Media essay: trailer analysis, ‘The Purge’

Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey star in the 2103 thriller, 'The Purge' as husband and wife whom struggle with their two children to survive the night while trying not to turn into monsters like the people after them. The film is based on American ravaged by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government sanctions an annual 12-hour period with all criminal activity (including murder) is legal. The family of James and Mary face the ultimate test of normality and sanity when a intruder drags the crime of the purge to their house.

All Thrillers show the same conventions which makes the genre distinguishable. I will be analyzing a number of trailers and opening sequences from the same genre; at the end i will be able to make a conclusion of the conventions used to make an effective thriller. For this analyse i will be looking at the trailer for, “The Purge” i watched the trailer a few times; each time looking at a different convention which was used throughout. 

First time watching the trailer; i looked at the different lighting used. During the beginning of the trailer, there is a large amount of natural high key lighting. This saturated lighting, represents the pure and happiness in the atmosphere which will be transferred to the audience. Towards the end, the lighting takes a sudden switch to low key lighting. Looking at the trailer in portion size, the ratio of which low key lighting used is higher than the use of saturated lighting. This signifies the genre of the movie as edgy and weary, which means it could be one of the three following; horror or thriller. This lighting can symbolise Tordorov’s theory where the high key natural lighting is signified as equilibrium and the low key connoted as disequilibrium. As an conclusion; this shows the trailer has a larger disequilibrium stage than equilibrium. There can be confusion between the two genres of horror and thriller; using lighting you can tell the two apart. For example, Low key lighting is used to highlight key features or darken makeup to scare the audience. Whereas low key lighting in thriller, is used to emphasis the realism in the narrative signified in an mysterious manor, where low key artificial lighting is used to build tension, for the peek of the film. 

Next, editing techniques. Again way the trailer has been edited it symbolises Tordorov’s theory. In the beginning (in equilibrium) slow obvious cuts are made between scenes this signifies the calm and relaxed breathing like pattern of the equilibrium and it’s calmness. This soon changes and flashing editing and montage of shots takes place when in the disequilibrium stage, where the cuts between shots take a sense of rhythm signifying a rush and panicked heartbeat, creating tension. Another editing technique used is subliminal cut; where the cuts between the scenes in the trailer are so fast, the cuts are almost hidden, this fast pace editing process, draws the audience in closer understand the movement of the trailer. 

Thirdly, a variety of sound was used as an convention of thriller, one of these conventions was non-diegetic soundtrack; this was used very quietly and only shortly behind diegetic soundtrack this signifies that the scenes (where the non-diegetic soundtrack was used) is when something shocking or slightly terrifying is about to happen; also the idea that the non-diegetic soundtrack was softer and muted behind the diegetic signifies its difference from horror as a thriller, as it connotes the realism of the narrative, and questions the audience. However in comparison horrors, over use the power of non-diegetic soundtrack to put the audience on edge and scream them consistently throughout the production. 

Another soundtrack used is parallel and syronchronous. Parallel is used producers want the image/ scene to match what we (as an audience) are seeing. This was used effectively, in, ‘The Purge’ trailer when, the protagonist are seeking around the house in the pitch blackness, this signifies the importance of the scene or the quest of which the protagonist is on, allowing the audience to have a worried or negative emotion towards and for the protagonist. Syronchronous, is used in the same scene; as the soundtrack we hear is in perfect timing with the image. This signifies a calm atmosphere to the audience as it is in time, meaning the timing of the protagonist is correct and they are in a, ‘safe zone’ however, the tension building and increasing in the pitch and beat of the  soundtrack connotes that something will happen, this mysterious element of mixed messages given to the audience, causes questioning and tension, which is what an thriller’s aim consists of. 

