Trailer Ratings

A key feature that is present in all trailers is the original screen. Before the trailer, either a Green or Red screen is shown, dependent on the rating of the trailer. I will need to decided who the trailer is focused for, if the trailer is for an older, more mature audience, the red screen should be used, however, if the film is for under 18’s, a green version shall be used.

Beverly Hills Cop

Beverly hills cop trailer is different to that of previous trailer analysed, in that it is much older than other trailers that I have analysed, meaning that the techniques used during are a lot different to that of most recent trailers, for example, 1 track is played throughout the entirety of the trailer, and never cuts out, unlike that of trailers previous reviewed, where tracks would cut out to emphasise jokes. However no fading out of the track is present in the clip. This could be a sign of the change in humour since the 80’s, or could be an entirely different attempt of humour.
The clips in the trailer are seemingly that of a montage of best bits of the film, that are seemingly in continuity at the start, yet seem to lose continuity towards the end. This is a significant example of attempt to show a basic storyline, without given too much away.

Shaun of the dead

The initial sound that is heard from within the movie is of Simon Pegg yawning; however this sound resembles that of a groaning zombie. This immediately sets the genre of the film, however, the use of presenting him as a zombie, although he is not, foreshadows a zombie invasion. The sound track that follows it is a surreal uplifting sound track, that slowly goes lower pitched, until in fades out. Again, the sound track fades out when comedy is introduced, a common feature among action comedy films, and comedy films in general.
During the clip, it shows a Simon Pegg jumping over a fence, stating “haven’t you ever taken a shortcut?”. This links with the trailer for Hot Fuzz, in which the main characters are played by the same characters. In fact, both of these films are within a “trilogy” called blood and ice cream, in which there are 3 films by the same writer, starting the same actors, however, the films are not in sync, but have subtle references to the others.

Hot Fuzz

The initial shot we see is of Simon Pegg appearing in formal attire, followed by in his uniform. The freezing out to blue gradients gives the impression of other UK media, such as the Bill, well known for blue gradients in the intro. This impression of other media immediately relates the film to a specific genre. The music played other this scene is similar of that of mission impossible, with limited rhythm and just pure beats.


The music cuts out when humour occurs, a possible common feature among action comedy films. When Simon Pegg appears in a quiet county, a light-hearted song is used, to provide the irony of the situation. The camera continually changes scene by a wipe, or by motion overlapping the first clip. Black is effectively used to be faded out into the create suspense.

When action occurs, the song then returns back to a track similar to the opening, however, rhythm appears to be introduced to introduce comedy during the action. The action that is shown appears to be surreal, so comedy is combined with =the action. For example, gun fights within Summerfield. The action again seems to be combined with a 80s rock song, with screams being more present that actual singing

Dukes Of Hazzard

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2364604697/

The trailer immediately features a countdown along side a voice over, explaining the countdown is relevant to “the movie event of the summer.” The use of voice-over accompanying the countdown emphasises the significance of the film. The colour scheme used for the countdown is identical of the colour scheme for the “general Lee”, the icon of the Dukes of Hazzard Television series. Once the countdown ends, the screen cuts to the general lee, flying is slow motion, with the iconic “YEEEEE-HAAAAA” playing above it. These features where very common within the Television series, and therefore make it a symbol of the already cult following. Followers of the TV series will instantly recognise the film.


Rock music is played above action such as the car chase. Meanwhile, the camera fades in and out of black, to show the car chase out of continuity, and portray the action from different angles. Likewise with other previously analysed film trailer, the music cuts out when comedy occurs, to emphasise the comedy rather than any action that is occurring. Once the music begins again, it plays the iconic dukes of hazard theme tune. The trailer appears to be divided into two sections, halve of the trailer is focused on comedy, and seemingly the other halve is focused on the action of the film. This portrays the film to be both action and comedy.

Red - Film trailer analysis

The trailer shows Bruce Willis immediately from the get go. The use of the famous actor Bruce Willis, well known for films such as Die Hard, automatically portrays the film to a specific target market that has a cult following of Bruce Willis. The generic film Bruce Willis stars in is mainly action films, however, the opening scene of the film is Bruce Willis seemingly injured, but situated within a seemingly contrasting scenario of with an older women, within a seemingly older house. The music that accompanies this scene appears to be rather classical, which accompanies the appearance of a retired nature of the older generation.


When the action first appears, the music stops playing from classical, and pauses for a while before switching to the next scene. This supposedly creates awkwardness between the characters, which then generates comedy, which portrays the other genre of the film. The second track that is played has seemingly the same rhythm and beat of typical action film tune, for example, mission impossible; however, the tune also has a classical aspect to it, which then shows an older action genre, which is the specific genre of the film. The last track is a rock song, specifically Aerosmith. The rock song then portrays pure action of the film. The soundtracks used show a progression of the characters within the film, from retired, to semi retired, and then fully working characters.

Throughout the trailer, text is used to show the situation of the film without actually saying it. This technique of stating what is happening rather than just suggesting it makes the film appear to a simpler movie that isn’t too complicated, which is the basic needs for a comedy film. Comedy is seemingly showed by the situation rather than the jokes that are said.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World analysis

http://www.hulu.com/watch/157509/movie-trailers-scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world---trailer-3

The initial shot that is seen is of a Ginger haired drummer. This immediately sets a tone for unconventionality throughout the trailer. A feature that is used consistently throughout the trailer is a drop of backing sound, to leave only the films conversation to be playing. The drop of music is used to create comical effect, focusing the audience on the joke rather than the music.


There are many Intertextual links within the clip, which also gives a representative of its genre. There are many links to comics books, for example, splitting the screen into two is representatives to comic books scenes. Another representative is of portraying sounds effects in textual form. As well as comic books, there are references to video games, with little flashing sprite animations often being on show.