Research & Planning: Trailer Analysis 2

Genre
The genre of The Strangers is a psychological thriller/ horror.  We can tell this with the combination of mise-en-scene, sound, editing and cinematography which projects the genre to its audience and sells the film.  Liv Tyler's character links well to the theory of Carol Glover as she is the last protagonists voice heard in the trailer, indicating that she may in fact be the female character that is terrorised throughout the film. Andrew Sarris' theory that "genre is the idea that it has a recognisable style that draws on an existing audience" works well with this trailer as there are many different factors that all point towards a Psychological Thriller. Violence is also included in this trailer which may point to the film having certain aspects that would be included in a horror due to the use of the axe through the door and the use of the protagonists being captured by the villains.

Representation
There are various representations of character throughout the films such as male characters taking a dominant role.  We see the husband character on many occasions looking around for danger and covering his wife.  This gives off the stereotypical views of the modern day male, giving him an almost heroic characteristic.  The "princess" featured in the trailer is Liv Tyler's character as she seems to be the most vulnerable character featured in the trailer.  This is shown through scenes such as her curled up in the bath and being protected by her husband.  The villainous male character also is a stereotypical male villain as he is the only character seen using a weapon, the axe, he also is shown as the strongest character as he stalks Liv Tyler's character and is shown taller than his two female accomplices. This increases the feel of panic throughout the trailer as the married couple are both out numbered and overpowered by the trio of villains.

Narrative
We open with the equilibrium of the film, introducing us to the married couple who are also our victims in the trailer.  As the trailer progresses we witness the disruption and introduction to the trio when we hear a large bang and then see the swing.  The trailer then shows the three individually throughout the montage, implying various peaks featured in the film.  We then see a flash of the three characters together when they have caught the married couple which could be a small glimpse of the climax of the film.

Audience
There are many different messages and values the audience can gain from this trailer.  By using tighter framing on the couple we instantly know they're together.  We know that they're the victims featured in the story due to them being overpowered by the masked figures.  This causes the audience to take the side of the couple and sympathising with them throughout the trailer.
     The message that go straight into the minds of the audience is the clear divide between the masked figures and the couple as well as the fact that there is no body else present to help them.
     As you can see, this trailer will cause the audience to stay active through the film due to the suspense created as well as the fact the audience will have to concentrate to link together different aspects of the plot.







Media Language
     Cinematography:

• This trailer uses a mixture of high and low angles to show the imbalance of power spread between the two groups.  This helps the audience to understand the conflicts featured in the film and who are the victims.
• It also shows part of the couple on an eye line match with the audience, showing that we are on their side.  This helps us, as the audience, relate well to the couple and take their side.
• The mixture of long shots and close ups shows the sheer size of the house as well as the confusion created by the masked figures, making the audience feel uneasy throughout the trailer.

     Editing:

• There is a clear mixture of slow and fast editing that shows the variety in both fast-paced action and the slow building of suspense.  This makes the audience panic due to the large variety in editing speed.
• There are very little editing transitions as most of them are straight cuts.  However, there is one fade at the beginning to imply the equilibrium in the narrative.

     Sound:

• The trailer focuses mostly on diegetic sounds in order to add realism to the picture.  This works well with the title "Based of True Events"  making the film even scarier as people believe it.

     Mise-en-Scene:

• The use of the masks helps to distance the villains from reality as well as make them more scary.  This also creates an un-human feature in which the audience relate to evil characters.
• The clothing featured in the film is also a key piece of mise-en-scene.  Notice how the couple are wearing relatively casual clothing whereas the masked figures are seen in suits and old-fashioned clothing to add to their sinister edge.