Monday 16 September 2013

World War Z Trailer Analysis



World War Z Trailer


 
 
Analysis of World War Z






The trailer for World War Z is effective because the fact that it is a high concept film allows the audience to find it easy to see the genre being portrayed and easy for the viewers to distinguish between the different parts in the story. The trailer follows Todorov's narrative theory because it follows the basic principles of the stages required for linearity such as an equilibrium then disruption and then resolution/restoration of the equilibrium. This concept gives a strong sense of chronology and also is effective when aspects of editing are seen.

The trailer follows the classic continuity style of editing whereby we first see an establishing shot, which then goes into a two shot/ group shot. Various short cuts are used to engage the audience and often build intensity whilst we watch it. The power of suggestion entices the audience; giving them small hints and glimpses of different scenes to keep them interested and keen to go and see the actual film when it is released.

The clip also uses computer generated imagery (CGI) to add to the effects and build on the genre well. We see CGI being used effectively because it gradually builds to a climax and allows the viewers to question further parts to the film. Furthermore, the fact that captions are used such as 'This Summer' and 'Brad Pitt' give us a sense of excitement and eagerness to see when the actual film will be coming out. The suspense is built and there is clear bold captions highlighting the importance of watching the trailer. the fact that Brad Pitt's name is mentioned allows the viewers to become more involved in the clip because it shows how an 'A List' star is part of the film, this aims to engage the audience and make them feel captivated. This feeling is increased thorugh the use of short dialogue which is used to give small hints into key parts of the film and make the trailer memorable whilst creating a sense of foreboding and also using the power of suggestion to their advantage.

The trailer suggests that the genre is action, apocalyptic and dystopian. The fact that it is quite ambiguous with being centred around a specific genre allows a sense of mystery to unfold when they actually watch the film. I understand that these genre's are being portrayed due to the use of imagery of iconic landmarks and countries being destroyed and the whole idea of the world ending being represented clearly.

The use of iconography also highlights the key aspects of the various genre's represented. The fact that there are guns, helicopters, army machinery, bombs etc. creates an understanding that allows the viewers to link the imagery and to previous knowledge of the genre's.

The genre also represents the zeitgeist making it effective because it represents the changes in the spirit of the time. The idea that humanity is turning against each other and the fact the population is dramatically dropping, and a global pandemic is occurring with what looks like zombies- although we cant quite tell as this part of the trailer is left ambiguous making it effective as it captivates the audience making them want to find out more.

The trailer has no specific target audience and is open to a range of different people. It is ideally aimed at those who are interested in action/dystopian/apocalyptic films however, those who like Brad Pitt may also be interested and the most likely target audience ranges from about 13-50 year olds depending on their interests. However research does suggest that males tend to like action/war films more than females therefore there is more public appeal for males than for females.

The use of sound is also effective in the trailer because the oscillating and rhythmical music score creates suspense and is synchronised with the imagery and dialogue which creates a sense of tension and foreboding to occur this is enhanced through the sound of silence when the police officer is killed by the truck, the sense of foreboding increases and creates a powerful atmosphere and makes the viewers more eager to watch the film. Also, the trailer has various sound effects that amplify and are quite daunting, these allow a realistic effect to be portrayed towards the audience. The sounds of bombs and guns create synergy with the visuals to create an exciting and engaging trailer which is memorable to the audience and interests them.

To conclude, the trailer is effective because it engages the viewers and keeps them captivated through the use of various techniques such as sound and visual imagery, the fact it contains short cuts keeps the viewers enticed and engrossed in the film trailer making them want to watch the actual film.

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