Cabin in the Woods trailer

analysis

The trailer begins with an establishing shot, showing the characters suburban location. This sets up the storyline and is a typical convention of horror films. The film producers create a happy atmosphere through the establishing location and the music. The camera then pans around the side of the campervan, making it seem as though something or someone is spying on them, instantly adding elements of horror. High key lighting is used and the music is upbeat and happy as it’s introducing the main characters and makes the audience feel as nothing is wrong. As the ‘LIONSGATE’ title appears a deep booming noise is used, parallel to the change of mood, which is quite dark.

The close up shot of the character’s hand turning the key is quite significant as it attracts the audiences attention and it also states the beginning of their adventure. The shot acts as a link to the high angle shot of the campervan leaving their town.

A Low angle extreme long shot is then used to show the characters journey and the fact that they are entering an isolated location. The use of the canted angle makes it seem as though ‘ everything is not ok with the world’ It then cuts to a high angle shot of the campervan, the shot also shows a different location to the previous shots adding variety to locations in the trailer.

O The close up of the female character when she is talking acts as an introduction for her, establishing her character within the movie. The mise en scene in this shot show that they are in the campervan, in quite a relaxed setting.

O The use of the aerial shot adds variety to the shots used in the trailer and it highlights how isolated they’re environment is. Isolated environments are common characteristics of horror movies as it means that its harder for the characters to escape from the villian.

As the characters arrive, the camera pans and follows the campervan and then cuts to the shot of the yard. This, therefore establishes their new location. The way the camera is positioned in the second shot, showing the run down yard adds elements of horror as it seems abandoned like no one has looked after it for years, thus creating suspicion and fear of the unknown for the audience. As the characters enter this run-down area, rumbling non diegetic noises are used in the background, which creates the feeling that something bad is going to happen. The use of high pitch and low booming non diegetic noises creates suspense and tension. High key lighting is used throughout the opening scenes as the characters are in a natural environment.

A sound bridge is used and the camera then pans round to reveal a run down cabin and, as a shot is filmed within the cabin it makes it seem as though something or someone is watching the characters, adding a sense of spookiness to the trailer.

A close up shot Is used to establish who the old man is, the camera then pans round to reveal the other characters. A mid and close up shot is used to show the emotion on the character’s faces and their reaction to the old ‘creepy’ looking man. The close proxemics of the characters reveal that they are wary of the old man.

As the titles appear: ‘You think you know the story’ and ‘you think you know the place’ Foley music is played which sounds like a clock or a countdown, as if to say their time is coming to an end. The white font used stands out against the dark background, making it easy to read and also this colour can connote death and ghosts, emphasizing the fact the film could be based around these aspects.Before the first titles appear a light flashes and the words appear on the screen, a wipe transition is used here this is effective because it draws the viewer’s attention and it also heightens the action.The first titles-46 secs- you think you know the story’. ’ 55 secs -you think you know the place’. The words used are intriguing the audience and as its directly addressing them it makes them feel involved in the storyline without even seeing the film. But also as they are not far apart in timing they are captivating the audience and keeping them interested.

The use of the long shot establishes the characters location, that being a forest, which is a typical convention of horror films, as they are isolated and generally spooky. A low angle is then used to show the characters cabin, by using this very low angle it makes the shot seem eerie, again it makes it seem as though something or someone is watching and waiting.

The over the shoulder shot is significant because, as an audience we begin to grasp an understanding of the storyline . A close up shot is then used of the male character which shows his facial expression and reaction to this strange mirror. When the characters enter their cabin, the lighting changes to low key lighting, which complements the mood of the sequence.

It then jump cuts to a mid shot of the female character. The mirror seems blurry and mysterious , which could coincide with the genre of the film. Again the sense of suspicion is created within the audience.

O The use of this high angle, wide shot reveals an important aspect of the film, that being the control zone that the characters are in, stopping them from escaping. The non- diegetic sound of the rapid heartbeat as the bird is flying over, portrays the image of a human being which could possibly mean that one of the character’s or more than one of them is going to be in danger later on in the film. This is a stereotypical sound for horror trailers as it used in many horror trailers to add effect and ambience. This is then complemented by sharp , tension building sound which ends with a boom as the bird flies through the wall. This entices the audience and the loud booming sound will spook them, thus creating fear within them.

