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Pre-production Phase . Forms & Conventions. What is genre?. ‘In film theory, genre (or) refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed.’. What are conventions?.
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Pre-production Phase Forms & Conventions
What is genre? ‘In film theory, genre (or) refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed.’ What are conventions? ‘A convention is a set of agreed, stipulated, or generally accepted standards, norms, social norms, or criteria, often taking the form of a custom.’
What is a trailer? ‘An advertisement for a movie which contains scenes from the film. Historically, these advertisements were attached to the end of a newsreel or supporting-feature, hence the name. Doing this reduced the number of reel changes that a projectionist would have to make.’ What is a teaser trailer? ‘A short trailer that is generally released many months before a movie is actually released, to give a brief peek at what the movie will be like, and to build audience anticipation. Teaser trailers are usually much shorter than the final trailer, which reveals more of the storyline of the film.’
How have movie trailers become more temporary? Over the years, there has been proliferation within technology thus ensuring our viewing experience of anything we see online or on any media platform is completely up to date and of the best quality it can be. Compared to the trailer of The Great Gatsby (1974) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MstmidhHNQ) To it’s 2013 version: The Great Gatsby Official Trailer (2012) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OULhlaX6JY4) There is a clear difference in not only the obvious difference of technology but the way in which the structure of the way the trailer was displayed. Though they both have undertaken Propp’s theory of narrative, the latest version of The Great Gatsby has gone against the equilibrium theory and has in fact mixed up the stages to the point that the audience is left guessing whether it will be a happy ending or not which more contemporary trailers tend to do because the audience does not want to be told everything at once which would potentially ruin their viewing experience. As I research even more, I see the advancement in camera shots and editing effects to make one story come across as another, as well as this, the non diegetic sounds have been used more intelligently as they try to make the audience feels specific emotions when watching the trailer to draw them in even more which I can say I did feel with this trailer. Progressing on, I will be exploring just what is being used within specific trailers that make people watch the movies shown as well as the theories and codes and conventions involved.
What makes a good movie trailer? Independent movie trailers compared to media conglomerate trailers in relation to trailer quality and so it’s actual effect on the audience: “A good movie trailer is made up of the best scenes or great clips. Also, expert editors make a movie trailer good and they should rely on the contents of the film itself when editing a movie trailer. A good movie trailer should attract attention from the people watching it.” From this statement, I will need to ensure all of the elements mentioned are thought about when it comes not only shooting the scenes for my trailer but the editing too as it is as important as the actual content Large institutions especially some like Warner Brothers will for sure have a larger budget than independent institutions such as Film4. Because of this, it is for definite that their quality of filming will be better, it happens this way because they are able to afford better equipment especially to create the HD quality. If the quality of the trailer is good, it keeps faith within the audience that the film will be something worth watching.
Independent movie trailers compared to media conglomerate trailers in relation to trailer quality and so it’s actual effect on the audience: The studios used are known for producing high quality films due to the fact they are the bigger studios and have within them the best equipment. This helps to use better technology such as 3D or HD because the space and equipment is there in order for them to make it happen 20th century Fox is known for its high quality films and has created well known films such as: Titanic, X-men, Ice Age, Star Wars and others. An audience knowing their reputation will be eager to watch the trailer they produce because they are aware they are good at distributing films that then become popular With it being released in more than one country, it is understandable that if the trailer is good, it will be on high demand. They trailer then has to either be translated into different languages or edited differently in order to suit that country’s rules. If a trailer has to do this, it is clear that is it a extremely popular and good quality film especially if they have a large amount of views on social networking sites and video viewing sites specifically YouTube Audiences will be much more interested in seeing the quality of a film trailer if they are aware they have had a lot of money within their budget to spend on making the movie the best it can be. Normally films that have a bigger budget will be institutional conglomerates because they are able to afford the best equipment and actors which make them even more successful. Well known characters are more appealing to see as well as giving the excuse for the trailer to ‘show off’ who they have acting in their film.
