Textual analysis
The perks of being a wallflower
The perks of being a
wallflower trailer Starts with an establishing shot of a city at night glowing
with life, while a soft instrumental beat goes on in the background, the shot
then shows up the main character (Charlie ) however the first part of him we see
is his back, the way he carries himself sat at the desk and his body langue
tells us the audience that he could be shy or nervous , this also reflected in
the narration which begins in the opening 16 seconds. Within the 16 second’s we
are introduced to him. We have a few clips of him sat at home using the
location to establish things about the character. The audience can look at his
room as grasp some information about him. His clothes, the colour, how tidy his
room is all indicate who he is to us meaning that in this beginning sequence we
learn what we need to about him. The lighting is darker which could also suggest negative feelings.
This I followed by a
cut to a black screen and after emerges a high angle long shot of a school and
a crowd of students in the morning. This Shot plus the diegetic sound of a
school bell establishes location and also contrasts the opening shot we had of
the city at night. This could resemble the confliction of Charlie’s personality
to everyone else. As he is seen as an outcast. A sequence of him within the
school also show us this with medium long shots of students acting out or even
being rude to him we can clearly see through costume and body langue that he is
different to the other students. This sequence also starts with a medium shot of Charlie sat at a lunch table by him self as a bigger indication of his reputation and place within the school. The fact that the camera mainly focuses on Charlie is a key indication that he is the main character. The cuts are sharp and short which could
resemble the recklessness stereotyped of teenagers and school and how
unpredictable it can be
The beginning sequence
uses cinematography, mise-en scene and sound to presenting Charlie as an
outcast compared to the world he seems to be in.The only dialogue
exchanged so far in the trailer is with an older character, a teacher at the
school we know he’s older by his dress and his personality. This could indicate
Charlies maturity.
At 0:24 seconds text comes onto the screen , this gives the audience some extra information and breaks up the trailer as well as gives us insight of what's to come. The colour is used as it is synergy as it matches the poster and even the book cover. The font is also selected carefully as it looks like it is typed and later it is mentioned that Charlie wants to be a writer. The colour is rather and unique colour , one many people may not like. This could be used to symbolise charlie and his friends position in society.
A medium long shot
shows us Charlie on his own, he is in the centre of the shot and has nothing
near him. The lack of people could be used to represent his isolation. He then looks on and we have an eye line match to show us he is looking at the people dancing it also focuses on Emma Watsons character. As he makes his way forward he tries to prep him self and this could be an indication that he has problems with socialising or anxiety. The clip is also edited so that as he walks it flashes dark into nearly a black screen.
After this shot we see him joining the others and there dancing . Lighting is used to highlight them. all the other people in the scene are in the darker part of the location compared to the main characters who are in the light. Highlighting them for the audience but also for the effect of the scene.
This sequence is followed by more writing and uses a range of clips to explore into the people he is with in the light in the school gym dancing. we some short vague clips that don't last long with complementary dialogue which highlights the fact there outcasts within society. The on screen text is consistent with colour and font through put the trailer.
The next clip after Patricks name is on the screen we see him and Charlie centre screen and they are in main focus we see it from a slightly side angle and its a medium long shot giving us the chance to see there body langue within the environment they are in and how they don't fit in like the other people. Neither of them are wearing red which are the school colours and Patrick is sat with his chin up and shoulders back which is not the kind of attitude and behaviour at an american football game. The dialogue and his actions add to the obvious implication of him standing out. While everyone else is quite it focuses on him sat and yelling him being the only one speaking
The trailer then moves on to sam and the editing makes the screen white and come across as a flash as it cuts to the next scene, this could be used to represent the implied purity of the female lead which is then contrasted with the following clips. The next clips we see her stand up in the back of the car which is a dangerous and even self destructive action. Her outfit and body langue adds an angelic elegance to the action. Plus the camera shows Charlie sat in the car looking up to her the camera angel looks down on him as if he's below her. Which could be an indication of her importance in Charlie's life or how he looks up to the fact she owns how unique she is.
