Film Trailer Analysis

Guardians of the Galaxy

As soon as this trailer starts we see an alien room and technology not seen before so we can immediately tell it is a sci-fi film. It is a marvel film which tells us there will be action but will not be light hearted and nothing to violent. From the way the man talks at the start we can tell it will be funny yet the tribal music during the action scene tells us there will be a lot of fighting, however straight after we see the 5 main characters standing about while old fashioned music plays so we can tell it will not be too violent. There is low-key lighting used to present danger and the makeup and the way the characters are dressed also reflects this.

The Vow: 

At the start of the trailer we can already tell the genre of this film is romance as we see a couple exchanging vows at a wedding ceremony, and this also gives us an initial introduction of the two main characters. Upbeat, happy music begins to play which gives us the impression that the relationship between the two characters is strong and joyful, and this is backed up with short happy scenes of the couple. The voice of the male character is used as the voice over which shows that the film will be from his perspective. Then as the film takes a sadder turn, this music stops and scenes are shown from a hospital which tells us there has been some kind of disaster, and we can tell by the voiceover and scenes that the husband is determined and persistant in getting his lover back. The genre of the film is reinforced when the actor and actress are introduced with typography cross referencing to other romance films.

Shaun of the Dead (opening sequence)

In this opening sequence we can automatically tell the genre which is comedy despite the fact its about zombies. We can see from the very first clip that it is a zombie film because every character is acting like a typical zombie would which also reflects on todays society and gives a strong message. The background music as well is slow yet up beat which reflects the light tone of the film and it is also slow, just like a zombie. When it cuts to the main scene there is low key lighting used to reflect how lazy and slummy the apartment is which is also reflected by the garbage and the fact there is a grown man playing a game rather than going to work. We also learn a bit about the characters, how irresponsible they are which is shown by the front door being left open all night, presumably left there after a drunk night out.