history of science fiction trailers

HISTORY OF SCIENCE FICTION TRAILERS

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY- 1968

As seen in many science fiction movies the trailer immediately opens with action. Here we see the usual conventions- space, spacecraft and in the top right a unexplored planet/moon.

Diegetic dialogue is used to build story allowing for the watcher to grasp concept without voice over as seen in many old trailers.

The production company is shown after action in order for the trailer to immediately pull in the watcher.

A combination of diegetic dialogue interlaced with space sequenced is used here to the background sound of a eerie building track. In this way suspense is built the watcher able to pick out the plot of the movie without it being directly conveyed. Furthermore tension also builds as the soundtrack instantly suggests danger, the intensity of the dialogue only adding to this. The dialogue of a “epidemic” and “absolute secrecy” again suggests danger and keeps the watcher wanting more.

White text on black background is used to build story line and elaborate on context.

An establishing shot of the main characters is used here, standing somewhat valiantly with connotations of a quest, linking into the title- Space Odyssey.

An over the shoulder shot is used here to make the watcher feel almost as if they are embarking on the quest with the characters as if the movie is a much as a adventure for the fictional spacemen as for them.

White text against black background continues to be used in order to build story and context for the viewer.

An enemy seems to be introduced in the form of a computer here, we see the crew arguing against it confusion and anger abounding. As this happens the cut speeds increase a variety of shots being displayed for only seconds.

Following this a number of strange shots are showcased with no explanation. They are cut from so quickly the watcher has no time to even attempt to comprehend them. In this way the trailer ends in excitement and suspense the only option left to the viewer is to view the movie to comprehend the strange variety of shots. This build interests and ultimately generates revenue and fans.

Finally as the music reaches its climax the title of the movie is showcased meaning it will stick in the viewers head.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS TRAILER’S ASSEMBLY? There appears from this trailer to be two ways in which Science fiction trailers open- either as seen in gravity and in this one we are thrown straight into the action or it slowly builds. This trailer throws you into the action immediately it’s interesting to note that this assembly device has been used throughout science fiction history. For my trailer I will do the same.

Black background with white text is also used within this trailer in order to build context and assert the meaning of the movie.

Another convention used here is the fast cut sequences which finish the trailer with action leaving them wanting more.

RETURN OF THE JEDI:1982

This trailer opens with the production company contrary to the themes I have seen in my other analysis

Instead of throwing the watcher straight into the action this trailer begins with voice over and growing suspenseful music. The voice over talks about the “climatic clash of good and evil” this is an interesting play on narrative techniques as good vs evil features in many science fiction movies. In this way the convention is used to pull in an audience.

Music is used here to push the trailer forwards, the theme tune of Star Wars played as the title is shown. This is exciting for fans of the movie series as they associate the theme tune with their much beloved movie. For this reason the title is more likely to stick in their heads.

Following the title the watcher is immediately thrown into the action. In this way they are more likely to continue watching. It also raises for excitement for the movie release.

Model work was used in order to create the illusion of flying spaceships.

Frame by frame the movie was meticulously drawn over in order to create the illusion of explosions.

The protagonist of Star Wars is introduced amid the action, in a high action chase seen. We are given no context by the narrator in this way the anticipation for the movie builds. Confusion mixing with excitement to create the ultimate pull.

Again narrative techniques are used through voice over here as the line “the battle for freedom rages on” is heard amongst a huge fight sequence. Action used to push a narrative ideal of the movie.

The main characters are introduced through a series of action sequences. The voice over idolising the life and exploits of the so called rebels. This means that interest is gained for those who have never viewed a Star Wars movie. And loyal fans who love the main characters are only driven to anticipate the movie even further.

Key elements of story telling seem crucial to this trailer. The voice over used to introduce them to a watcher: “The strength of a leader”. Perhaps this is done in order to make science fiction appeal to a larger audience.

This shot is used to display the “strength of friendship” again a key element in all story telling. The two shot clearly portrays the two characters.

The more mythical elements of science fiction story telling are introduced through the “power of the force”.

As the music changes so too does the characters displayed, the ‘bad guys’ shown after the protagonists. In this way we gain the sense of opposition described a true show down of good and evil.

Practical effects of smoke used to make ‘Darth Vader’ look more imposing.

This shot raises tension for movie goers as it is evident that the battle of good against evil is not so one sided as it may have appeared at the beginning of the trailer.

Explosives used here in order to create the practical effect.

Use of set to transport the audience to a science fiction universe.

Dialogue is used here to as a pull to the movie goers. We here Luke say “Is Darth Vader really my father” this is a crucial question of the previous movie and for fans of the series a huge pull.

A massive star of the time using his name to pull audience.

A two shot is used here for striking effect as it pictures the sworn enemies of the Star Wars universe standing side by side as if equal, or in collaboration. Of course due to the fact that it is a trailer no explanation is offered.

Costume is crucial to the nature of Darth Vader’s character defined by his garb.

While this looks like CGI this was meticulously drawn in frame by frame as the movie was produced entirely with practical effects. However it has the same effect, the use of futuristic weaponry to transport an audience to another world.

