When the world reaches its harsh end, only few live to see
it. This Cormac McCarthy adaptation centres around a man and his son, now a
motherless child. Bringing him up alone in this post apocalyptic world is the
real challenge; with danger around every corner, they must make it to the
coast. Here is the trailer:
Dialogue is used throughout to explain the narrative to the audience 'I will kill anyone who touches you because that's my job' which suggests there are human threats now in this apocalyptic world. Sometimes the dialogue becomes more like a VO because its laid over the next shot, which is good because it joins them to create match on action-a smoother flow in the pace makes the trailer more pleasant to watch as there is less distractions in the editing.
As the plot develops, copy is used regularly to explain how life works now, through key words such as 'wake', 'search', 'move' and 'hide'. After each copy comes a few shots that relate to it and link to the explanation of the plot. For instance, in 'move' is a close up of a map paired with dialogue 'we gotta keep moving, head south'. The copy 'hide' is key to the plot, we learn this because it is more emphasised by lingering on it for longer while the sound of the next scene mergers over it. This part introduces the antagonists and creates fear in the viewer, maintaining their attention.
As the plot continues, the sound includes a piano which is conventionally used to create a minor dramatic effect. This is used over the shot of lots of baby skulls in a pile and on sticks, having deep symbolism of death- that a new world will not be born, there is no hope. The edited effect used over this flashes for a second and matches the quick thumps which helps build the tension and convey narrative.
The antagonists are cleverly portrayed as they are to the viewer. They come into the plot at night fall because darkness has strong connotations of fear, having a subtle effect on the viewers perception and feelings, keeping them intrigued. The pan used can show that the enemies are all around them- the protagonists. The antagonists are introduced in a woodland location holding flame torches which reflects their dangerous and atavistic nature as a way of surviving in the post world. This idea is reiterated by the sound within this scene- the sound of wolves howling strengthens the negative portrayal for the antagonists because wolves are vicious and savage. This sound is also very fitting to the crowd pan shot because wolves travel in packs to survive, and their howl signals that they have found prey and need backup- just like in this scene they are all searching for the man and boy who are hiding from danger. This is significant because the audience will identify the 'bad guys' and understand how the plot will lay out.
The music ensures tension is built up fast right after this, when the antagonist exchanges dialogue with the man 'that boy looks hungry, why don't y'all come on the truck' 'look at him again and I will shoot you in the head' 'I don' think you've killed a man in your life' which quite strongly highlights the dangers of people and lack of trust in this post world. He jumps to grab the boy and the father shoots him, it functions as a pre climax because of the rising sound and thump. Then comes the copy which explains that its based of a novel, which can be a USP to some, as it is worth mentioning in the trailer.
after a brief pause the pace increases, which is reflected by the quick beats of the music that matches the cuts of each faded shot creates an edgy atmosphere. The shots capture the people wearing balaclavas and dull scruffy clothing, the hidden identity and mise en scene clearly represents and identifies these unknown character as antagonists because to the viewers, their clothing is associated with unpleasant criminals. This is clarified with the protagonists dialogue 'they are gonna catch us' 'they will kill us' so now the audience understand that plot is about escaping them as well as surviving in the post world- life and death are too prominent themes within this. The thumping music continues for four beats, matching the quick close up shots of the fathers face with a serious expression and a weapon, showing how he is ready to protect his family. A shot of the fathers face with a match in front of his face is effective because it has direct address, which emotionally includes the viewer further; while the flame symbolises the lack of light in his life. It could futher symbolise the desperate and primitive nature of their life. Or it can represent how there is hope for them because a flame connotes gods presence and guidance.
After the blank pause, a voice over is used to re enter the trailer 'everything depends on reaching the coast' which tells the viewer their ultimate aim, highlighting the question at the end 'do they reach the coast?' 'do they survive?' encouraging the audience to find out. In between these snippets of dialogue are more parts from the story showing their 'epic journey' like the previous copy stated', theres a range of different locations used to mirror this, from climbing a hill, to an extreme long shot of them crossing a piece of land at night- interestingly with fire around them which might gain more of the viewers interest.
The climax starts to weave it's way in near this point. The wife is doubting their survival 'like what? like what?' referring to how they will live through this. This is answered with the close up of a gun being loaded, then a loud voice over comes in 'I will kill anyone who touches you because that's my job' which reiterates how they will survive and the disruptions they face because of all the threats out there- antagonists. The threatening tone in the fathers voice creates a small step up ready for the climax.
The intense music kicks in at this point to signify the climatic part of the trailer, the audience will instantly pay more attention. The copies reflect this part of the trailer too by having a more dramatic entrance and font style 'this fall' is placed here so the audience know when it comes out. The are copies such as 'run' 'protect' 'sacrifice' and 'kill' with shots of relevant happenings right after, like the run copy has them being chased by the enemies across a field. This highlights how action packed the film is which always gain the audiences attentions because its more exciting- especially the stereotypical male audience because they are known to like films of this genre more than a chick-flick for example. These copies are different from the last set because they explain what is needed to overcome the antagonists. Again the editing matches the music to create the intense pace for the ending. During this part the boy asks his father 'are we gonna die?' which will gain the sympathy of the audience because it shows the emotional effects on the characters- its more effective when two contrasting things come together like a young boy and death.
The music settles for a second as the father says 'we are gonna survive this' to emphasise the importance of that line because its what the plot is all about. The music comes right back in for more montage imagery shots of brutality and violence shown through an explosion, and holding weapons like they are about to use them. For a final climatic end the music ends very loudly and abruptly, as the film title emerges from the darkness, accompanied with a quiet metallic sound to match the movement of the title- the audience may remember it more. After this is the conventional main institution details.
