Woman In Black Trailer Analysis

The link to the trailer is shown below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dPYMUnJGURI

Text On ScreenThis first screen shot on the left shows the very first piece of text on screen that appears within this trailer. It appears at the very opening of the trailer at exactly 0.01. Momentum pictures is the distribution company for the Woman In Black film, and therefore, they are arguably one of the most important elements to its success. For example, Momentum Pictures are quite a well known company, who are popular for distributing horror films in particular. Therefore, the fact that this company has been shown before any of the action on screen happens, allows the audience to gain an understanding about what genre of film this trailer might be advertising for.

Furthermore, the next text on screen that appears is the production company logo. The fact that this production company logo is in a complete different colour and font text, suggests that these companies are not linked together. However, due to this trailer being for a horror film, the colour red being used to highlight the name, may be a way of symbolising and connoting danger. As well as this, the fact that it is in a bolder font, indicates that they want the audience to take note of the production company name, which also helps with the promotion of this particular production company. Not only does the colour and font make this logo stand out, but also the fact that it is just one name appearing on screen, with a barely readable small amount of text underneath it. Therefore, we assume that they want the audience to take note of the name, but at the same time to do not want to taken any attention away from what is about to happen on screen.

The very next text on screen that appears, happens to not be until 5o seconds in to the trailer. This piece of text is common in trailers as it looks as if it may be a quote from a review of the film or from what some one has said. Therefore, the audience feels more inclined to go and see the film, due to the fact that it has been given a good review by somebody else.

This trailer, would not be complete without the mention of Daniel Radcliffe. Although there are plenty of other actors and character involved, Radcliffe's name is the only one which is seen to be highlighted. This is the most important name to be mentioned, as Daniel Radcliffe is a very well known and very popular actor, having only just finished filming the Harry Potter films. Therefore, due to him being such a popular actor, the audience feels excited to go and watch a film with him in it. Films always seem to be more popular when there is mention of a well known and famous actor.

Within this Woman In Black Trailer, it seems that there is a lot of text appearing on screen. However, it all adds to the mysterious and scary effect and atmosphere that the trailer is giving on the audience. For example, the ‘FEAR HER CURSE’ screens all appear at different times and are synced with specific point in the movie. The first screen which says ‘FEAR’ appears at 1.20, ‘HER’ at 1.22 and ‘CURSE’ at 1.24. From this analysis, we can see that there is exactly 2 seconds before each of the screens appear. Therefore, this makes the audience curious to what is going to happen next of what will appear on the screen after this text is shown.

Not only is the timings important , but also the colour of the text appearing and the font. It seems a lot of trailers use quite basic font. The reason for this being, is usually as they do not want it to draw too much attention away from what is happening on screen, and also because the action on screen is so gripping and so effective on the audience, that there does not really need to be an elaborate use of font or colour.

However, although saying the colour is quite simple. For example, there is a very dark background, therefore the text needs to be in a lighter colour so that the audience are able to see what it says. Furthermore, in the next screen where the name of the film appears, the background creates a eerie and gripping effect on the reader. The soft focus of white lighting in the background, which looks like white smoke, it symbolising a haunted setting- as white light is what we would usually associate with a ghost.

This screen shot of the trailer above, is probably one of the most important, as it is informing the audience of a range of different things. For example, the fact that ‘FEBUARY 2012’ is bigger than the rest of the text on screen, suggests that this is what the production team want your eyes to be focused on mainly. This is an important piece of text, as it is allowing the audience to see when the film will be released, and this needs to be shown as otherwise there will be no one going to see the film when it is first brought out. Furthermore, the rest of the text on the screen is, just the names of the production and distribution companies, and most importantly a website address. This website address is a link between social media and the film. Therefore, by including the link, it is encouraging teenagers and young adults (the high percentage of people who will be using the internet and computers) to go and research more about the film. Therefore, this website address becomes a key marketing point for the film.

Sound

Most importantly, the idea of a woman voice being heard in a horror film/trailer is such a huge convention for this genre. Having the diegetic sound of a woman being played, is particularly scary. This is due to the fact, that you would usually associate a female voice with innocence and purity, however, when being used in this genre it makes it sound out of context and if something terrible has happened in her life which she wants revenge on.

