light and hope to find what they are looking for but also to escape.

Side Effects trailer

Side Effects

Side Effects is one of the most popular films in 2013. During this trailer we witness fades in and out of the scenes, in the first 20 seconds to tell us its a montage of happy memories, which creates a misjudgement in the plot, as this is not a key convention to a thriller therefore we find it hard to see what genre it is. During this first 30 seconds we first come to slow pace which creates a calm and warming feel. It makes us feel like its a fairytale. However we very quickly come into a fast pace edit. Which speeds the confusion as we aren't expecting this suspense and tension and this change of direction to happen to quickly. We find out in this fast section that a murder has happened then we see drugs. These are many themes that are shown to us in thrillers therefore we see that it is a thriller. Drugs and crime are key conventions.

We then also come to another key part of the trailer which is Mise en Scene. We notice that lots of the characters we meet are dressed as a Antagonist, which makes it confusing. However most thriller's love having it confusing because it makes you watch it. We notice the Police officers are dressed in uniform this is because it makes it more believable and realistic for the audience. Also we see a women which seems to re-occur which makes her stand out however we see her dressed in pink and being girly which is stereotypical for a female character however when it comes into the fast pace we don't see anymore girly colours we see harsh colours. These harsh colours show us she is confused, unsure, and possibly dangerous. She is shown to be scruffy which tells us she is the one taking the drugs being shown which makes us think why is she taking them. Before we know anything about the character we already know her actions. She looks worried all the time also and looks pale which shows us she could be ill and something is effecting her.

The sound is so effective in this trailer. This is one of the pieces that draw me to this trailer. We see unconventional music being played at the beginning however this helps tell the happy scene and helps us ee that this was the past. But when the fast pace hits we see this creepy dark background music coming in which makes the audience feel tense and it makes them wonder. We see lots of action and this music helps tell the story of whats going on that something bad has happened.

Overall this trailer is surprising, as we see quick surprise scenes occurring every different scene. We think everything is going well but then it all changes direction and shows us mind games. These titles at the end are much more effective then Silence of the Lambs trailer because we see pills and drugs around the name of the film and this helps us understand the concept. Also its exciting to look at because its not been seen before and its not simple. Its also dark which helps us tell its a dark film.

The Sixth Sense Trailer

Throughout the opening slow music is used, this creates suspense for the audience and puts them 'on the edge of their seat'. This will therefore intrigue them and lead to watching the film as they wish to know the whole narrative. 

This slow music is then paired with a heart beat. This creates tension and an eerie feeling for the audience and in turn also raises their heart beat. This is an effective convention often used in thrillers as it puts the audience on edge and indicates something dramatic is about to happen.

The little boy mostly whispers in this trailer, it creates a scary feeling. Children in thrillers are stereotypically associated with being antagonists, however for this trailer y

ou can see that the child is helping people (in an eerie way).

The trailer also contains the iconic quote of 'I see dead people'. This will lead to audiences wanting to see the film as they have heard the quote. Therefore if they have heard the quote, then the film must be successful and good.

A close up of the boys face is used within the trailer to show his distress. It portrays him as protagonist within the film, but he is also in danger. This will lead the the audience emphasising with him as he is only a child, and is in need of help.

A shot is used of the hands appearing to show the supernatural aspect of the film- this is a convention of thrillers. It will put the audience on edge as something creepy is happening but they do not yet know what. This will therefore create mystery and lead to the audience seeing the film as they wish to know more.

Ratings are shown within the trailer, these will again lead to the audience wanting to see it as other people have enjoyed it. 

The Departed Trailer

A close up of a gun is used; this indicates that there is crime within the film, which is a convention of thrillers. It indicates to the audience that the film will be full of tension and crime.

Fast paced editing is used at the start of the trailer when the police are being shown. This contrasts the crime throughout as it shows that the police are taking control over the situation. However it also indicates that there could be corrupt cops within the film.

Dialogue of a character stating ‘this is who we are after’ is paired with a close up of the person’s mug shots. This indicates to the audience that the plot will be about trying to hunt the man down. This will engage them as they wish to know what he is done wrong, and if he is caught in the end.

The title of this film is within a gun. This again is a typical prop of thrillers as it indicates crime to the audience. It also foreshadows that the film will include lots of gun fights/scenes.

