Download - The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
1/8
'The Usual Suspects' Trailer
Analysis
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
2/8
Introduction of setting
The first few settings seen are dark andgloomy, cast over with shadows. This is a
typical film noir feature, and connotes the dark
themes present in the film.
The small circle of light through the window
symbolises a sense of hope or chance of
freedom, yet the juxtaposing shadow
surrounding it suggests a larger overpowering
theme of entrapment.
The red light in the last setting forebodes
murder and death- with the large door leading
to the tragedy.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
3/8
Introduction of characters
There is not a whole character first
introduced, but rather features of aperson. The close ups of the shoe
and the hand holding a gun distort
the audience and fragment the
importance of the character.
The camera than tracks down a narrow,
red lit corridor, which then fades to a slowmotion drop of a cigarette. These
disorientated close ups suggest that this
unknown presence causes destruction
and danger. Similarly, the red lighting of
the corridor connotes ruthless violence
and forebodes danger.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
4/8
Sound bridgeSo far, the non diegetic music has been tense but
rather quiet. This is then overpowered by a classic,
stylised, American voiceover, heightening the
suspense of the narrative and giving it a more
traditional action feel.
However a sound-bridge is introduced through
the character of the detective, as his voice is
heard over the crime scene shots. Because of
this, the audience creates a link between the
detective, and safety, as the destructive force
is absent from the screen.
This gives the detective a higher authority and
clearly explains the themes of the narrative.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
5/8
The main protagonists
The first sight of the protagonists is in the line up-
each character looks individual and unique,
however their placement is rather distorted. This is
then reinforced as the non diegetic voice over
states each name individually, adhering to a thriller,
crime genre.
The characters then appear to be united as each is
shown individually through a cutaway of their face-
highlighting their collective motives, yet individual
threats.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
6/8
Sound Segue
There are two key changes in the
non diegetic soundtrack, the first
is on the close up of Kevin
Spacey's face, as the music
momentarily sounds like a 'gong'
and forebodes a deeper motivefor that single character.
However the music then
continues as before to intrigue
the audience and digress the
narrative.
The second more dramatic soundtrack changealso occurs on a close up of Spacey. This alone
has been done by the editor to focus on this
character and allude to a hidden persona than
what appears on the surface. The non diegetic
music here fits to an action film- therefore
moving away from film noir, and heightening aclimax.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
7/8
Rapid Cutaways
The constant mention of the name 'Keyser
Soze' is linked to a final cutaway of Spacey's
face. This immediately suggests a link betweenthese characters and a hidden relationship or
identity.
The action throughout these cutaways is fast and highlights the
film noir features of death and crime. The constant change on the
screen also disorientates the audience and depicts a ratherunsettling, spinning feeling.
-
7/27/2019 The Usual Suspects' Trailer Analysis.pptx
8/8
Effect of a 'calm' ending
The ending juxtaposes the rest of the
trailer and is rather calming and
tranquil. The soft ripple of the water
symbolizes a sense of tranquility and
allows the end title to gently emerge
on top.
The font of 'The Usual Suspects' is Sans
Serrife' and stands out against the black sea.