Within most horror trailers, the typical conventions for music, usually don’t start at the very beginning. For example, as we can from the first screen shot on the left, it shows a steam train. Steam trains, in particular, seem to be quite a typical aspect to horrors. This is mainly because of the fact that they give the atmosphere of it being set in the past, with a mystery surround it. Not only does the steam train help to create an atmosphere, but it may also be foreshadowing what is about to happen in the rest of the trailer. What I mean by this, is that, the trailer starts off with the loud sound of a steam engine, and that sounds a lot like a woman screaming. This then links into the how the trailer ends with the diegetic sound and face of a woman screaming at the window. Therefore, they mirror each other. Furthermore, with regard to the actual way it has opened, it is actually pretty common for the music in trailers to start off quite calm and slow paced, and then will eventually speed up. For example, in the next clip, we are able to hear a lot of diegetic sound from the characters. Consequently, as we hear the story line develop and find that it is going to be located in an eerie setting, then the mood of the non- diegetic music suddenly changes and becomes a lot darker and fast paced. As well as this, as the trailer develops and we begin to see that there is something haunting the house and the main character, the music gets faster and faster, almost as if symbolising trying to run away from her. This then leads onto the fact that, we can then hear the diegetic sound of a woman speaking and telling the main character to go home to his son. This is played out of sync with the action that would actually be happening on screen, and they have chosen to insert it over the op of another clip, where we are able to see a threatening message about his son, from the ghost.

Camera Work

In the very opening scene of The Woman In Black trailer, we are first of all shown a close up shot of the main character. This happens to be Daniel Radcliffe, a very well known and popular actor. Therefore, by showing his face at the very beginning, it grabs the audiences attention and makes them want to find out what kind of film he is staring in.

After we are shown a close up of our main character, we are then shown an establishing shot of the main location that this film is going to be set in. By showing us this establishing shot, it gives the audience an idea about the type of genre that this trailer is advertising for, as well as creating an atmosphere and giving an uncomfortable feeling to the audience. The reason it does this, is because of the size and colourings of the house. They all represent sadness and eeriness. Furthermore, the next camera shot is a medium shot. This medium shot shows Radcliffe looking up at the big mansion that has already originally been shown. However, showing the house with him in front of it, really intensifies how big the actually house is, which consequently, makes the main character, tiny in comparison. Therefore, this shot could be used to show how inferior and small he seems to whoever is haunting the house.Later we are shown another close up, but this time, our main character is looking down at something. This camera shot allows us to see that he is unaware of the shadow standing behind him. Consequently, due to the camera being out of focus, we can not properly see who it is, standing behind him. This then creates a scary and uncomfortable effect for the audience. Not only is this close up important in making sure the audience understands what is going on, but the use of two other camera shots if also very effective. Just before the end of the trailer, there is an Arc shot. This arc shot is being used to amplify the remoteness of the setting that this film is taking place in. Finally, just before the trailer cuts out, we are given an over the shoulder shot, once more of our main character. This is important as it is able to take the audiences interest for another split second. As we have so much attention on this moment, it is no wonder that it makes us jump when we see a woman's face screaming back at us for a second. Therefore, this kind of scariness is mirroring the other things which will be happening in the film.

EditingWithin a lot of trailers, it is hard to find specific editing techniques, as usually, the editing is so good, that you are not and should not be able to notice anything. This is known as invisible editing, which is referring to how the technique being, does not draw attention to the editing process and allows the audience to have their full attention on what is happening on the screen. used For example, the trailer should be playing at a continuous pace and not have any black screens (unless it is part of the film) or any pauses.

Within the Woman In Black trailer, although mostly invisible, there are still some obvious techniques used. For example, towards the beginning of the trailer , we are shown a shot reverse shot.

This particular editing technique allows us to see who the main character is talking to, therefore, we assume that he is also an important character in the film. Furthermore, it shows the audience that meeting and speaking to this character is clearly an important aspect of the film, otherwise it would not be shown in the trailer.

The fast pace editing in this film, is probably one of the most noticeable things. In order for you to soak up all of the details that the trailer offers, you would have to watch it at least 3 times. This is due to the fact, that there are a lot of clips that are from different moments of the film, edited together. Therefore, it may also seem a little confusing to the audience at times.