Happy and classical music is used in this trailer. This contrasts the action taking place and creates an sinister feeling.

Inception Trailer

The background music within this trailer is fast paced string music with dramatic base tones. This combination creates tension for the audience and indicates that the film will be suspenseful and dramatic. At the end of this trailer the string music fades out and just the large base tones are left. This creates a dramatic atmosphere for the audience as there are aspects of silence. 

The trailer uses all fast paced editing, this adds to the tension created by the sound. As it is fast paced it indicates that the film will be exciting and suspenseful.

Throughout the start of the trailer there is also a voice over of Cobb (Leonardo Dicaprio), this begins to tell the narrative to the audience. It also shows that there is a big star within the film, this could attract the audience to watch it as they are fans. This is also paired with a mid-shot of him to indicate that he is the main character and that the plot will revolve around him.

A close up of the spinner is used within the trailer to indicate that it will have huge importance within the plot. However the audience do not find out what it is, which leads to mystery. This will engage the audience with the trailer and lead to them wanting to see the film.

A wide shot of the town closing over has been used. This indicates to the audience that the plot will revolve around the imaginary/dream worlds. This will entice the audience, as they will want to know what it means.

Shots are used to tell the audience that it is made by ‘The Director of The Dark Knight’. People who enjoyed the Dark Knight will then be interested by inception, as it is of the same genre and quality.

Shutter Island Trailer

 Firstly slow motion has been used. This makes the characters seem very dramatic and indicates they are the main characters as the attention is focused onto them. A mid shot is used within this slow motion, this allows each person to clearly be seen. You can also see each persons costume which clearly depicts each opens role. For example a police officer, and two detectives. It also allows the audience to also see the very strict prison like background. This therefore shows the audience that the film will be filled with danger. 

Fade to black's are used throughout, for example when a gun is shown. This is a hint that the gun may be significant and will later lead to a dark moment. And also establishes that the next shot is a completely different scene and therefore the woman has no relation to the gun.

Fast paced editing has been used when there was a very quick shot (less than a second) of a woman covered in blood. This gives the trailer a very eerie feeling and shows that someone is going to get hurt/has already been. It also comes and goes very quickly and therefore makes the audience jump - a typical thriller convention. The Mise en scene in this shot has also been used effectively. The woman is smiling which gives a very freaky and insane feeling to the shot as she is covered in blood. As well as the blood being red her clothes are also red. This is a connotation of death and danger and therefore illustrates that she could be dangerous and the blood may not be hers.

The wide shot used within the trailer shows the audience that the characters are going to be extremely isolated. This is a forewarning that the characters will be in danger and unable to receive any help. You can also see their white clothing, this is usually a sign of innocent, but within the mental institute it is a sign of insanity. This also shows that the characters may become insane.

The sound within this trailer varies a lot. For example there are some very fast paced aspects (when the shots are fast paced), this puts the audience on edge and creates tension. However there are also very dramatic base tones which suddenly come to a silence. this indicates that the film is going to be extremely dramatic and will therefore entice the audience to watch it. Screams are also placed in the background to show there is a lot of danger and the character will not be safe. It also creates a very mad feeling and clearly shows insanity will play a key role.

I feel the credits within the trailer are very ineffective. the are just on a plain background and therefore not very interesting. However it does allow attention to be drawn just to the trailer, therefore making it seem more dramatic. 

Thriller trailer

Jurassic Park (1993)

Straight away we are introduced to the new world of Jurassic Park and see all the amazing discoveries that could change the world, although not all goes as planned as the parks system shuts down and the dinosaurs are loose in the park.

They show a big contrast in the trailer through music and lighting, for example at the beginning when they're first shown around and having fun, the music is powerful and uplifting. However when the danger occurs, it's night time, raining and the music turns dramatic and tense. 

The Mise en Scene mostly revolves around the characters, as we can tell by costumes who are visitors and who works at the park/owns it. Also the dinosaurs and the park vehicles. There is a wide age, gender and ethnicity range of characters for everyone to relate to also.  It is unclear who really is the antagonist/protagonists except the dinosaurs. It provides a ton load of action near the end, showing us the threat of the dinosaurs and how much danger the characters are in, leaving viewers thrilled and interested. It also shows the amount of well known film titles made by the same director, of course Steven Spielberg which straight away viewers will recognise and will have high expectations. Then when it shows the film title it finishes with a long, loud dinosaur roar to scare you.

