Analysis of a teaser trailer - Paul

I am now going to analyse a teaser trailer for a recently released film - Paul. I plan on looking at the camera angles used along with the lighting, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.



Camera angles
Many different camera angles are used throughout this trailer and I am going to analyse some of them; the first camera shot used is an establishing shot of the road and the camper van, this gives the audience an idea about what the film is going to be about and where it is taking place without giving away too much information (sets the scene).

The second camera shot used is a mid shot which shows two of the characters, this gives the audience an idea of who the main characters are going to be. using this type of shot gives the audience no clue into the characteristics or emotions of the characters. This keeps the sense of mystery which makes the audience carry on watching

A close up is used to show 'Extraterrestrial Highway' signpost; this gives the audience the idea that the film has something to do with aliens. Also a use of a blur has distorted the background slightly so that the full attention of the audience is on the signpost.

A long shot is used to show the car chase scene, this gives a long enough shot to fit in everything that is essential for the car chase and also shows the audience the setting of the chase and everyone who is involved without showing too much detail to spoil the film itself.

A mixture of mid shots and close-ups are used in order to show critical scenes and other characters that appear in the film. This gives enough detail for the audience to decide whether or not to go and see the film.

Editing
Very slow editing is used at the start of the trailer as the action has not yet started, A series of fades are used in order to show a scene then a black screen with text (relating to the next clip) and then the next clip, this makes the scenes seem very relaxed which then further helps to give the up-coming fast paced editing more exaggeration.

Once 'Paul' is introduced and the action begins the editing becomes very faced paced, and through the use of Cuts the scenes become more action filled and exciting to watch and puts the audience on the edge of their seats.

Sound
A very slow paced relaxing soundtrack is used in the first set of scenes. This fits in with the idea of two best friends on a road trip together and having a great time. Suddenly the music cuts out and loud car brakes and crash sounds are heard this makes the audience very interested into finding out whats happened. Having the music change from very slow calm music to loud sound effects has a great effect as this will help grab the audiences attention.

Then all music stops and the dialogue ' Hi I'm Paul' is heard, this makes the audience interested into finding out who 'Paul' is. Then all music and dialogue cuts out as the alien in shown, this is when laughter is heard as the main character tries to take in what he has just seen. This is very effective as there is no other noises but the dialogue so that dialogue has the full attention of the viewer.

The next soundtrack is played which is a very heavy rock soundtrack. this fits in well with the on-screen action and the fast paced editing and along with this soundtrack helps to make the trailer so much more exciting.

The music then cuts out again as the comedy scene is shown, this again grabs the audiences attention as the loud music has stopped and dialogue is being spoken again all of their attention is what is being said and this makes the comedy sketch much more effective.

Mise-en-scene
The main prop used in the trailer is the camper-van. This is because the characters are on a road trip this means that a vehicle is very crucial.

The costumes for the characters are very important as they add to the comedy value. The two main characters are dressed in casual clothes and have longish hair. This makes them look like 'average joe'. this makes is more funny when the stumble across an alien and have to defend him against the police as they are just average people. Also the costume where 'Paul' is dressed like a cowboy is very funny as they are walking down the street in normal clothes; holding hands with an alien dressed as a cowboy, this gives the scene much more comedy value.

 Lighting
Natural light is mainly used throughout this trailer, this is because the story is based on a road trip out in the desert so artificial light could make the scenes become fake looking. Both night and day scene are both screened throughout this trailer this could be to help show the passing of time and to emphasise that the two characters are on a road trip.

In the scene where they meet 'Paul' the two main characters can't see who 'Paul' is as the scene is totally pitch black, once they turn on their head lamps the alien becomes visible. this is very effective as the audience can only see what is being lit up by the head lamps and the car headlights. This makes the scene look a lot more natural compared to if artificial lighting was used.