The last convention; analysed is mise-en-scene. The idea of a thriller is to bring tension and enigma to the audience, this is done perfectly through the setting or location of the movie. From the trailer the location only shown is an house; this creates confusion in the audience, as an house or home is signified as an safe paradise for those whom live there. Therefore for there to be so much horror and tension built up it intrigues the audience to watch the movie and come to a conclusion from this enigma.  

The props and costumes used are very basic adding to the sense of the realism in the narrative, being worry and tension to the audience, that that narrative of the movie is likely to happen in the real world.

Media Analysis; Trailer, 'Shutter Island'

'Shutter Island' is a 2010 psychological thriller starring Leonardo Dicaprio as Marshal Teddy Daniels who goes to a case in Ashecliffe hospital- a fortress-like asylum located on a remote windswept island after an impossible escape of a woman. As the investigation progresses Marshal realises the subliminal hints or terrible deeds happening behind the close doors of the asylum- he'll have to confront his own fears to make it off the island alive. 

A thriller is normally composed of a fight shared between the protagonist and antagonist, after disruption of equilibrium also known as disequilibrium. The narrative then shows a chain of bad events, creating a build up of tension and suspense for the peak of the film. The aim of the battle between the two characters, is for the protagonist to restore justice, whereas the antagonist tries to dismantle it. This narrative is clearly shown in the trailer, ‘Shutter island’ therefore using this information, we can already signify the movie belongs under the Thriller genre. We can also connate that it is a psychological thriller from the conventions which are represented in the trailer. 

Editing: 

Jump cut editing; is a technique used throughout the trailer; more so towards the end. This shows a clear division between equilibrium and disequilibrium, letting the audience know through visuals that something bad is about to happen. The affect this creates on the audience is that they are unable to take their eyes of the screen from all the tension building up higher and higher. This is a variable convention of thriller, as it grabs the attention of the audience pulling them in further to the emotions of the protagonists or main characters; creating a intellectual bond between the two. 

A montage of shots take up a large amount of the trailer; this was used to juxtapose in a fast pace nature that compresses time and conveys a lot of information in a short time period. In an thriller context such as, ‘Shutter Island’ this is done to imitate the heart beat of the protagonist and audience; fasting towards the end, when disequilibrium has taken place. This as a whole affects the audience by building tension, and making them nervous for the narrative and protagonist as they would have built up an psychological relationship with them. 

Sounds:

A non-diegetic soundtrack is playing for the duration of the trailer; it is a very deep but muted and faint sound with the odd harsh loud beat represented every so often. This signified the dark narrative, with the quietness of the tone as if causing the audience to lean in closer; engaging more. This has relations to thriller, as the odd harsh beat or occasional scream is synchronous and parallel to the shots making the atmosphere very ‘jumpy’ and makes the shots more dramatic for the audience.

lighting 

The genre can also be signified through the lighting techniques used. For example; Shutter Island uses de-saturated low key lighting for the entire production; this signifies it as an dark dramatic movie this is because the dull pale lighting creates the vibe that happiness and joy (which can be connoted as light) has been sucked out. At a Signified level, desaturated lighting is also used in equilibrium, to foreshadow bad events which may happen later in disequilibrium and to shatter elements that might suggest the trailer could take a comedic style. 

After interference to the equilibrium, in the trailer we can signify low key lighting. This connotes all the tension and suspense built up is ready to bulge out for the climax. Low key lighting creates a very disastrous and negative atmospheric mood, which will make the audiences emotions sync with the atmosphere or characters. This shows the genre thriller rather than horror because horror uses very harsh low key lighting, to highlight props and costumes within the mise-en-scene to create fright in the audience, whereas thriller takes a more natural approach of darkness, to emphasis the realism in the narrative and cinematography.  