Independent movie trailers compared to media conglomerate trailers in relation trailer to quality and so it’s actual effect on the audience: This film is known to be a ‘low budget film’ due to the quality presented in both the film and trailer. The film was created in Haxan Film’s studio – it has also produced unfamiliar films such as Altered and Seventh Mood- this independent institute though may not be as established as something larger such as Warner Brothers, still can produce something worth watching because an audience may be attracted to the storyline and not necessarily worry so much about the viewing experience and quality they see. Artisan Entertainment – an independent American movie studio- may not have a well established popularity base however is still liked by audiences because independents like this tend to have more creative story lines than media conglomerates because bigger institutions follow trends and typical audience interests however independents can become their competition as they like to release something unusual and not common to what an audience is used to. It may not have the best quality or characters –because they may not be able to afford it- but they still offer something different to ensure their audience is kept engaged. But, a smaller budget is harder to work with because they can not invest in equipment that can make their true vision of the story they want come alive thus jeopardising its uniqueness compared to other films. However, it is clear to see that some independent movie makers do become success as their box office was a considerable amount compared to the amount they used to create the piece. It also presents the idea that their trailer was quite effective if they were able to attract audiences to watch it even if the trailer was of a low quality.
Though my research is based on looking at multiple genres and researching through all of them, I am sure I will be doing Horror, however, I have looked through all genres with great detail as I would like to understand fully what is needed within a trailer as well as why directors add certain shots or music pieces which make it so appealing to watch. As well as this, looking at different genres will help with my narrative in terms of how I will structure the story that is present in the trailer and the effect of enigma which majority of all kinds of trailers use. This way, I am not only focused on horror but I am also taking in the skills of other genres too making my research even more valuable.
Contemporary horror
Why do people watch horror movies? It is known that horror movies are watch as a form of escapism or some sort of adrenaline. However, the subject of this is connected strongly to the uses and gratification theory which explains the reason why any audience is consumed by a certain text. The theory explains that media is created in order to fulfil the audiences needs. The explanation can be split into 4 categories: • Surveillance : This is where the audience feels safe and secure purely because of the fact they are behind the screen and not in the position of the person who is scared or hurt within the horror film. • Escapism : it is common that people will be in need for relaxation as everyone will have stress. Watching movies are a way of relieving stress and relaxing, along with this, the audience feels a form of escapism. For example the person watching could imagine themselves as the ‘princess’ of the film or even perhaps the ‘villain’ if they wanted to. • Personal relationships : Watching films can be a way of participating in a social activity which can essentially bond people together as well as allow the audiences to discuss the film or share the experience together. • Personal identity : the audience may be able to relate to certain characters or even have similar traits This is not only relatable to horror movies, this theory can also apply to other genres such as romance or thriller and plays a similar role to all of them.
Horror - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Location: In majority of horror films, characters are seen in locations which are secluded or essentially ‘dangerous’. For example, The Blair Witch Project was filmed in the woods which is conventionally dark and scary where as Paranormal Activity went against the common convention as was located in a place that is usually safe, but the fact that it was located in their own home made it scarier as the audience imagines their home to be a place of safety and so heightens the level of fear the audience know they’re about to feel. “To be scared to jump, hide my face”
Horror - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Characters: within most conventional horror movies, it is common that they follow the theory of Propp in relation to their character types. However, they follow it differently. The ‘princess’ is the ‘weak vulnerable woman’ who most likely is being saved by the ‘Hero’ or a man or parental figure that is the main character of the movie. Then of course, there is the typical villain for example, in the film insidious the villain is/are the evil spirit/s and is it easy to declare who in a horror film is the villain. However, some go against convention and use the illusion of enigma to hide the fact that the ‘princess’ or the ‘hero’ ends up being the real villain, this has happened in films such as Scream.
Horror - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: • Fear: Horror films are known for bringing an audiences' worst nightmare to screen which proves to be the adrenalin shot that majority of audiences look for. Films such as Jaws which highlights a fear of either drowning or the ‘unknown’ within the sea presents fears which are common among audiences. Though this scares the audience, they are also comforted by the fact that they are not in that position and are behind a screen watching it all happen. They find escapism from this as well as excitement/relaxation. • Examples fears/nightmares: • Drowning • Suffocating • Being murdered • Supernatural • Large, dangerous animals • Unique phobias
Horror - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Sound: this involves all of the diegetic and non diegetic sounds presented within a trailer. Horror films are well known for their dramatic intense music when displaying a characters fear or showing intense suspense which draws the audience into the film for longer. Sound is extremely effective within a film/trailer and if gotten right can completely ensure that the audience will want to watch the film because of how powerful sound can be to their emotions. If the sound works well in order to create the emotion you wanted them to feel, the film will be a success as your trailer was able to create the need to watch the film within the audience as they were so captured by it.
