A film’s opening is often used to establish a sense of tension or unease, pulling the audience into the suspenseful atmosphere from the start. It may introduce a disturbing event or hint at something sinister to come, setting up the central conflict early on. This helps build anticipation and keeps viewers engaged, eager to uncover what happens next.
Thriller films often use slow pacing at the beginning to draw the audience in, followed by sudden, intense moments to shock or surprise them. The narrative tends to focus on the protagonist facing seemingly insurmountable odds, whether it’s a criminal, a conspiracy, or a psychological battle. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and turns are introduced, keeping viewers on edge
In terms of character conventions, thrillers frequently feature an anti-hero or morally ambiguous protagonist, who may be flawed or conflicted, and a villain or adversary who creates the central tension. The protagonist often has to confront not only external threats but also internal struggles, which adds layers to the narrative. Deception, betrayal, and manipulation are common themes, as characters might not be who they seem, and trust is often questioned.
Another key convention this trailer follows is the use of sound design to build tension. Thrillers often rely on eerie music and diegetic sounds like footsteps, whispers, or objects breaking to create suspense, and this trailer takes full advantage of that. Exaggerated diegetic sounds, like Joe's breathing, the ringing of phones, and the distressed voices of callers, amplify the tension in ways that visuals sometimes cannot. This aligns with the genre’s reliance on sensory manipulation to engage viewers. The film also depends on long moments of silence, a staple in thrillers, where the absence of sound heightens the viewer's awareness and anticipation.
However, there are obvious subvertions we can notice from the trailer alone. The most notable subvertion is the setting, as it seems like the majority of the movie takes place in one room: The 911 dispatch center. While most thriller movies take place in multiple dangerous settings like dark alleyways and abandoned buildings, this film confines its entire narative into one room. This can shift the focus of the movie from visual elements to dialouge and sound. This may increase anticipation and tension within viewers, as they’ll be more immersed in the conversation. The lack of visual appeal also puts the audience in Joe’s shoes, where hes unable to phsyically see the situation at hand when he recieves 911 calls. Thriller movies usually have high-action intense scenes such as fight and chase scenes, and while this trailer does not hint at the inclusion of these scenes, this approach was still quite interesting to me as I concetrated heavily on the emotional delivery of the voice actling.
The editing in the trailer uses fast cuts, switching between Joe’s reactions and different 911 calls. This rapid pace creates a sense of urgency and stress, keeping viewers on edge. Slow moments, where the editing lingers on Joe’s face, allow the audience to feel the weight of the situation and his emotional struggle.
The mise-en-scène in the trailer is minimal but effective. The setting of the 911 dispatch center is dark, with low lighting and shadowy corners, creating a claustrophobic environment. The use of dim lights reflects Joe’s emotional state, showing that he’s surrounded by darkness, both literally and mentally. His uniform, headset, and computer screens emphasize his role as a dispatcher, but the lack of physical interaction with the outside world symbolizes his disconnect from the real action. The confined space, combined with the dark color palette, helps build the mood of isolation and tension.
The trailer uses mostly close-up shots of Joe’s face, which forces the audience to focus on his emotional reactions. These tight shots create a sense of being trapped with him, heightening the tension. The limited use of wide shots emphasizes how small and closed-off his world is within the dispatch center. Over-the-shoulder shots of the computer screens and 911 calls give the audience a sense of his viewpoint, making us feel as though we are in his shoes, experiencing the stress and pressure alongside him.
This trailer serves as an introduction to the thriller and comedy film’s exploration of class, deception, and moral ambiguity. By using various conventions, the trailer effectively sets the tone and intrigues the audience, converting and subverting traditional thriller and drama genre conventions.
The Parasite trailer conforms to several conventions typical of thrillers. One notable convention is the use of a dark color palette. The trailer employs muted colors and shadows, creating an ominous atmosphere that reflects the film’s themes of social inequality and secrets. The distressed environments depicted in the contrasting settings of the Kim family’s cramped apartment and the luxurious Park family residence highlight social disparities. This noticeable contrast serves to establish the central conflict, drawing the viewer into the story. Additionally, the trailer builds suspense gradually, an important point of thriller films and stories. By teasing the audience with glimpses of conflict without revealing key plot points, the trailer maintains a sense of intrigue. The sound design also follows conventional thriller practices, utilizing eerie music and unsettling diegetic sounds to enhance tension and add realism. Exaggerated sounds, such as whispers and sudden noises, engage the audience and draw them into the psychological tension between characters.
