TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF

EXTINCTION TRAILER ANALYSIS

Lois Evans

Before the trailer starts, we see that the film is clearly a Paramount production due to this being the recognisable feature for Paramount. This being first will signify importance and pride.

The first shot and setting we see is this abandoned, farm like house in the middle of no where, which gives an extreme juxtaposition of what Transformers is typically seen as and also gives a differentiation from the other Transformer films. It also cancels the stereotype of all action films being based in a city, which already gives the audience questions that need to be answered about the film. Also, by the camera scaping across the land which appears deserted, it feels as if the viewer is also walking in to this land, making them more involved within the film.

The first character we then see is this man driving a van, with his face hidden and shaded by glasses and cap, this conveys that we do not know a lot about this man yet and signifies him as mysterious, wanting to know more about him and where he is going, and what he has to do with Transformers. Him being the first character we see, clearly conveys importance to the film.

The sound we here at this point is clear that it is building up to something, the non diagetic sound adds to the viewer wanting to know more about this film knowing the quiet, relaxing sound is going to build up to something.

The first diagetic sound we hear however, is the same man we see first. He is saying ‘Bring it up, all the way’. This powerful, American voice gives the audience a more identity of him as we get to know the character more.

We then notice the music is building up, with sounds of nuts and bolts scattering everywhere, the sounds of machinery going crazy and sparks of fire blowing up.

All the sounds, then all build up to a powerful quote to symbolise the film which is ‘I think we’ve found a Transformer’ from this point the trailer then builds up more. This also creates questions to the viewer such as ‘How have they found it’ etc.

It then zooms into ‘Michael Bay’ who directed this film. Conveying importance and signifying that the trailer is starting to kick start some action. The writing comes on with a shattering sound as if something is breaking.

As it carries on, we then hear a slow drum beat conveying perhaps a heart beat to the events that's are about to take place, signifying nervousness and anxiety about the situation. Due to the cars being in black, this connotates danger and darkness implying these are the villains.

Here we now see the first shot of an actual transformer, bursting exaggeratedly through these doors to really convey a big and grand entrance towards the viewer. The music at this point is massive crashing sounds, conveying danger and power.

‘This Summer’ then appears as summer is the prime time to see films at the cinema due to teenagers and the target audience of the film being available whenever to watch films at any point of the day. They have made this clear on the trailer to gain more viewers and some hype for summer, due to it being an excitable time, so it is out on DVD in time for Christmas.

We then hear a non diagetic sound in the background of ‘The age of the transformers is over’ which is said in a deep, evil type of voice perhaps suggesting it is a villain trying to stop Transformers, which the start to create more enigmas within the trailer.

Here we can see a completely juxtaposing setting to the start of the trailer, conveying a modern setting in a high tech, what seems to be a laboratory.

Next, we see an extremely destructive far away shot of a transformer walking towards the audience keeping the audience involved with a large unidentified robot in the background appearing like it is destroying everything in it’s path.

We then see a series of different shots within the film, with a screeching sound in the background as if a bomb has just gone of conveying danger and most importantly, destruction, with beating in the background.

From farm, to laboratory, to city, we then notice that is has another completely contrasting setting of a forest/jungle conveying that the film has a wide variety, we also get introduced to more ‘transformers’ which are being perceived as dangerous and villains.

The extremely scary transformer we are seeing is coming across to the viewer as extremely powerful and dark. Which conveys that they know people are in danger. This may be why people want to see this film due to wanting to know what it does etc.

To end all of the non diagetic and diagetic sounds then stop, as we hear a calming yet chilling, sinister sound as the Transformer title unfolds to the reader making it significant and original due to the sound being completely different to the other content within the trailer.