Horror - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Mise-en-scene: This is known for enhancing the fear within a horror film. It is an important part for every genre to ensure that the genre is at its highest effect for/on the audience. The French term which means –’placing on stage’ is used to highlight everything that would be needed in order to make up what a makes a film horror. For example, horror films are known for their low key lighting which associates its self with dark dim colours in order to effect the mood of the audiences as something negative or suspicious as it is always a mystery of what is in the darkness.
Horror- Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: • Typical shots that are used within a horror film/trailer • Extreme close ups which are known to emphasis a subject of specific character • Tilt in order to create disorientation or to confuse the audience • To present the location of situation, establishing shots are used as well as long shots • Handheld which makes the film/trailer appear more realistic and making it more believable • Tracking to follow a character • Dolly- gives the illusion that the character is being stalked or followed, usually shot from in front or behind • Point of view shot – so the audience watching can feel as if they are looking through the eyes of the character
Deconstruction of ‘Devil’ trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7l3nzjHYTg
In the beginning of the ‘Devil’ trailer, they followed the typical convention of most trailers by presenting all the institutions involved in the creation of the film as well as the age regulation –which came first- to highlight how important it was to be aware of who is allowed to watch this film and in fact trailer too all in an established shot. Mentioning institutions, alerts the audience watching just what type of trailer it will be due to the fact the night chronicles “is focused on generating a series of supernatural thrillers” yet the film is classed as a horror . Displaying who was part of the making of the film can allow any audience to know about their reputation of quality of films/trailers as well as if they ever had a complaint (about if the trailer was inappropriate to be shown the time or channel it did) they would be able to go to ASA –’Advertising Standards Authority’- to which they could complain about the film as well as the institution who helped make and release it.
As the trailer begins, it uses the Todorov narrative theory of as if everything is at a calm state, but introduces the setting by using birds eye view as well as crane. By using text as its commentator, it distracts it away from the fact it is a horror and so makes it an even bigger surprise when the theme of horror is presented.
The trailer then does something typical which is common in a lot of trailers which is introducing all of the main characters within the film. Though this is common in romance and comedy films, using it in a horror trailer gives a better effect of making the audience comfortable on who to focus on and start creating their own ideas as they watch it as to who is the ‘bad guy’ The trailer then cleverly with a two person, over the shoulder shot, highlights the most important part of the film which by using these shots, the audience would subconsciously gather, the elevator. The audience can then gather that the elevator plays an important part as well as the fact that now every scene shown in the trailer is in fact focused all in the all important elevator. Because the main setting is an elevator, it makes the some of the audience’s fear come alive whether it be elevators or claustrophobia which may make it even more exciting to watch.
Even more effectively, when this shot was show, slow motion was used compared to the average speed in order to isolate this scene specifically as an important part of the film which is where everything that goes wrong beings. At this point of the trailer there is a disruption of the equilibrium by some action – slow motion opening of the elevator- and then a recognition that there has been a disruption which you can see below , and then even more to make the problem recognisable Here, flashes were used in a rule of thirds shot to not only outline the disruption but to present all of the characters emotions all at once. BUT BEFORE THIS………
Before the clear sign that the disruption has been recognised, the trailer cleverly presented a crane/birds eye shot to which it built up suspense with not only it’s quick filming all the way to the source of the problem –the elevator- but with its intense non diegetic music to present that there is more to the film than just the elevator thus making the trailer display an even bigger enigma. Using low key lighting during the entire time, kept the audience reminded that the film is darker than it intends to show and with the text on screen which imitated a process of thoughts, the readers thoughts on the film are most definitely confirmed
A low angle establishing shot is then used to present the ideas of pathetic fallacy to which at this point of the trailer, it is evident to see it is a horror film with not only the intense non diegetic music but instantly, the trailer has transformed into a low key lighting setting sub consciously letting the audience know everything has just gotten negative. Then throughout the rest of the trailer, it presents quick shots of the film which are then faded in to blank shots to which you can only hear the diegetic sounds of the characters talking of the elevator moving. The trailer is a perfect of example of how most contemporary horror movie trailers are and I am sure I will be taking inspiration from this.