However, the trailer also subverts several conventions of the genre. One significant subversion is its focus on a single location. While many thrillers showcase multiple dangerous settings, Parasite primarily contrasts the Kim family's impoverished home with the wealth of the Park family. This emphasis on two contrasting environments allows the film to dive deeper into class dynamics rather than relying on the traditional thrills of varied action sequences. The Kim family is depicted as resourceful yet desperate, navigating a morally gray situation where deception is necessary to get by and survive. This blurring of lines between hero and villain adds depth to the narrative, inviting viewers to empathize with the Kims while questioning their methods. This aligns with David Buckingham’s theory where there is a morally gray area — characters aren’t simply “good” or “bad”. The absence of explicit violence in the trailer also subverts expectations; instead of graphic depictions, the focus remains on emotional and psychological elements, creating a tension that lingers without relying on visual intensity. While there is a lack of violence, there are some scenes that have implications of violence, such as slicing up meat or red liquids that mirrors blood, this can
The representations within the trailer further reinforce its themes. Class disparity is a primary focus, as the contrasting lifestyles of the Kim and Park families serve to illustrate the harsh realities of social inequality. The trailer highlights the Kim family's strong bonds and resourcefulness in the face of poverty. This representation invites viewers to reflect on societal norms and the lengths individuals will go to improve their circumstances. Additionally, the theme of deception is central to the narrative. The characters are portrayed with layers of complexity, particularly the Kims, who must navigate a morally ambiguous landscape to survive. The trailer hints at the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, presenting a world where trust is scarce, and manipulation is often necessary.
The sound design, characterized by eerie music and sudden diegetic sounds, amplifies the sense of suspense. The use of diegetic sounds, such as the ringing of phones, whispers, and water droplets, enhances the trailer's sense of realism and urgency. These exaggerated sounds draw viewers into the Kims' desperate circumstances, emphasizing their situation and the tension. The movie is in Korean as it takes place in Korea, however English dialogue in this trailer along with close up shots of the Park family’s mother’s face helps emphasize and shift focus onto something that is important. In this case, English is relevant as the Kim family are forging English certificates in order to work for the Park family. This shows that the Park family might be able to uncover the Kim family’s lies.
Quick cuts between the Kim family’s cramped living space and the Park family’s luxurious home emphasize the stark differences between them. This fast-paced editing not only highlights class inequality but also builds a sense of conflict central to the story. The pacing of the editing is also important. Slower moments allow the audience to take in the emotional weight of certain scenes, while faster cuts during moments of tension heighten suspense. This variation in pacing reflects the unpredictable nature of the characters' lives and choices, adding to the film's moral complexity.
The camera shots and angles in the trailer enhance its themes of class dynamics. Close-up shots capture the characters' emotions and reactions during important moments, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles. This connection creates empathy for their situations. Wide shots contrast the spacious, bright Park home with the cramped, dark Kim household. These visual contrasts highlight the class differences that drive the film’s story. Low-angle shots of the Park family show their power and privilege, while high-angle shots of the Kims emphasize their vulnerability and desperation.
The mise-en-scène in the trailer is carefully designed to show themes of inequality. The contrasting settings—from the Kim family’s small, dimly lit home to the bright, spacious Park residence—visually represent the divide between social classes. The cluttered and worn aspects of the Kims’ home highlight their struggles, while the clean and modern decor of the Park house shows their wealth and comfortable lives. The costumes and props also enhance the representation of character dynamics. For example, the Kims wear practical, worn clothing that reflects their economic struggles, while the Park family is dressed in fashionable outfits that reflect their wealth.
These technical elements work together to help the audience understand the characters’ situations and the social issues being adressed.
Get Out, 2017
The Get Out trailer is primarily targeted at young adults and adults who have an interest in the horror genre, psychological thrillers, and social commentary. This demographic is often drawn to films that challenge societal norms and provoke thought about real-world issues. The trailer effectively appeals to its audience by addressing themes of race, identity, and the discomfort of navigating predominantly white spaces, which resonates deeply in contemporary society. Even though this film is an older one, I still think it uses effective stategies to appeal to the target audience and the genre itself didn’t change much over the years.
Through its blend of horror and dark humor, the trailer captures attention by presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Viewers who are looking for more than just scares find a storyline that prompts critical reflection on racial dynamics. The trailer utilizes suspenseful sound design and intense visuals, creating an atmosphere of tension that keeps viewers engaged. Additionally, its clever editing and pacing generate anticipation, drawing in an audience eager for a gripping cinematic experience.
In creating my opening, I would like to draw inspiration from the Get Out trailer's use of sound design to build tension and atmosphere. The combination of eerie music and unsettling sound effects serves to evoke a sense of dread and anticipation, which is a powerful technique that I want to incorporate. The trailer's ability to create discomfort through familiar domestic settings is another aspect I find compelling. By contrasting everyday situations with underlying horror, it establishes a unique perspective that challenges viewer expectations. I also appreciate how the trailer employs subtle humor amidst the tension, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. This balance between suspense and dark humor can serve as an engaging hook in my own work, inviting viewers to reflect on the deeper themes while maintaining their interest through entertainment.