A staple of many science fiction movies- action and battles between good and evil, not only of ideology but physically as well.

The last shot of the trailer is purposefully chosen to be impactful, the sheer scale of the battle creating excitement for the audience. Furthermore such a scale of space battle was almost unprecedented.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS TRAILER ASSEMBLY? While this trailer is old and obviously different compared to the modern day it is highlights a interesting feature of movie pull- narrative. It discusses in length the battle of good and evil and human emotion within the science fiction world. This is a clever marketing device to pull in audiences that would not usually be attracted to science fiction- attracted to the very soul of most movies- friendship, courage, rebellion and good vs evil.

Furthermore despite the time gap we see the same methods employed- quick cuts, interlaced with music and action alongside long scenes to give an insight into the movie.

The trailer opens with the production company as seen in the Star Wars trailer. Music builds in the background the start.

Marvel is also quickly displayed this is a brand that sells movies and therefore acts as a pull to watch the trailer in of itself.

Non-Diegetic dialogue is heard over the top of the music “Logan what have you done?” This links into the appearance of Wolverine looking far from the man we are used to- haggard, old and scarred.

Here a long shot with Hugh Jackman in the foreground is used to show the change and sorrow he has faced.

Rain is used to portray mood here sadness usually linked with poor weather.

The use of the rum bottle is particularly striking as it is clear Logan aims to escape his problems rather than face them. Perhaps broken by sorrow.

Makeup is used here to create the war damaged look of Hugh Jackman. The scars on the outside reflect the scars on the inside.

Hurt by Johnny Cash is heard throughout the trailer but the line here is “I hurt myself today” this is clearly reflective of the damage inside and out as seen in the shot.

This desolate and destroyed set is used to reflect the themes of the movie- the world of the Xmen is desolate and destroyed also. Furthermore this is a recognisable location to Xmen fans and therefore shocking to them to see it in such a state.

Black is used to break up the shots, moving in time with the music for added effect.

A panning shot is used to introduce a new character to the audience only her back is shown meaning the audience is left wondering who she is.

Non-Diegetic dialogue is again used to create context for characters. We hear “she’s like you” as her face is introduced to the audience. The previous shot of Jackman asking “where is she” allows the audience to infer that she is his daughter. Furthermore the striking nature of the girls intense stare contrasts with her age.

This shot is used to reflect the internal issues Logan is clearly facing, staring into his own name as if trying to grasp some meaning from it. The focus on the foreground blurring the background works well to bring the watchers eye to it. We hear the dialogue “she needs our help” although Logan seems hesitant in this, from this the watcher can infer that his sense of self will perhaps deride from this girl he will help.

Once context has been established the music pushes forwards bringing on a wave of action which entices the watcher to continue on and raises the hype and anticipation for the movie.

The ‘bad guy’ of the movie is introduced to the audience his costume crucial in our instant judgement of him.

A skull tattoo is clearly visible on his neck, a symbol of death and therefore inferring he too brings this.

The robot hand strangely leads the audience to miss trust him as it is something inhuman.

The use of the gun prop gives a sense of immediate danger to a much beloved character of the Xmen universe.

This short scene is long enough to shock the audience but short enough to allow them no time to figure out or comprehend properly what is actually happening.

The simple action of a smile here is used to quickly build a sense of growing unity between the three characters, as little time as 3 seconds with the right use of shots already building a story in the watchers head.

As the music builds so too does the intensity of the action, here we can see Wolverine in his most recognisable pose claws out an unstoppable force. However the addition of blood somehow makes it more gritty and perhaps more attractive to audiences who enjoyed movies such as Deadpool.

CGI used to achieve his jump height.

Makeup used to portray blood.

Interestingly in the next sequence the girl displays the same level of acrobatics as him, perhaps insinuating the fact once again that they are one of the same. A mixture of CGI and stunt doubles is most likely used to obtain this effect.

The final action shot the viewer is left with is that of the claws of Wolverine pushing away the claws of the girl. In this way we are left to wonder what action could ensue and therefore have more of a desire to watch the movie.

The next shot entirely contrasts that of the previous reasserting the unity of Logan and the girl. The slow pan up clearly highlights the difference in height and the protection he offers to her.

Both wear denim perhaps a costume choice again to display unity.

As the title of the movie is shown we hear the phrase: “Logan you still have time” This pushes the viewer to understand once again that the movie is based around one mans attempt to find himself once more. Furthermore the simplicity of the title matches that of the film it is one mans journey: Logan’s.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT FROM THIS TRAILER ASSEMBLY? This trailer builds in a different way to the rest allowing music to be it’s push rather than visuals. This shows that music is a key feature to trailer making- allowing action, emotions and feelings to be highlighted by music.

Again it builds slowly establishing context and then hitting the watcher with a wave of action. This makes the trailer more appealing to the watcher meaning they are more likely to go and see the movie.

Mystery is also a key feature- who is this girl? Why is she so important? What has happened to the mutants? All questions which can only be answered by viewing the movie.