Variety of Shots used throughout the trailer Extreme close up Rule of thirds medium shot Low shot High establishing shot Low wide shot Birds eye shot Close up shallow focus shot Canted angle shot Over the shoulder medium shot I will be sure to includes these shots within my shot list as they are all essential in creating a good quality horror movie trailer
Contemporary Romance
Why do people watch romantic films? The romantic genre is known to be most of the time be a positive one, typically following the narrative theory of Propp because of the stereotypical characters you would find. Audiences are known to watch romantic movies in order to find stress release as -like horror- it offers escapism. The genre also attracts couples due to the fact they are able to relate and almost share the happiness shown on the film because they know what the characters in the film are feeling. However, romantic films also attract people who may be upset or 'heartbroken', in a sense, they like to remain upset by watching someone elses happieness as it acts like a comfort for them or even inspiration. No matter what your mood is, a romantic film is there to comfort you or to make you happier. It is also something social you can either watch with your partner or your friends to bond with. It also particularly targets a female audience as they are known to express and discuss emotions more than males.
How romantic films/trailers have changed over time: Romantic films change overtime and so will their trailers. they change because of how society progresses, for example, as an older generation dies out, the younger generation will want something more contemporary because of the state of society as it changes, they will want more of a modern setting, language and even character appearance rather than something Victorian or even too modest. Not only this but because of proliferation, as a modern audience we expect trailers to be of better quality as we understand they are now capable to produce it. We would expect music from a recent well known song rather than something classical or old. So as a modern audience, we expect more from trailers as we know what they are capable of.
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Location: Romantic movies are known for following a typical trend of specific settings for their movie/trailer. They trailers are known for introducing their characters first and then the setting because they are the main focus of the film. typical settings include urban areas, beaches, schools- places which are mostly positive as well as areas you would be able to have the same situation in too so it makes it more realistic. But, settings can also set the tone of the film instantly as soon as they are shown in the trailer. If it is a beach, you know it will involve a film about young people who will be care free, funny and positive whereas if it was country side based, you'd know that it was more of a mature romantic film with perhaps older characters. So including the setting within the trailer is important as though you want an enigma, you still want the audience to prepare themselves for what they are about to watch so that they are comfortable.
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Characters: In terms of characters , Romantic movies/trailers prefer to introduce their characters as the beginning of the trailer and film as they are the main focus for that genre where as a horror trailer's focus would be to ensure that they have fear in it-not popular characters. They also follow the theory of Propp, in the sense that the woman would be seen as either the ‘princess to be won’ or even the ‘hero’ as she could save the man from falling to the ‘bad side’. All of this is presented instantly in the trailer as the narrative/characters are a vital part
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Love: Love is of course a major convention when it comes to a romantic film. It is the core of what the story line will stem from, the personality of the character, and even the setting. As it is the first thing the audience would associate a romance genre with, the trailer has to make sure that it has this as a running theme the entire way through. Having that is important as that is why the audience want to watch that film. This convention can also be interpreted differently, it is not only love between partners, but through friendships, families and even with pets. Either way the element of love between one being to another is what the audience will expect to see, even if it is not real.
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Sound: When it comes to sound within a trailer, it is a key element in terms of whether the audience feels they have connected with the film and therefore decide to watch it. Both diegetic and non diegetic are sounds as each other in terms of making the audience feel a certain way which will make them want to watch the film. Though non diegetic sound like music is important as it can change emotion, diegetic sounds like someone crying or even a powerful sentence can bring just the same effect. Romantic trailers tend to have slow, dramatic but soft flowing music depending on what stage of the trailer it is as it tends to change in order to cater to the emotion shown on screen. It is so powerful because your emotions change just as the music does especially affecting the female audience as they are more open to feeling emotions than males.
