In this assignment i will be writing a semiotic analysis of two different trailers. With these two trailers i will compare the signs conveyed from each trailer whilst taking into account the target audience. I will also be revealing and explaining the complications behind two of the most famous and known theories in film.
The two theories are the Hypodermic needle theory and the Uses and Gratifications theory. The Hypodermic Needle Theory, also known as the Magic Bullet Theory was the first major theory that had a major effect on the general society when it came to mass media. Originating in the 1920s, the theory was based on the premise of an all-powerful media with uniform and direct effects on the viewer or audience. The main idea of the hypodermic needle theory is the idea that film makers can have the ability to “inject” the audience directly with mass media. The Gratifications Theory assumes actively seek out media to satisfy individual needs. The uses and Gratifications Theory looks to answer three questions:
- What to do people do with the media?
- What are their underlying motives for using said media?
- What are the pros cons of individual media use?
The two film trailers that i have chose are
- The Sitter
- Project X
The first trailer i will be analyzing is “The Sitter”
This film is about a college student who is suspended being pushed into babysitting the children who live next door. Due to a tempting offer placed by his desired girlfriend at a house party he is pressured into bringing drugs to a house party where she is. This is where his night turns drastic. The trailer reveals the main checkpoints in the film enabling the audience to successfully map out where the story is going without revealing the film in detail. This means that the audience watching the trailer can get enough information to want to go and see the film but not too much information that they feel they already know what and where the film is going.
I feel that this trailer makes the film look comical due to the mix of humor and action. The action is where the main character is seen being chased by gunmen and where he is seen getting into fights. The mix of humor and action makes this film seem very appealing to the general audience as it contains two or more sources of entertainment. These are action and Comedy. Unlike where in an action film the target audience for the film would be draw in by the trailer due to fast cars, guns and chases. With this trailer, due to its comical background the audience watching the trailer would be drawn in by the funny side of the film and the adventure. This is because people enjoy twists in stories and also enjoy when mixes of genre are applied.
In my opinion this is a good film trailer as it reveals the main exiting parts in the film without revealing all of them. For example the producers of this trailer have taken sections from the actual film and placed it into the trailer. However they have been carefully chosen to make sure that the trailer makes sense. Also if a trailer contained all the best parts of this film in it then the audience would not feel the need to watch the film as with too much information it is easy to see how a film is put together and where the plot is going without actually going to see the full movie.
The second Trailer i will be analyzing will be “Project X”
The synopsis of this film is as follows: “A group of high school buddies try to throw, what will go down as, the most epic 17th birthday party ever. Shot from the perspective of their handheld digital cameras, the party slowly goes from normal to way out of control” – This film trailer is full of adrenaline and excitement. The target audience for this film would be (15 – 18) due to the strong language,sexual references and violence. This film trailer represents a film that includes a party that all teenagers would love to be involved in. Party’s are something that relates too many people, therefore this trailer makes that work with its audience. For example the trailer is created in such a way that it makes the audience of the trailer feel as if they are apart of what is going on, on screen. This is done by the way the actual film is filmed. (Filmed with a handheld Camera) By including this footage into the trailer it makes the audience feel as if the film is real.
This trailer uses on screen quotes of the party that is in the film. These imply that the party will be the best party ever. When the audience for this trailer see a mix of fun realistic footage and quotes it makes them want to see what the film is all about. The trailer starts out how they are preparing for the “small” party but then shows how it quickly becomes out of control. For the entire audience of the film the rush that is shown in the trailer where the party becomes out of control relates to everybody in the target audiences worst nightmare.
In my opinion this is a great film trailer as it shows a small part of what happens in the film however does not show how it got from a small party to an out of control nightmare. This is what the audience want to see. They also want to see the details of everything that occur. This is why this trailer is so effective in drawing the audience in as it shows a small part of the great film but then drops the audience indicating to them that they must watch the full film to really experience it.
Conclusion
In conclusion i personally feel that the best and most appealing film trailer out of the two is project X. The reason for this is due to its simplicity yet sophistication of its topic. The meaning behind this is that the film trailer shows excitable footage which gets a sense of excitement and adrenaline in its audience but then effectively drops the trailer to indicate to the audience that they need to watch the full film to really experience the film. I asked 10 people in the class which trailer they think is more appealing in terms of subject and technique and the response i got was that they all preferred the project X trailer due to its subject and its feeling that it gives the audience that they do not know what is going to happen next in terms of consequence.
Classification
This symbol is the “U” classification. The “U” classification means Universal Suitable for all. A “U” film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. “U” films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence or threat e.g. Monsters Inc uses monsters which would normally scare young children, but instead there seen as loveable children’s characters.
This is the icon for a “PG” rated film. “PG” stands for Parental Guidance. A “PG” film should not disturb a child aged around 8 or older. However parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. e.g. Cars and Home alone.
This is the “12A” classification. “12A” means that any child under the age of 12 can see a 12A film, when accompanied by an adult. Any child over the age of 12 can see a 12A rated film with out the need of an adult.
This is the “15”-classification logo. The “15” classifications means that anyone aged 15 or over can view the rated film. However 15 rated films may not be appropriate for anyone under the age of 15 as it may upset some children and may show material which parents may find unsuitable for their children.
This is the “18” classification logo. A film that is rated “18” is for people aged 18 or over and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, as the film may feature violence, bad language, sexual content and horror.
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