Thriller Trailer

Prisoners (2013)

At the beginning we see the family from the movie visiting friends on a regular day looking happy, then we find out the fathers daughter has been kidnapped and he takes matters into his own hands. From this trailer we can already gather what the movie is about, what we can expect and the main focus of the plot.

Mise en Scene helps us to identify the characters more as we see Hugh Jackman's character is a regular man, and Jake Gyllenhaal is a cop/detective trying to help him find his daughter. We learn that he is a very over protective father and see how far he's willing to go to save his daughters life. The antagonists and protagonists are not defined  as differently as thrillers usually do, as you could see Hugh of Jake's characters as antagonists also.
There is also a lot of sterotyping as the mothers are cooking or just relaxing whilst the fathers looked worried and willing to do anything. Two main props here seem to be the RV and the detectives gun, they're the main focus showing that they'll probably be seen a lot throughout.

For sound, at the beginning there is no incidental music playing, just simple talking between the characters. Once the children ask if they can go outside and it shows a closeup of the RV the music begins and picks up its pace fast, in the middle it builds the tension and action up. By the end its slow and dark as we hear Hugh's character shouting at the antagonist.

The Silence Of the Lambs Trailer

Throughout this Trailer we witness a fast flash of a face which only lasts a second however its so quick we can't make out who it is this makes it more tense to watch. However we can tell its not a protagonist. We then go into slow past so we can see the story been told to us. This helps the audience see the action and therefore aren't put off because its going to fast and its all confusion. From this fast and slow pace happening to quickly it does make it all very dramatic and makes us focus on the characters. As the first important character we see is the women which we get the sense of her being a reporter.

Throughout this trailer we see lots of miss en scene, such as: the props, the locations, Costumes and lighting. We can see the lighting is very dark which creates a unsafe sense to this whole trailer and gives us the feeling that it is a thriller. We see this lighting is mainly over the main character which is the guy in the jail. He has dark lighting over him to tell us he is evil. We also see the location of the jail and it is the only location we really see apart from the police station. When we are taken down towards the antagonist we see the slow pace and also highlighting the colours and lighting being used to warn us and the reporter.

We then come to Costume's and we can see the reporter is not dressed as a stereotypical clothing, as she has long trousers and also has a purple jumper with a white top under this. This shows that she is a important character and she is challenging the stereotypical events of a women. We also see The police officers wearing police uniform which makes it more believable for the audience.  We then see The antagonist wearing a dark worn away blue jumpsuit, which is normally what criminals wear. With this wore away colour we can think that he has been in there for a long time. 

The sound within this trailer varies a lot because of the fast pace and slow pace. We see that right at the start with the flashes of the face we hear very high pitched tense music which will put the audience on the edge of there seat. However we also always hear the same background music under every scene because this makes it flow and also shows us its a trailer. However we do have some sounds exaggerated over the top to make it highlighted. Unfortunately for a trailer the credits don't stand out at all, as we see a plain black background with red and white writing. I feel this doesn't show us its a thriller as its not in the style of a thriller. 

La Confidential and World War Z

I wanted to do further research into openings of thriller films and i found that LA confidential was challenging the key conventions in the opening therefore it intrigued me, I also found that World war Z was one of the best thriller films in 2013, even though its also not a typical thriller it has thriller conventions.

LA Confidential

• Happy, classic and loud music which is unusual for a Thriller film this could be giving the audience the wrong impression.

• Bright colours everywhere which also is unusual as we normally see dark colours.

• No key characters shown to us? makes us question who's important in the film, only shows us the location and talks about the location 

• We wonder who is doing the over voice, talking about how amazing LA is.

• However we then see he's saying paradise then laughings and says "thats what they tell you anyway" could be foreshadowing something thats going to happen later on.

World War Z

• We see they are located in a busy city, which is a key convention in thrillers.

• Confusion on whats going on because everything is very fast paced for a opening.

• Murder from truck which killed the police officer and other people, this shows that crime is taking place in this location which makes us confused again because we don't understand why this truck is doing this

• Tense music which builds up in the action which makes us feel panic. 

We can clearly see these are very different thrillers to what i have researched before but this both intrigue me because they are different, dramatic and complex. Also World War Z can also been looked at as a thriller however there are arguments that it is a thriller as it meets thriller conventions.