Analysis of the trailer for the film "Shutter Island":
At the start of the trailer, we see a warning (pictured below) which shows that the trailer itself is suitable for the viewing of people of all ages, even though the film itself is only suitable for those aged 15 and up (in the UK). It would be too difficult for film promoters to only advertise in places that 15+ year-olds would see the trailers, as they are shown on TV in the daytime and also in cinemas, and it is impossible to control who watches them, so it is important to censor trailers enough so they can be aired whenever, whilst also including enough information in the trailer to inspire the target demographic to want to see the film.
The music within the trailer, which is non-diegetic, fades in and progressively becomes louder throughout the trailer and also when text/captions appear on screen, and then fades out afterwards. As tension increases in the trailer, the music becomes more intense and prominent within the trailer.
At 0.42 (below), we hear a loud scream which is playing throughout two shots, and echoed in a third. It is not made clear whether the scream is diegetic or non-diegetic because of the different locations we are shown whilst the sound is playing, however the use of the scream signifies danger and terror, and its high amplification is very eery and adds to the confusion that the audience are experiencing.The white clothing worn in this shot signifies hospital staff and a clinical environment, which reinforces the location and setting of the film.
Many of the transitions are straight cuts (the frequency of these increases as the pace of the trailer does), though there are many fades, flashes and there is also frequent use of jump cuts which show the passing of time and increases suspense, whilst also intriguing those watching into wanting to find out more about the film by watching it.
Props throughout the entire trailer are very scarce so that the audience focuses on the action within the film, and this then signifies the sense of abandonment felt by the protagonist who appears to be trapped on an island. The costumes are carefully thought out - the staff are in typical 1950s medical gowns and the clothes and trench coat worn by DiCaprio's character at the start of the trailer indicate the time period/location in which the film is set (1950s America).
Edit (29/01/12): Having now watched this film, I found it very interesting how the trailer presents and markets the film. With the trailer being put together from certain parts of the film, the editors have been very selective. Although there are lots of indicators of the film's narrative within the trailer, the film itself is a lot deeper and more intense than the trailer would suggest. This is due to its genre of "thriller". If too much had been given away in the trailer, it would definitely have spoiled the plot, however the suspense created throughout the film is very thrilling indeed.
