Trailer Analysis Paranormal Activity 4

The Paranormal Activity 4 trailer is a short, tense and exciting trailer which contains many different codes and conventions such as the lighting, slow music and camera work. The mis-enscene within this trailer is used to thrill the audience, using the main concept of the plot. As the trailer reaches the minute mark, the mise-en-scene starts to pick up in terms of its temp and pace. This includes snapshots, the music and lighting. Blackouts are often used as well, producing more of a tense and dark attraction. The director has used different and particular codes and conventions to thrill and satisfy the audience with the protagonist and plotline. In this trailer, the meaning is being represented at connotative and denotative level by the different sequences, the audiences relationship towards the characters and the impact within the characters. The denotation level of the trailer is shown by the different sequences where the cast and family are together. This is from when they are filming the younger members of the family, to socialising. The denotation levels are also used and represented by the impact and expressions which are set up the characters. This can be used to emphasise and thrill the audience. On the other hand, the connotation is shown by the close friendship and relationship by the two youngsters. They are featured in the trailer quite often; this has been done to show the realism and quality within their relationship. The connotation is also represented to support and operate the friendship and the two characters. Non-verbal communications are used in many ways, using the codes and conventions to emphasise the audience. Firstly, facial expressions and the body language are key within this trailer, helping the audience to interact with the characters feelings and emotions. Throughout the trailer, the characters emotions and reactions are mixed and exposed; due to the protagonist. This gives us and the audience an idea of the storyline. Nearer to the end of the trailer, the expressions begin to dim and the tone of the characters is limited. This has a small impact on the audience as they are now aware of the upcoming codes and conventions. Small gestures are also used throughout the trailer, impacting the audience towards the plot and protagonist. The mise-en-scene used in this particular trailer has been used in a way which impacts the audience from the start to the end of the trailer. Most of the scenes in the trailer are dark and dim; allowing us and the audience to receive a decent understanding of the tone and manner of the trailer. Again, many sequences have been shot in darkened locations to give us a naturalistic and realism look. Personally, I think this improves both the picture and quality of the overall trailer. Moving onto the setting, the setting has been shot in an average and reasonable sized house; again giving us and the audience a realism feeling. The clothing is another key factor that has been used, helping us to understand the importance of the appearance and image that is set for the audience. The girl throughout the trailer is mostly seen in casual clothing; showing that maybe she likes to stay and home and is not a social person. Usual props have been used as well throughout, from kitchen utilities to furniture. Again, the director and producer are trying to make the trailer seem realism towards the audience. The sound track and language have been used in a clever and suitable way for both the audience and the film trailer. At the start of the film trailer, the background commentary and sound is very dim and light; giving the audience a chance to recognise and establish the film. This technique also produces more tension and surprise, as the audience are expecting something to happen. The dialogue at the start is also blunt and dull; again the commentary is not giving much away towards the audience and leaving them on a potential cliff-hanger. As the trailer progresses and mysterious elements start to occur; the music and sound background starts to pick up the pace in terms of the tempo and composure. The music instantly gives away that the

trailer is revealing significant parts of the film, and will surprise the audience. Again, the language and dialogue nearer to the end of the trailer plays a big part; building the tension and pressure upon the audience. A couple of quotes used in the trailer gives away that something is going to happen. For example, a quote has been used at the end of the trailer stating Alice, whats happening?. This immediately shows that something is happening, and the audience will be surprised and shocked. At this particular point, the music and camera work changes tempo and their speed. The music uses a deeper and slower bass, while the camera work is focused on the young girl; producing a high pitched tone and manner for the audience. Overall, I think the music and background commentary completes its main purpose, surprising and exciting the audience with the codes and conventions used. The tone of the trailer changes throughout; due to the different codes and convections used in order to surprise but thrill the audience. The tone at the beginning of the trailer is very dim and dull, alerting the audience of the suspense behind actions. The tone at the beginning also sets the initial toner of the entire trailer, setting an upbeat for the audience. The sequences in the trailer go on to portray this, with mid-shots and close up of the characters. This tone then goes on to enhance the audience, in terms of the different camera shots used for the specific tone. This suddenly alerts the audience and viewers of the upcoming scenes and what is to be expected. The visual techniques are used in a suitable way to convey the meaning such as the camera positioning, editing and the ways that images and sound are combined. The camera is often positioned on level with the characters or from down below; showing the current status and position of he characters. This has an effective impact on the audience; making them feel as though they are there with the characters and expressing what is going on, making it reality. This impact in particular helps to convey the emotion and intensity within the audiences feelings. Editing is another key factor within this trailer, including quick snap shots and effective blackouts. The quick snap shots helps to keep up with the pace and tempo of the trailers soundtrack. Again, this produces a more realism suspense and thrill for the audience. The only main and dominant images of the trailer are the innocent victims and antagonist. We do not see the villain till the end of the trailer, but the protagonists are often seen throughout; giving the audience a chance to understand their position and experience. However, in one specific scene, a number of signs are shown which involve the protagonist. This then leads to mysterious and unsolved scenes. The text fits into the genre of Horror; including tense and anxious titles for the audiences needs. The audience can clearly tell this from the particular soundtrack and motions that has been fitted into the text. This has also been accompanied by the sequences, where most characters are confused and shocked. I think that the text and titles itself completes its purpose; by satisfying and entertaining the audience. Representation As a group, the characters are being represented as a troubled family if you like; as the mother of the family does not believe in the stories that are being told by her young daughter. However, her only friend in the trailer seems to believe these mysterious happenings. The audience therefore could see the characters as maybe individuals at various points; all experiencing different emotions and feelings. The boy of the family is brought into the situation as he is involved in all of the outcomes, again we could see him as a single individual to the family.

For the main character, the young girl, close ups are used quite often; producing and creating a tense but entertaining scene. Close ups are commonly used to capture the detail and the emotions that are going on at this certain point. I think that throughout the trailer, the audience can see the feelings within the young girl. This helps us and the audience to understand what is at stake, making the trailer more realism and effective. This is the very same principal for her friend, who is also involved. Again, close ups have been used to empathise the scene into great detail. The characters are obviously represented in the way that they are by the director and producer of the film. Both wanted to represent characters as an average and stable family, also being a common one. I think this works out well in the trailer, as this gives out a good impression to the audience. This portrays the family in a civilised and sophisticated environment. The characters are all represented in their own different ways to bring a different diversity and element to the trailer. I think this has an impact on the trailer, as it tells us and the audience that the director and the entire production team has thought about the key factors within the film. They have done this obviously to entertain, excite and to satisfy the audiences needs. The cast which has been used is a peculiar set, as there are no big names. In a way, this is a bit of a risk as the attraction and promotion side of the film may be let down. However, its the main codes and conventions that do the trick in terms of entertaining the audience. The director, Henry Joost, has a good reputation of directing and producing films. In recent years, he has directed Catfish and Paranormal Activity 3, which have both been huge hits. From my research, it seems that he understands the importance and meaning of a thrilling horror film. Narrative There is no narrative talk in the background, only the actors within the trailer. The vocabulary and speech is all very clear, giving the audience a good understanding of the plot. During the blackouts, there is no speech used; this has been done to create a more suspense scene for the audience. As i have said, specific narrative techniques have been used such as the snapshots and blackouts. The blackouts have been used to breaks down the sequences, but to release and increase the tempo of the speech and soundtrack. The characters are used as innocent protagonists; using close ups, mid-shots and views from below (worms eye). These have been used to create a realism but tense view for the audience. The heroes and villains are established in different ways; as we do not see the villain as much as the protagonist. This gives the audience an extra thrill and excitement based on the trailer.