The following shots show more of the characters and we see a medium shot of Sam her costume is a huge indication of the kind of person we the audience and other characters presume she is. The red and black makes us assume she may be promiscuous also the style of clothes and the fact its a corset. This contrast the image and view of what could have been implied earlier. The fact we also see a lot of her skin and she's not looking at the camera adds mystery of the character.
Following we see clips of the friends together the shot shows the closeness and resembles the theme of friendship between them. Through out this mid section of the trailers there soft music which doesn't stand out leaving the dialogue to add to the plot points. however after this and another image of text on screen we hear a change in upbeat music which resembles a turn with in the mood of the trailer. And we gain more focus on the main character. learning that he wants to be a writer the adjacent clip shows him writing plus the dialogue expresses this to the characters.
The type writer close up is a nice shot as has a unique vibe and openly tells us about the main character. That even in this day and age he chooses to use a type writer( vintage) to write than something modern like a laptop. It add to the props and the mise- en scene
The trailer continues following the characters and a range of effective shots are used complimented by dialogue.
In the clip on the right we see them talking about Patricks results. He has got a C and the characters are happy and yelling about him being " I am below average" he comes across happy about that. Although as a viewer we can see the bad connotations of not doing well of school they used the long shot to show the city In the background which expresses the opportunity's left and that him being academically below average doesn't mean everything. This use of location changes the meaning as it makes it feel more positive and that there is a sense of hope.
The camera work used in this has a range of shots at different distances however many close ups are used ( evident from the screenshots). For drama they are good as it provides detail and is a good use of body langue and facial expression . This example show her upset expression clearly and high lights distress
This shot used mise-en scene to its advantage as it presents the students in white gowns which could be used to represent the innocence of youth before going into the world. This works well with the collection of clips in the sequences as it presents a bunch of positive images, using a long shot we can see everyone and what there wearing , there body langue and facial expressions so it helps us gain an understanding of them and feel happy for them.
The music continues until we reach this part of the trailer. The music gets lower so we can hear the protagonists speak. This change in music reflects the importance and relevance of the line, it helps put emphasis on it. The tone of the music changes after this. The music turns to imagine dragons its time which has strong implications on the emotive tone and helps the reader emphasise with the audience.
This emotive music is matched with a montage of clips including this close up of the main character. The trailer used close ups to show and place emphases on the expressions of the characters. Another close up is off the character crying which is used the same as this one on the right. This selection of clips is used as reflection but also a way to place emphasis on the journey the characters are going through
I decided to screenshot this clip as I felt it had a strong meaning and its a part of the trailer to screenshot. We see a medium long shot and in the frame we see a blanket of white snow and him alone on the floor, it a strong message of him the snow angel behind him which could be used to represent his need for someone or something like a guardian angel and his body langue and ect add to this.
As the trailer concludes we see him in the back of the car such as doing something he wouldn't usually with the bright lights of the city ahead of him this messages suggests that at the end he reaches his goal ( freedom/ happiness).
The trailer also follows the normal conventions of a trailer having the title and official titles needed. These come up in every trailer.
Use of editing , mise en scene , camera , sound and lighting.
Editing- the trailer was edited in a way which makes it have a soft impact. The transitions reflect the mood and atmosphere of the trailer. There a soft transition used at the beginning which blends the clips and reflects the main characters thoughts and feelings as he thinks back and reflects, These transitions work with the clips and the information there trying to portray. Similarly it used more fast clean cuts when there is tension such as when Patrick is pushed over it shows the change in attitude and how the peoples actions have changed as it is a more frantic scene and has slight action. This can also be said when close ups are used to show emotions the editing is done well so we can see what happening but also get the information we need on there emotions.
mise-en scene - props costumes and locations are used well. There used to show originality and personality while also adding to the plot points and expressing a message. One of the location moments which stands out to me is when the look at Patricks results and as a longer shot is used of the two characters you can see the city in the background. This just shows how small this educational aspect of there life is , there is whole city behind them which is large , representing the rest of life it suggests there's hope beyond where they are and that there is more than just school . Which is a lesson the characters are learning through there school experience.
