I've decided to explore rom-com film trailers to help me understand how they're layed out; this includes trends that occur within this genre and any aspects of the trailer that I liked.
The story behind the trailer closely resembles my own story as it's being based in a school environment and how the character finds her way to be recognized. I also like the way we see the character developing from the beginning to the end of the trailer; from someone not noticed to noticed. I hope for my character to go though a similar development in which she finds her role and purpose.
Camera:
The beginning of the trailer I really like; it provides the viewer an incite into the character and how she's feeling in a secretive way (by using a hand-held shot). We are kept to her level (using a medium close-up) as if the audience is a friend of her's.
A mid shot shows Olive fall over after being bumped into by a student. This is highlighted as the camera pans down when she falls; as if she's been brought low by everyone- no help or support.
During the party scene, a high angel shot looks down on the crowd of teenagers as they listen in on what's going on behind the door. This makes them appear lost, uncertain and equal as they are all interested in the same event. This also makes the audience feel more knowing as they are aware of what's going on behind the door.
Editing:
The beginning of the trailer uses straight-cuts at a similar pace to the beat of the music. This not only brings a connection to the music with the environment of the clips, but takes the audiences attention.
During the trailer, we cut back to Olive in her bedroom as she's telling us her story. This provides a consistency to the trailer as well as a connection with the audience since we reflect with her on her experiences.
As the trailer goes on, we're introduced to all the different men she meets or gets involved with. The length of time we're introduced to these other men are brief, unlike her friend at the beginning of the trailer. This shows that these men had little influence on her life compared to her friend who brought about her new reputation.
Mise en Scene:
The first scene displays a young, pretty girl in her bedroom; straight away this reflects on youth and the type of audience this story is aimed towards. The girl (Olive) is a red hair type in which could symbolize love, danger or a striking appearance. Then again she doesn't wear heavy make up, therefore her natural beauty is emphasized which gives her a 'down to earth' and humbling impression.
Olive's appearance changes so to demonstrate how she has changed. This is emphasized when we learn about the red 'A' which is meant to symbolize adulterer. She takes on this image through wearing tight black clothing, sun glasses and wearing the red 'A'. This emphasizes her bad attitude and sexual attraction.
Sound:
The introduction music begins with a cute, innocent little tune which reflects on how the main character doesn't portray a loud, popular or 'show off' type of personality. It also gives a likeability to the trailer in which draws the audiences attention.
When the party scene begins, the music then becomes more up beat and with attitude; again, this shows Olives personality but, on this occasion, how it has changed. This then progresses through out the rest of the trailer.
The setting and story is very different to my intended story, however the traditional romance shows through this trailer which I find inspirational. Little things like riding as a pair on a bike and the funny ways to draw someone to fall in love with you (holding onto the Ferris wheel). Also, the idea of someone or something preventing the pair to stay together is something I wish to include in my story.
Camera:
Various romantic, happy scenes are introduced which brings about a gleeful beginning to the trailer. Crane shots over look the couple riding across the river in a gorgeous, calm romantic setting. This resembles it's genre straight away as a traditional, typical love film.
Near the end of the trailer, medium close up shots display the casting of this film. I might not consider this in my trailer, but this was something often used in romantic comedy trailers.
Editing:
The trailer begins with 'fades in' and 'fades out' and the length is shortened with each clip. This gives the impression of the past or a memory; that only key moment where remembered, not everything.
Through out the clip, the scene with the older man and woman often returns as they're telling this story. This provides consistency as we're reminded of how this man and woman met and grew to love one another.
The dinner party scene some what cuts the story in half; first it began with just the man and woman but from this point, Noah is then introduced into a high class environment. A cross-cut is used when Noah say's that he earns "40 seance an hour" to the woman eating, then looking up. Clearly this got her attention, but not in a good way; this is when we sense a hurdle in their relationship.
During the rest of the trailer, headings and text is used to highlight important information and give credit to the making of the film.
Mise en scene:
The carnival scene really emphasizes the man and woman's class and status. The woman; wearing red and sitting on a high Ferris wheel. And the man; wearing comfortable work clothing and standing on the ground, looking up at the woman.
The man is obviously lower class and the woman appears wealthy with high status. But this image changes when the man climbs the Ferris wheel to her; they then become at the same level. This could symbolize the man's ambition to be with this woman; so that he may work his way up to being at the same level as her.
Sound:
The trailer begins with peaceful, happy piano music which reflects on the positive memories of the characters.
Narration is used at the beginning, but what I like is one of the characters is introduce the tale to us; this makes the story seem comfortable and that it's known well.
During the end of the trailer, another narrator highlights important information and key moments during the trailer.
No comments:
Post a Comment