Shadows created by lighting can cause a variety of emotions, this trailer uses the power of shadows to create illusions and highlight features for a more dark spooky effect. Highlighted features on characters are seen in the equilibrium of the trailer to give their role and star persona to the audience; almost foreshadowing the type of person they will be revealed as in the film. Illusions from light and shadow are used around the same time, to get the audiences minds engaging; even putting them on edge as the narrative builds tension. 

mise-en-scene: 

The iconography of the actor Leonardo DiCaprio (the protagonist) is signified as a very romantic gentleman from his famous role in, ‘Titanic’. Therefore for him to be placed in a film production which is very dark it is seen as binary opposites. This has been used to create interest in the film; as people whom enjoy watching Leonardo but not thriller, will rise to the occasion. Binary opposites are also seen in the costume of the characters, where the antagonist are seen in all white. White is a colour of virginity and connoted as pure and gentle, however this doesn't fit with the antagonist whom want to cause destruction and tragicness; this unusual comparison leaves the audience nervous, causing even more build of suspense towards to thriller genre. 

The Preliminary Task

The Preliminary Task 

Instructions: 

Our task was sent, and we were given instructions which directed us that we had to include the following elements: 

-  The 180 rule

- Reverse shot 

- match on action 

We were also instructed to film and edit a short piece, of a person walking down a hallway, opening a door, then sitting down opposite another person exchanging a short dialogue. 

Roles: 

Josh : Camerawork

Jessica (me): Camerawork & Editor 

Sophie : 1st Character 

Conor: 2nd Character 

Script: 

(Match on action- of three shots- of the 2nd character walking down the hallway with his back to the camera, shot to his shoes and then back to the character walking towards the camera. Then pan to watch him open the door. With a reverse shot of the same action, but from within the room. He then sits opposite the 1st Character. The dialogue begins using the reverse shot and 180 rule.) 

1st Character: Did you do it? 

2nd Character: Of course. 

1st Character: Did anyone see? 

2nd Character: Your forgetting this is my job. 

1st Character: Where's the body? 

2nd Character: The less you know the better. 

1st Character: (revealing a blue envelope from the desk and handing it over) Thank you. 

(The 2nd Character then takes the envelope and walks out the room, the camerawork panning as they walk down the hallways, the screen fades to black) 

Continuity Editing

What is the 180 degrees rule?

In cinematography, the 180 degrees rule, is set as a recommendation for how an object is spaced in relation to an reference object; this is known as spatial relations. The rule consists of a imaginary axis line; drawn from one object to the other. The rule explains about keeping the camera shots on the one side of the axis, and can only move to the other side, if the movement is shown in the editing. An film example of a 180 degrees rule used in a scene would be, 'The Dark Knight-Agent of Chaos' in this link it shows the scene in which Harvey Dent and The Joker are having an conversation; the camerawork uses a variety of different angles, however keeping in the 180 degree rule and not crossing the axis line.

Above is a diagram of 180 degrees rule.

What is, 'match on action'?

Match on action otherwise called cutting on action, is where (within editing process) the shots are cut from one scene to another view that has relation to the actions within the first scene. This gives an sense of continuous effect to the final cut, even if they were filmed days apart. This video editing technique of action carrying on naturally creates a visual bridge; getting the same action from different perspectives or angles, this draws the audiences attention away from issues of sharp cutting between shots. Unlike match cut or graphic match-which show separate shots- match on action creates a natural sense of movement between scenes. 'Iron Man-Handles Like A Dream', is a scene which represents the match on action technique perfectly of Iron Man flying around in his suit in different angles and perspectives.

Above is a diagram of Match on action. 

What is, 'Reverse shot'?

Reverse shot, is a type of shot used when two subjects/objects are facing opposite each other. This camera technique is highly used in conversations, or even an exchange of looks between an person and an object, this signified the importance of the object has in relation to the character. Reverse shot ties in with a previous technique; 180 degree rule. This has great importance as changing sides of the axis will cause the eye levels to be off, taking the realism out of the scene. At 0:00-0:20 and again at 0:50-1:34 the scene uses reverse shot within a conversation between the two subjects, this is from the movie Jurassic World-Alive.

Above is a diagram of reverse shot.