Camera- there is numerous types of shots. I think they use establishing shots effectively and it sets a mood to what's going to come . Also the use of close ups is prominent through the trailer.
sound- the music playing is upbeat and gives a happy vibe. It works well with the visuals and helps set a mood. Softer music being played when the main character is reflecting but faster songs when we see shared moments between the characters. Over all the sound works well to create the right amounts of tension and understanding with the visuals.
Lighting- The use of lighting I find hard to pick out in most clips I watch. There is a use of daylight within it but also lighting is used inside. One of the key moments I pull out is In the dance hall , the lighting is darker. This sounds like it would just be to fit the location however not all of it is dark , we see a slight spot light on the characters. When the main character is nervous we see him surrounded by darker light which could be used to symbolise the negative thoughts and feelings he clearly has as we can see it from his body langue.
The second trailer I picked was Gone girl Trailer two.
The trailer opens with 5 seconds with n appropriate audience screen which is necessity to following codes and conventions of trailers. The trailer then has a Blank screen which fades into the 20th century fox logo and a regency logo. As the titles come up an eerie sounds tune begins to play which works well when the Regency title fades into an establishing shot which Pans over an American suburb. The narration follows with a female voice, the voice slightly implicates a biased and the words " your probably the most hated man in America right now " also suggests some negative feelings towards the character in the shot.
We see a medium long shot of a man stood in the road with a Bin. He is the centre of the shot , this is in the background of the narration. It shows his loneliness and isolation. He's in neighbourhood with large houses. The location gives a vibe of community which this shot suggests he is not part off.The community also looks like one in which there wouldn't be many problems. It looks like a happy place for middle class families. The screen then shows him to turn around and reflect on his large house. The location and his costume are simplistic. The shot then fades slowly to black and then to the next show of him and a woman sat talking in different arm chairs. In such as an interview. The shot emphases the distance between them and could resemble conflict. The shot then cuts to black and the music changes.
The music becomes softer and more like a reflective tone, the narration over the top is also drawn out as if it has an echo, such as hes remembering someone saying it or as if its a ghost. The sequence is followed with a medium shot of an attractive woman dresses in all black smiling , which contrasts the more sad tone of the sound.
Giving the audience an idea (after the exchanged dialogue about a wife ) this is a reflection of the woman and seeing her happy upsets people as she is missing/dead. The shot then fades but not to black which gives the illusion of a memory or discovering something which helps with the effect the trailer is trying to bring as if this is the husband missing his wife. This is confirmed by the next shot of them being romantic, leaning into each other with a soft romantic lighting to show there connection. However the clip fades before there lips meet which suggests a sudden change in there relationship or could resemble some secrecy to there relationship or to show its just a passing memory. Mean while a soft piano sounding song is played
The dialogue is key as it tells us the story we hear his wife disappeared and this is followed by images of him in front of a missing poster. it provides clear and understandable information for the audience and also creates sympathy for the husband. The short clips which follow show a broken table - which indicates a struggle or kidnapping. The next clip shows a man walking poring water on his head this action plus the costume of short sleeves and a sun hat show the effort the people are going through as they put 100% in hard conditions which are difficult such as extreme heat. It tells the audience that there is a desperation within the film to find the woman.
Following this we see some clips of the main being questioned and his home being investigated. There is no transition between clips of him and the investigation making it snappy and harsh which reflects the urgency and suspicion in the situation. The clips also show shot reverse shots of him and the FBI/ police and they help highlight his helplessness in the situation as he has to just let them do here job. On top of this as they investigate the home its very modern and white , it doesn't seem sentimental and looks more for show , which suggests ideas about the people that live there and the kind of relationship they have ( unattached and cold) it also means that because its clean and well presented changes and evidence is easy to spot like the evidence on the door frame which is highlighted by a bright yellow note.
The following shots show more about the public and how people react to him. We see through his home window some bin men wave to him and then we see a close up of him unhappy expression on his face pulling down the blind. Lighting is also used here as there as it is much brighter outside than in his home showing this barrier of him from the outside world and what they think of him now his wife has gone missing.