From analysing the trailer, it is clear to see that there are many transitions used. The first being what is shown in the first screen shot. This may be resembling the passing off time, as we are only introduced to the main characters son towards the end. As well as this, the next screen shot is showing a photograph. This is important as it is able to link into the very next transition which is edited in next. The transition from one scene to the next is almost like a camera snap. Therefore, this may be symbolising that they want the main audience to be involved with the idea of a photograph and that it will have a key part to play in the film.

The transition editing of the title appearing in the trailer, is also a way of creating an eerie and uncomfortable effect with the audience. Within this particular screen shot, it looks as if it is appearing through smoke. Usually you associate smoke with fire and danger. Therefore, by using this in the trailer, it signifies what might happen in the film.

Mise En SceneCostume/Makeup/Hair Set DesignIt seems to me, that looking through this trailer, it is quite obvious that this film is meant to be set an a traditional time period (1916-1917). Therefore in order to make this seem realistic to the audience watching the trailer, the costumes, the make up and the hair that the actors are wearing, all need to be historically correct. Consequently, this is shown in the trailer. One of the main characters, Sam Daily (who is pictured in the first screen shot) looks to be dressed in a jacket and tie whilst on the train. Not only this, but Radcliffe himself also seems to be dressed in smart attire. Therefore, we know that this is meant to be a film set in the past, as it is a formal attire for someone to wear in our time period, only unless they are going to a business job or a special occasion. Not only is costume important, but make up is as well. The Woman in Black seems to be wearing pale makeup, this helps to emphasize the fact that she is meant to be a ghost/ spirit. Furthermore, the fact that she is wearing black, is also a deep connotation of something that suggest danger and horror.

Set design in very important in this film in particular. Once again, as it is set in the past, all of the set around the actors needs to also be historically correct. That is why we are shown certain clues in the trailer, such as a lantern being used. This then clearly suggests that there was no form of electricity. Not only this, but the fact that we are given a brief close up of a dressing table, with different bottles with all labels hand written, shows us that this was a period in time where there was no technology widely used. The crow that then lands on the table, also suggests to us that this is a horror genre, as crows are usually found in grave yards; something which is a huge convention in horror films. Finally, one other huge clue that the audience should be aware of, is the mode of transport. As we can see in the screenshot, the two main characters are in a horse and carriage. This is something again that shows the audience that cars, especially the cars we are used to in our society, were nowhere near invented when this film was set. All of these aspects help to set the mood of the film/trailer.

Whilst watching this trailer, something which was very apparent to see, was the vast amount of different spaces used. Most of the spaces we can see in the screenshot, all show a large set being used. This space helps to create an eerie and spooky setting for the film, as it gives the audience the idea of being secluded and away from the rest of society. Again, something which is a huge convention of horror films. Within this trailer, there are two points where it shows the small island, set on a marsh that this film is set in. Therefore, it wants the audience to really pay attention to it as it will be a key element in the film. Furthermore, something else which is also apparent within the film, is the fact that our main character is shown up against these large areas. This consequently, makes the main character seem miniscule in comparison, which makes him look inferior and as if he will not be able to defeat the spirit haunting him. This can be seen both when he is standing outside the house, as well as when the camera is at a low slanted angle, looking down the grand staircase and towards the door.

Lighting In this trailer is one of the most important things. Not only does it help to set the atmosphere, but it also helps to show the audience when the scary parts happen in the film. For example, there is actually a contrast of lighting at the beginning of the film, which Is possibly one of the only high key lighting areas of the film. This lighting is to show us that throughout the film, the scare level, gets progressively worse. The lighting also seems to be mainly white. This of course emphasises the fact that this is a ghost story that we are about to be watching. Not only does white suggest a ghostly presence, but it also suggests innocence and purity. This perhaps makes it seem scarier for the audience, as it is the complete opposite to what is happening in the film; baring in mind that it is all about death and being haunted. Finally, the dark shadows we can see in the main location (the big house), also seem to create an uncomfortable setting, as we are never quite sure what will be lurking in the dark, or what is around the next corner. Consequently, all of these effects, make for a successful horror trailer.