Scream 4

Trailer Analysis

Unique selling pointSequel and previous history is revealed to ensure a new audience are also interested and entertained. The icon of Ghost face and speakers voice is recognised by the viewer and thus the movie is sold using these features.

Genre & etc. No computer generated images are shown to givethe impression of reality and a representation of ordinary people.

This trailer is a horror; revealed through fast pace editing of close up shots to display terror and present possible victims creating fear. The shots are compressed together to suggest time is an issue. Other obvious indictors are present, such as the use oflanguage, diegetic dialogue over the phone (killer is anonymous); the change in the nature of the threat with increased terror and cruelty. A long shot breaks the suspense and effectively reveals the tone of the film.

NarrativeDiegetic dialogue states previous relations and provides viewers with main characters names etc. diegetic dialogue of two male characters discussing the murdersbecomes a sound bridge between numerous shots.

Target audience

A teenage audience of 16+, this is suggested by the presence of comedy , a modern style/ mise-en-scene, young characters portrayed by actors from similar films and TV shows aimed at the same audience, their discussions, clothing, music which becomes instantly intense when the threat is present.

Music

Slow drum beats to imply a further build up to something worse than is seen. Music becomes fast until a sudden stop towards the change in editing with fewer cuts at the end. The music gets faster, possibly to enforce shock and make the viewers heart beat faster because the notes get closer and therefore it is assumed that any murder or event is getting closer and therefore it is assumed that any impending murder or event is becoming inevitable.

Shot types

Medium close ups to show characters and create sympathy as well as gain interest during a short space of time. This occurs because it appears personal and the images seem to show genuine emotions. Wide shots are used to imply there are many people at risk and all individuals to the viewer are considered suspects or victims, this uncertainty attracts viewers as they want to confirm guesses or find out who is involved.

Camera angles

Eye line match to generate the feeling of being a witness in the scene, this is the viewers point of view shot forcing them into the scene. High angle is used during situations of vulnerability and fear to expose the cause- isolation; common of horror films because the protagonist normally has no one to trust.

Dialogue

Screams to provide the unexpected, as some one new may die- they have a blasé attitude which may mirror the audiences hence it becomes plausible that the horror, though truly terrifying can be stereotypical at times. “Welcome home Sidney” instantly establishes the films identity. “Go ahead if you have the guts” purposes the main characters are brave and hard to scare- thus the film will be terrifying beyond normal and more interesting.