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one Mise-en-scene: For romantic trailers, props and costumes that are commonly seen involve clothing that is brightly coloured- which often reflects the personality of the character- or positive things such as a meaningful charm bracelet or precious love letters. These props and costumes reflect on the situation but mostly the personality of the character. If it is a romantic film including a 'bad boy' he may even have a gun just to go against the usual convention which either makes the trailer even more exciting or may even put some audiences off. Romantic trailers will want to show props an audience can relate to and will like as well as ensuring that they are modern enough and even 'on trend'. This makes sure the right audience is attracted and kept watching
Romance - Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: SHOTS Over the shoulder shots- to display the conversation occurring which will often be important because romantic films revolve around the characters and their situation. It also presents the relationship between the two people and how close they might be which is important in a trailer as they do not want to give too much away Two shot- this is similar as it will present how their relationship may progress throughout the film, the trailer will want to show quick shots of the main characters and how they go on throughout the film but still leave enough suspense in order for the audience's imagination to be creative on its own. Close up- these type of shots are essential within a romantic trailer purely because the emotion of the character is vital and in order for the audience to be kept engaged, they will want to see it clearly and also put themselves In their position mid shot Long shot- using this will allow a view of the entire situation was is important to see because the narrative is one of the main elements of what makes up a romantic film “soppy lovey dovey stuff” Other essential shots: Extreme long shot high angles panning shots quick shots for intensity slow shorts for drama types of editing- slow, detailed, rearrange order, past or present
Deconstruction of ‘’Remember me’ trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMBfTdm9ALk
As the trailer begins, it is seen that it does not follow the same method as a horror film would, though it begins with the approval from the Motion Picture Association of America because the film is American, it does not introduce all the institutions involved The Devil did, it straight away gets to the beginning of the trailer. Being a romantic film it traditionally begins by introducing the main characters- often only two- and tells their ‘situation’ up until they meet their potential ‘partner’. Starting with a blank screen allows all the focus on the film and nothing about the institutions as at this point they seem less important. As the camera stays still to which it ‘watches’ the train go by the setting is automatically set. It then uses a wide medium shot to introduce the first character who is a popular actor- Robert Patterson. The audience are now even more engaged than usual because they are comfortable with him and are familiar with what he does because he is commonly known for his romantic films. The trailer also effectively begins with a voice over which is a non diegetic sound of the main character talking, this is engaging as it makes the film appear as if it is his story if he is the one narrating about himself. This too is common within horror movies.
By using a medium shot to introduce the characters situation, the trailer has focused the entire film on him this way. Introducing him through a fight represents him as an aggressive character, however, through the low shot of when he punches him and then the side view shot of him being arrested, the audience can tell there is an enigma to how he really is and that perhaps he just has background issues which are proven later on within the trailer. This is seen as quite conventional for a romantic film in the case that there is a troubled young man who has often lost his way but then is brought back a woman who enters his life and makes him ‘happy again’
The shot presented is a wide, over the shoulder, shallow focus shot which highlights the contrast between rich and poor as his father wears an expensive suit and is neat where as he is the complete opposite. As well as this, showing his entire background proves how out of place he is and that he clearly doesn’t belong in that ‘world’. This also applies to the picture on the left where you can clearly see the father doesn’t fit in either. His dark colours highlight the fact he may not be a pleasant character and could come across as the stereotypical strict rich father who’s son did not become like him so he is automatically a disappointment. ‘Find where you belong’ is common in romantic films as they like to present a journey the character goes through along with meeting a woman of the way- which he does.
The trailer uses a close up shot of his face in order to display exactly what the character is feeling and how he has reacted to the situation. Within romantic films , it is usual that the ‘villain that turns good’ is often someone hard headed and stubborn which this character has presented clearly. This makes the trailer engaging for girls mostly as they like the idea of a fantasy world where everything becomes ‘good again’ – especially from the ages of 13-18. All of a sudden, after majority of the negative side of the story is shown , the trailer then introduces their institution with positive non diegetic music , giving the trailer a lighter tone and changing the low key lighting to something much more bright as well as his shown setting too. This presents another side to the character with this two person shot as he is not just a scruffy law breaker. His sensitive side is being shown as he bonds well with his sister which no only will the female audience like a lot, but so will more mature women especially women with children. It may also inspire men to take more responsibility or even be more sensitive.
By using text on screen, and then a shot of the action of what it is meant by, it makes the situation more real and relatable as well as the fact rebellion is a major theme within romantic films as it is something the couple of the individuals do together. Using a low two person shot which has a shallow focus, highlights the fact that this woman plays an important part in either the main characters life or the film. At this point she is seen to have more power than the man which stereotypically in romance films, the man normally does. A medium close up in order to present emotion as well as authority as he is the only one within the shot.
Firstly, the straight forward medium shot is known to be used in order to present the intensity of the film as well as to capture the characters emotion too. At this point of the trailer audience would feel so much involved because of the amount of action being shown and as it was also very quick, implies that a lot happens and that watching the film would 'fill in all of the blanks'. Secondly, in this part of the trailer, they have introduced the 'princess' of the film, however, in this film she is also seen as the 'hero' as she saves him from being a bad person which is a story line very common for romantic story lines. The medium side shot also presents her: appearance, class and even personality just from how she has conducted herself and the fact that she is not wealthy but 'normal' which audiences- especially women- like because they can relate or compare with them. Thirdly, the trailer presents the 'villain or someone who basically prevents happieness. It is common that is it always someone of authority or someone negative who most of the time in the end changes and becomes okay with it. the shot has used a dim lighiting to highlight the fact that he is not positve charater and that he might be a problem. The audience likes to see a problem to make the situtation more realistic as if it was a perfect story, it would become boring to them.
