Researching film trailers

In this post I will be analysing two thriller trailers using a table that was designed in class, below is the analysis of the Safe Haven and The Sixth Sense trailers:

Safe Haven
Feature	Comments
Genre	Romance thriller
Narrative	Woman who ran away from someone who attacks her is followed and is attacked again, after she finds her ‘safe heaven’
Unique Selling Point	Different from the norm – romance thriller (which is a hybrid – combination of two genres) – and it’s also based on a famous book
Target Audience	I would say 18-25 year old females
Music	Female voice, starts quiet then builds up – lyrics contain “you can go your own way” – which relates to the film Starts very slow orchestral music, builds up as the trailer goes on, becoming louder and faster paced
Shot Types / Camera Angles	Handheld camera, long shots, mid shots, close ups, extreme close ups, pan shot, over the shoulder shot
Pace	Starts off quite sloe, then gets a lot quicker paced with the music
Dialogue	“She passed away a few years ago” “He’s here” – whispered “He’s going to find me” All typical of the thriller genre as they add suspense and a sense of danger
Voiceover	There isn't one
Special Effects	Non-continuity editing – doesn't follow the story chronologically Slow motion, flashbacks, fade
Credits and Intertitles	‘Creators of Dear John and The Notebook’ – relates to the target audience as they are more likely to appeal ‘It’s not what you’re running from, it’s what you’re running to’ – adds element of mystery and a sense of danger

The Sixth Sense
Feature	Comments
Genre	Thriller
Narrative	A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a child psychologist.
Unique Selling Point	It’s different to films that have been made before – the idea of speaking to dead people, as well as being able to actually see them is very chilling and would sell this film
Target Audience	18-25 year old males
Music	Extremely low orchestral music – just the sound of a violin up until 1:52, with the music is much louder and the introduction of drums until 2:00 – then back to extremely low orchestral music again
Shot Types / Camera Angles	Handheld camera, long shots, mid shots, close ups, extreme close ups, pan shot, over the shoulder shot, POV
Pace	Very low pace and long cuts up until 1:52 when the cuts and pace are a lot quicker, in time with the music
Dialogue	“I see dead people” “Standing next to my window” “They’re everywhere” All of these are chilling quotes of the dialogue that will create a suspense and creepy feeling among the audience
Voiceover	There isn't one
Special Effects	Non-continuity editing – doesn't follow the story chronologically Slow motion, flashes, fade, gunshot whilst the gun is pointing at the camera
Credits and Intertitles	‘Hollywood pictures’ and ‘SpyGlass Entertainment’ are both well recognised and established film producers and therefore this would promote the film ‘Bruce Willis’ – a very well-known Hollywood actor which would attract a bigger audience

Below are the links for the Safe Haven and The Sixth Sense:

Safe Haven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4vhm3_-3VM 

The Sixth Sense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9AGf66tXM