I am inspired to use:
As the plot continues, the sound includes a piano which is conventionally used to create a minor dramatic effect. This is used over the shot of lots of baby skulls in a pile and on sticks, having deep symbolism of death- that a new world will not be born, there is no hope. The edited effect used over this flashes for a second and matches the quick thumps which helps build the tension and convey narrative.
The antagonists are cleverly portrayed as they are to the viewer. They come into the plot at night fall because darkness has strong connotations of fear, having a subtle effect on the viewers perception and feelings, keeping them intrigued. The pan used can show that the enemies are all around them- the protagonists. The antagonists are introduced in a woodland location holding flame torches which reflects their dangerous and atavistic nature as a way of surviving in the post world. This idea is reiterated by the sound within this scene- the sound of wolves howling strengthens the negative portrayal for the antagonists because wolves are vicious and savage. This sound is also very fitting to the crowd pan shot because wolves travel in packs to survive, and their howl signals that they have found prey and need backup- just like in this scene they are all searching for the man and boy who are hiding from danger. This is significant because the audience will identify the 'bad guys' and understand how the plot will lay out.
The music ensures tension is built up fast right after this, when the antagonist exchanges dialogue with the man 'that boy looks hungry, why don't y'all come on the truck' 'look at him again and I will shoot you in the head' 'I don' think you've killed a man in your life' which quite strongly highlights the dangers of people and lack of trust in this post world. He jumps to grab the boy and the father shoots him, it functions as a pre climax because of the rising sound and thump. Then comes the copy which explains that its based of a novel, which can be a USP to some, as it is worth mentioning in the trailer.
after a brief pause the pace increases, which is reflected by the quick beats of the music that matches the cuts of each faded shot creates an edgy atmosphere. The shots capture the people wearing balaclavas and dull scruffy clothing, the hidden identity and mise en scene clearly represents and identifies these unknown character as antagonists because to the viewers, their clothing is associated with unpleasant criminals. This is clarified with the protagonists dialogue 'they are gonna catch us' 'they will kill us' so now the audience understand that plot is about escaping them as well as surviving in the post world- life and death are too prominent themes within this. The thumping music continues for four beats, matching the quick close up shots of the fathers face with a serious expression and a weapon, showing how he is ready to protect his family. A shot of the fathers face with a match in front of his face is effective because it has direct address, which emotionally includes the viewer further; while the flame symbolises the lack of light in his life. It could futher symbolise the desperate and primitive nature of their life. Or it can represent how there is hope for them because a flame connotes gods presence and guidance.
After the blank pause, a voice over is used to re enter the trailer 'everything depends on reaching the coast' which tells the viewer their ultimate aim, highlighting the question at the end 'do they reach the coast?' 'do they survive?' encouraging the audience to find out. In between these snippets of dialogue are more parts from the story showing their 'epic journey' like the previous copy stated', theres a range of different locations used to mirror this, from climbing a hill, to an extreme long shot of them crossing a piece of land at night- interestingly with fire around them which might gain more of the viewers interest.
The climax starts to weave it's way in near this point. The wife is doubting their survival 'like what? like what?' referring to how they will live through this. This is answered with the close up of a gun being loaded, then a loud voice over comes in 'I will kill anyone who touches you because that's my job' which reiterates how they will survive and the disruptions they face because of all the threats out there- antagonists. The threatening tone in the fathers voice creates a small step up ready for the climax.
The intense music kicks in at this point to signify the climatic part of the trailer, the audience will instantly pay more attention. The copies reflect this part of the trailer too by having a more dramatic entrance and font style 'this fall' is placed here so the audience know when it comes out. The are copies such as 'run' 'protect' 'sacrifice' and 'kill' with shots of relevant happenings right after, like the run copy has them being chased by the enemies across a field. This highlights how action packed the film is which always gain the audiences attentions because its more exciting- especially the stereotypical male audience because they are known to like films of this genre more than a chick-flick for example. These copies are different from the last set because they explain what is needed to overcome the antagonists. Again the editing matches the music to create the intense pace for the ending. During this part the boy asks his father 'are we gonna die?' which will gain the sympathy of the audience because it shows the emotional effects on the characters- its more effective when two contrasting things come together like a young boy and death.
The music settles for a second as the father says 'we are gonna survive this' to emphasise the importance of that line because its what the plot is all about. The music comes right back in for more montage imagery shots of brutality and violence shown through an explosion, and holding weapons like they are about to use them. For a final climatic end the music ends very loudly and abruptly, as the film title emerges from the darkness, accompanied with a quiet metallic sound to match the movement of the title- the audience may remember it more. After this is the conventional main institution details.
I am inspired to use:
- An apocalyptic event (genre)
- Explain the context of the story (the past)
- colour/flash edits on frames for more effect
- Dialogue over blank frames so its more important/focused on
- Dialogue overlapping frames
- Close up shots of the characters emotionally expressive faces
- Symbolically introduce antagonists
- Use young child character for sympathy
- Group rivalry and death
- Chase scenes to show fear
- Destructive weapons to show violence
- Introduce locations that reflect the current world-paired with music
- Use fire and torches as sources of light in the darkness for representations
- Doubtful character asking questions to prompt the viewers thoughts
- Shots that visually suggest the plot- helps pace and atmosphere
- Balaclavas for antagonists in some scenes
- Talking about survival
- Montage imagery from the plot to build upto the climax
- Use plenty of copy to explain the story and key themes in the plot
- Copy should reflect the music/certain parts of the trailers structure
- Film title emerges from the darkness
- 'From the best selling novel' as USP
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