Trailer Deconstructions:

We were asked to research and deconstruct two trailers of our chosen genre, in our case psychological thriller, one has to conform and one has to subvert the genre conventions only looking at sound and editing.

The Machinist: (2004)

• low ominous non diegetic music in the background, builds up with drums and regular beats
• music suddenly becomes more dramatic as the speed of editing increases, sounds more classical instruments
• diegetic work noises, saw, possible knife slashes?
• dark neutral colours interrupted by flashes of bright light
• edited so it looks slightly faded, weird effect adds to psychological impact
• no bright colours at all - shows the darkness and intensity of the film
• high pitched whirring noise contrasts with the low rumbling
• tagline, main actors name and film title are main credits included in trailer, simplistic white font on black background

LOCKE: (2014)

I chose this trailer as it challenges conventions by only having one location/setting for the whole trailer which lasts 1.30 minutes.

• whole trailer shows main character driving a car
• one shot at beginning of an urban city area - shows location
• has to rely on sound and editing to excite/intrigue the viewer as no change in character or location
• editing is mainly different shots and clips of the main character speaking and driving
• interrupted with reviews of the film, bright lighting on a black background contrasts against the rest of the trailer
• set at night so lighting is very low-key and mostly dark colours are used
• sound is mostly voice-overs and conversations where he is on the phone 
• non diegetic music is continuous throughout the trailer low ominous rumbling noise which builds up slightly to the end
• slow pace of shots, longer between change of angles