It is common for romantic films as well as action, thriller or drama, to introduce all the actors/actresses that will be in the film in the trailer in order to make it more appealing to watch for the audience. It will give close ups or medium shots –especially for the women as their body is just as interesting has their face- so the audience clearly knows who they are as well as what type of character they will be. The woman is seen has young, flirty and fun where as the last picture, you are able to see he will be playing a strict businessman. Presenting them like this allows the audience to know what to expect and already follow the story without even watching the film and so slightly takes away the enigma of the characters but still leaves the outcome unknown.
Romantic trailers are commonly known for presented intimate, loving or sexual scenes. this way the audience are aware of the level of appropriateness it is as well as they type of romance you will see- whether it be erotic or simply modest. A side close up shot is effective as it presents love, comfort and privacy through the use of a dim lighting that has a bright background. it displays the fact that they are alone and together, but the audience is able to put themselves in that position too because of how private it is and at the fact they are looking in on it. Presenting the name of the film at the end of the trailer seems common within all trailers as directors will want the audience to remember the name of the trailer they have just watch in order to either create the two step flow of how good it was or not and so people are more encouraged to go to the cinema to watch it if they keep hearing about it – positive or negative view- it still encourages more viewers to see it.
Why do people watch thriller films? The aim of the thriller genre is to create suspense and excitement for the audience. The main narrative of thriller revolves around the enigma of the film, thriller films are known to cause the feeling of: heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety and nerve wracking tension. ‘The genre thriller and other suspense films are virtually synonymous and interchangeable categorizations, with similar characteristics and features’.
Types of thrillers:Plots of thrillers usually involve characters which come into battle with each other or with outside forces - the threat is sometimes abstract or sinister. • Action or adventure thrillers • Sci-fi thrillers • Crime-police thrillers • Western thrillers • Film-noir thrillers • Espionage-spy thrillers • Romantic comedy thrillers • Musical thrillers
Thriller-Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Location: Thriller films are known for their busy streets and environment of usually an urban or suburban areas something which is a serious setting that is familiar and quite mature e.g. an office building or even a psychiatric hospital. These types of locations when shown in a trailer help to set the atmosphere and even help shape out the characteristics of the characters as if you are to see someone in a suit in an office building, you will know that they may be more serious than comedic.
Thriller-Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: SHOTS Characters: Thriller also takes part in displaying Propp’s character theory and it seems that within thriller trailers you can recognise that the ‘hero’ of this film will tend to be the one who is the only person who can solve the enigma and reveal the truth. You will also notice that the ‘villain’ will tend to be more violent than normal ‘villains’ because thriller likes to include a psychotic side to make it more interesting as something that isn't cast as ‘normal’ mentally will tend to engage an audience even more because it is something new and unusual to them.
Thriller-Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Suspense: Suspense is a key element for a thriller movie as it is what the audience looks for and why they have chosen to watch it. The suspense also involves a lot of tension which usually arrives when the main character(s) is placed in a difficult situation or something mysterious or an escape or even a dangerous mission where it would seem impossible to. When life is threatened or something very important to the character – which the audience may be able to relate to- that is when the audience is very much engaged because they would imagine themselves in that situation too.
Thriller-Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: sound: As the genre thriller relies heavily on the intricacy of the plot and for it to create apprehension and fear in the audience, sound is only there to help emphasis it and make the effect even more stronger whether it be non diegetic or diegetic. It uses mostly slow, intense music, not often familiar, in order to keep the focus entirely on the plot and deeper meaning. The music may even have elements of suspense, insanity and fear in order to truly set the tone on the film through the trailer.
Thriller-Their typical codes and conventions/ what you would expect while watching one: Mise en scene: Thriller trailers tend to reveal the workings of particular institutions such as the police or army or even the government and so through this you tend to see props and costumes like: guns, badges, knives, suits, uniforms, secret files etc. This gives the effect of professionalism for trailers and helps the audience to visualise themselves in that situation thus feeling even more comfortable with the movie.
