Trailer Analysis - The Ring

The Ring is a horror film in which the trailer was released in 2002. The length of the trailer is 2:10 mins which means it is a typical length for a full trailer. At the start of the trailer, the title of the film is not revealed, it isn't until the end that you see the title, this could of happened so the audience are more likely to remember the name of the film. iIf they place the title at the start, the viewer will see it then watch a series of clips to make the trailer so by the time it has ended, the title will be insignificant and won't be remembered but having it last will allow the viewer to relate the trailer to the title. To keep the viewer interested and to keep it the trailer fast paced, a number of different shots have been used. The shots are quick and move from scene to another very quickly to create a tense and dramatic atmosphere. The trailer contains close up shots as well as long shots, the close up shots allow the viewer to see how the characters are thinking and for this horror film it is important that the viewer see's the reaction of the character in order for them to feel frightened and shocked. Long shots are also used which helps to establish the setting, the long shots show that the film is set in dull dark locations, great for a horror film. Throughout the trailer the lighting is dark and gloomy which creates a scary atmosphere and helps to show that the trailer is in the horror genre. The colour blue is a theme throughout the trailer and blue connotes sadness and confusion which is what the film wants the audience to get the impression of. Within the trailer there is also editing done to add effect. Towards the start of the trailer there is effects added to create fuzziness over the shot, this creates confusion and tension and builds up the suspense for the trailer. There is also shots which contain blood which immediately tells the viewer what genre this is.

The sound is important in a trailer in order for the genre of it to be clear, with this trailer, non diegetic music is added throughout the trailer to create a tense atmosphere and to build the suspension, it also makes the trailer a lot scarier. At the very start of the trailer it starts off with voices from the characters in which you can immediately tell they're panicked which creates a tense atmosphere from the very start. When watching the trailer is it easy to distinguish the characters and the roles they play. The main character who is the hero, is placed in the trailer a lot, you also see the villain and the helper. In horror films there is also the character who plays the 'princess' meaning they get saved by the hero and in this case, the main characters son is this, who get's saved by his own mother once she has saved herself. The overall trailer is very effective and from the start you can tell exactly who is playing who and the type of genre it is, which means, for me, I think it is a very successful trailer.