We also see a medium shot of a bunch of what seems like middle class woman with rather judgement expressions holding glasses of wine. we also get an eye line match and editing and camera work do well together by making us match the group of woman's eye line while also having the camera capture the main character matching the eye line also , adding to this dramatic effect as we can see what he's looking at.
The next clips build up suspicion and tension using camera angles and editing. You see a medium long shot of the woman in the bath however its obscured by a door and the angle of the camera is from through the slightly open door. They then use lighting to make a darkness pass over, which seems to evoke some kind of fear on the woman , it creates and ere and suspicious atmosphere. We then see the main character walk past. It then quickly goes back to the woman in the bath as she sinks lower in what can be seen as fear this then fades back to black which adds to the uncertainty of the situation.
Lighting is used in the following sequences using natural lighting of the night to highlight the search parties endless efforts. Another use is using Lamps to make a yellow light and a darker feeling as there is an absence of natural light.
After this we see them looking in the dark the only source of light a torch. The location is dark and dirty with a large group of men alone there , this signals danger and an atmosphere which may put someone in danger. The touch light which comes from the right of the camera angle highlights the clothes of the men in t-shirts and caps with tattoos ect suggesting something not safe about the men.
After we see them looking for her the transition is a slow black fade that then shows the woman as she leans on a counter her body langue suggest worry/ panic or isolation as she looks at a man walk past her. The camera work used was effective as we see the back of her head, the man walk past and her face as of the use of a mirror which mean the audience gets more information in the situation as her eyes follow the man walking on her right.
The trailer continues following the story giving hints on the investigation, as we see some suspison evidence, these clips are shown to you so that the audience start to gather an opinion , its making you believe what the police believe, which shapes you opinion on the characters. In the mix of this we see a range of shots and hear a range of sounds. They make use of close ups to show details and expressions.
through out they change between when the woman wasn't missing to the present as an audience we can see this by the fact in these moments its only them alone , the lighting Is always darker and it always presents a clip that could be interpret as something bad with the main focus of the camera on the woman so that we sympathise with her. Such as a clip where we see them arguing and she pushes him first and then after some present day clips we see her on the floor indicating that he became more agrees with her than she did him which puts him in the wrong.
( these clips happened in this order however with clips in-between )
This indication of him being the main suspect and committing the crime also is reflected in the amount of clips that follow around the media and press as people try to find out the. They use hectic clips with lots of people or very professional interview to show he is a suspect the random changes and pace of editing indicate that time is running out. Potentially for her or as he gets closer to being " caughting" within the sequences there are multiple clips to highlight the large amount involvement from press and other people. Not all whom are happy .
It shows the different ways the situation escalates and so does involvement and desperation. The long shots used show the impact as it captures the full extent of people who are getting involved.
We then get some titles which highlight the people involved. The main ones to focus on are the main characters. Ben Affleck who is very well know and Rosamund Pike. When we see Ben Affleck's title we see the character slowly and dramatically look up at the camera , he looks angry and it suggests hes a negative character. where as in comparison to Rosamund pike the woman who is missing the camera looks down on her and she is crying which makes us sympathies with her like she is a victim and needs helps.
The following this we some more clips but one of the most stand out ones is a woman in the water. Her skin is pale and she's surrounded by blue and darkness which makes it seem cold and emotionless as if this is her dead body. It suggests a negative ending to the missing woman. Her expression is also close to life less and makes the audience think the worst of the missing case they are invested in because of the trailer.
Lastly we have the ending credits which show a body of water with the name of the film. The body of water could be what the body from the clip before is in and it contrasts that sadness of her death by using a peaceful look over a beach/ river.
What I have learned ....
I have looked at both trailers to get an idea of how to present a tragedy. In my trailer its meant to be about struggles of real life , losing people to death. The first trailer helped me gather how to effectively present a high school setting while also having the emotions and actions of the people within while the second trailer has shown me how to show what you want while not giving to much away and I want to structure mine similar to add to the plot while also leaving to the imagination and mixing the feelings of happiness and sadness to make people sympathies with my character.
