Research And Planning - Trailer Analysis One: About Time

Genre- 

The genre of this film is a romantic comedy. The genre is presented in a variety of ways, from the way the characters are framed together to the clothing they are wearing. The woman wears mostly bright colours, whereas the male wears darker, more 'serious' clothes such as suits. This shows the stereotypical 'prom scene' type love. The locations used for the trailer are all very 'romantic', such as a white house on the beach.This shows Steve Neale's theory of there being a repetition with an underlying pattern of variations. As this shows the 'stereotypical' settings that most romance films have.


Representation- 

Laura Mulvey put forward the theory of 'The Male Gaze', which says how representation is done in a very stereotypical way- in that, the women are vunerable and seen as an 'object' where as the males are the ones who are strong, and the film is seen from their point of view. This can be seen as true in some respects for this trailer, such as when the female character is shown; the montage changes to slow motion as she turns and smiles sweetly- this shows how men see women as a 'innocent' object they need to care for. However, instead of the male being tough in this film, it seems that there is a difference, as he seems to be quiet, vunerable and scared. As the two are talking the girl sounds very kind, caring and understanding, whereas the male is much more laid back and awkward; this shows how the woman makes more of an 'effort' with making an impression, meaning it is true to the stereotype. 

Narrative - 

This film follows a young man as he tries to change his future by going back in time to win over a girl, and then when this does not work, follows his life as he tries to work it out with another girl he meets in his future- he strives to make everything 'perfect' by reliving moments to make them the best they could possibly be, ensuring they work the way he wants. This is quite a difficult concept to grasp, and so, it is explained in a simplistic way, through using a voice over and parts of the film which explain what's going on embedded into the montage. The theory of there being a prontagonist here is evidently true, as the film focuses around mostly the one male main character, as he tries to overcome negative points in his life. 

Audience- 

This film is rated a 12A, and so the trailer is aimed at those of this age and above. Despite its low rating, I believe the main audience would infact be teens, around the age of 15, as the content of the trailer (such as a the couple laying in bed together) is more aimed to those of an older age, who would understand what was going on more. This presents the reception theory, which suggests how we take different meanings from a text. As what younger auidences don't understand, those of a more mature age will, meaning that the audience could technically be both as both ages get 'different' things out of the film. Rachel McAdams appears in the film, and having been in other 'teen' and 'adult' movies such as Mean Girls, The Notebook and The Vow, it is clear that this would appeal more to the teen audience as they will be more interested in seeing more of her work than younger audiences would.

Media Language -

(Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Mise-en-scene)

A lot of medium close up shots and close up shots are used in the trailer, as this allows the viewers to see what emotions the characters are feeling, and, by doing so, you get a feel for what the film will be about, as this allows you to get an understanding of how sad/happy the film is. As the 'main' woman turns, a medium close up shot is used a long with an expansion of time- the slow motion makes the woman seem more 'appealing' which makes you know the male finds her attractive, setting a basis for the film. Several shot reverse shots are used between the male and his father, as this shows a 'comedic' debate between them- this is more engaging for the audience as it shows there is more humour. Kuleshov's method of the montage is evident here, as a montage is used to show the viewer what the film will be about. Jump cuts are used to break up the montage; this allows the trailer to be more fast paced and straight to the point. The shots are usually at eye level, however when the two are in bed a high angle shot is used- this shows them close together which shows their obvious attraction.

A voice over is used of the main character, and this allows the scene to be set as well as allowing the audience to get to know him. The music used is very simple- it is upbeat but not too intense; it ensures your main focus remains on the voice over and the characters on screen. As the trailer gets more tense in parts the music stops- this is really engaging for the audience. The lighting is mostly high-key throughout, and the locations are very 'normal' - such as at houses. This makes the film seem more 'real' and by doing so is more appealing. The costumes worn are very simplistic- the female wears her stereotypical dresses while the male wheres his laid back outfits; this shows how the couple could be 'anyone' and this is more engaging for the audience as it makes them have more belief in the trailer they are watching, as they feel they can relate to it more.