O The 4th title at 1.03s ‘think again’ which is in capitals makes the audience wonder how this film is going to differ from other horror films they have seen. It makes it exciting as they know that this film isn’t going to be like others they know of or have seen. It is also addressing the viewer, as it is putting images in their head.

In this wide shot a flash effect is added to complement the technology being used. The wide shot is used so that the audience can fully see the new location.

O A montage of shots is playing and the camera pans round to reveal the characters enjoying themselves, as the characters are happy and enjoying themselves it is creating a happy atmosphere and building tension as we know something bad is about to happen. This is an example of an omniscient narrative, as the audience know more than the characters. Parallel sounds are playing which complement the happy atmosphere.

O This close up shot of a character’s hand is significant as it draws the audience in and emphasizes the importance of the leaver being pulled, as if it was to change everything for the other characters.

O This low angle shot tracking the characters feet shows the forest location, again a typical horror setting. The use of the low angle shot again makes it seem as though something is still ready to attack, making it enigmatic for the audience.

O This high angle shot is used in the trailer to reveal the antagonist to the audience and to the characters. The fast paced music stops in this shot to scare the audience and make them realise that this is the antagonist. Silences in horror trailers are common conventions because they keep the audience in suspense.

O It then jump cuts to this wide angle shot, which exposes the action taking place. Low key lighting in this shot shows how dark the mood has become and how the characters are in danger.

O The wide angle shot shows how close the characters are, as if they are backing away from something evil and protecting one another. Their proxemics show that they are ready to help one another, if they are attacked.

O This close up shot is significant as it is a focal point for the characters, as they are drawn to something coming out of the vent, this therefore attracts the audience in as well.

O This shallow focus close up shot enhances the action in the trailer and allows the audience to see the extent of the characters injuries. The blurred effect used adds a sense of disequilibrium to the shot.

O The wide angle mid shot allows the audience to see the antagonist . Just before this shot, a silence is used to emphasise the fact that something scary is going to happen which will frighten both the characters and the audience.

O A narrative of the characters talking about how they’re going to escape is used over this shot as well as fast paced music. By using fast paced music they are building tension and keeping the audience fascinated.

O This high angle shot is showing the character’s vulnerability within the situation.A high angle shot is typically used to show dominance of another character.

O This low angle shot shows the characters watching the explosion.

O This point of view shot makes the trailer seem scary for the audience, as its first hand experience .The jerky movement of the camera makes it hard to follow what is happening, but it does keep the audience in suspense, as this shot is in the middle of the climatic shots.

O This low angle shot gives the audience a chance to see the antagonist who is tormenting the characters. As the spotlight is the only lighting in this shot it makes it difficult for the audience to see the antagonist’s identity, thus prolonging the sense of suspicion in the trailer.

This low angle close up shot of the weapon signifies that this is going to be used on one of the characters and it acts as a link to the next shot, which is an aerial shot showing the female character getting attacked.

A series of close up shots of the female characters are used throughout the action shots. Close ups are commonly used when the action intensifies in a trailer because they allow the audience to see the characters raw emotions.

O This very low angle makes the shot seem frightening for the audience as they can clearly see the characters face and how powerless she is.

The low key lighting and the use of black space in this wide angle two shot is used to provoke fear for the audience. As masks have been used, which we have not seen before in the trailer we instantly know that these characters are the antagonists. The masks create a sense of the unknown, as they hide the person’s identity, therefore making it even scarier for the audience and the characters because they cannot see their faces.

O This high angle shot shows a character being dragged down into a lift, which gives us an idea that the characters are going to be killed inhumanely.

O This is the last shot we see and as it’s a close up of a the female character screaming it is quite disturbing for the viewers. Thus enticing them into wanting to see the film.

O The trailer also includes the name of the producer ‘Joss Whedon’ and when the film is going to be released to the public. Drew Goddard’s name also appears, he is also the writer of Cloverfield, by stating that Drew is the writer of Cloverfield they are inter-textually referencing another well-known film and are attracting a fan base that already exists and who may consider watching this film.

O Some of the titles appear through a wipe transition and the screen flashes a little as the first word comes up, this helps to draw attention to the text. However, not all of the text appears at once, which makes it more effective. The purpose of the titles is to make the audience feel as though the trailer is speaking directly to them, therefore making them feel involved in the film. All of the titles have a slightly eroded effect, following the typical horror conventions.