In my opening, I would like to avoid overly explicit exposition that spoon-feeds the audience information. Instead of laying out the plot in a straightforward manner, I want to create intrigue and mystery, encouraging viewers to piece together the narrative themselves. This approach not only engages the audience more actively but also mirrors the unfolding tension seen in the trailer.
In my opening, I would avoid using overt foreshadowing or plot twists that might give away key elements of the story too early, as seen in some moments of the trailer. While creating suspense is essential, I want to ensure that viewers are left guessing and engaged without revealing too much. I would also steer clear of relying on dialogue that feels forced, as some interactions in the trailer may come across as somewhat unnatural. Instead, I aim to create a more natural flow of conversation that allows characters to develop organically, helping to maintain a sense of realism and relatability.
Knives Out, 2019
The Knives Out trailer primarily targets a broad audience, appealing to both young adults and older viewers who enjoy mystery, comedy, and thriller genres. This demographic is often attracted to films that combine engaging storytelling with clever humor and social commentary. The trailer emphasizes the film's unique approach to the classic whodunit formula, appealing to viewers who appreciate both traditional detective narratives and modern twists.
The trailer effectively captures attention through its witty dialogue and intriguing character dynamics, showcasing a diverse cast led by renowned actors. The clever editing and pacing create a sense of excitement and anticipation, drawing viewers into the mystery while also hinting at underlying social themes, such as class struggle and family dynamics. Additionally, the trailer employs engaging visuals, including the luxurious yet claustrophobic setting of the Thrombey mansion, to evoke curiosity and encourage viewers to delve into the story.
In my opening, I would like to incorporate the trailer's use of clever dialogue and character interactions to establish tone and intrigue. The Knives Out trailer effectively balances humor with suspense, creating an engaging atmosphere that invites viewers into the story. I aim to achieve a similar balance, allowing my characters to reveal their personalities and relationships through witty exchanges while hinting at deeper tensions beneath the surface.
Moreover, although the trailer plays with character archetypes, I would avoid using clichéd character tropes that can feel predictable. Relying on familiar stereotypes, such as the greedy family member or the eccentric detective, risks making the characters appear one-dimensional. Instead, I aspire to create original and complex characters that offer depth and nuance, allowing the audience to connect with them on a more meaningful level. Finally, while the trailer incorporates humorous moments, which contribute to its charm, these moments can occasionally distract from the central mystery. To maintain focus on the main plot, I would be more selective with comedic elements in my opening. By ensuring that humor serves to enhance the narrative rather than distract from it, I can create a more compelling and immersive experience for the audience.
The trailer primarily targets young adults and adult audiences who enjoy thriller and mystery genres. The film’s focus on technology, particularly smartphone security and the consequences of digital privacy breaches, resonates with a generation that is highly engaged with technology in their everyday lives. This relevance is amplified by the trailer's depiction of relatable scenarios—like using a smartphone for communication and sharing personal information—that emphasize the vulnerabilities associated with modern technology.
The trailer appeals to viewers by creating a sense of urgency and suspense, drawing them into the narrative through quick cuts and dramatic music. It effectively showcases the protagonist's struggle to regain control over her life after her phone is hacked, making the audience empathize with her. By highlighting themes of personal security and the impact of technology on relationships, the trailer creates an emotional connection with the audience, encouraging them to invest in the character's story.
In my opening, I would focus on the emotional stakes presented in the trailer. The protagonist's vulnerability and desperation are palpable, and I would aim to develop a character with relatable emotions. By showcasing her relationships and the impact of the hacking on her life, I can create a strong emotional connection with the audience, allowing them to empathize with her situation and invest in her journey.
While the trailer effectively uses suspenseful elements, I would prefer to avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive action or rapid cuts that might hinder character development. The trailer's fast-paced editing, while exciting, can sometimes make it challenging for viewers to fully connect with the characters. Instead, I aim to create a slower, more deliberate buildup in the opening, allowing the audience to understand the protagonist's personality and circumstances before diving into the conflict.
I would also steer clear of overwhelming the opening with constant tension from the start, which the trailer tends to do by jumping right into high-stakes moments. Instead, I prefer to gradually build tension, offering moments of calm before introducing danger. This would allow for a deeper connection between the audience and the characters, as they would get a chance to observe the protagonist in a more relatable, everyday situation before the conflict arises. This contrast between normality and sudden peril could make the stakes feel even higher once the suspense kicks in, enhancing the overall emotional impact.
Woman in the Window, 2021
The target audience for The Woman in the Window primarily includes adult viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers and mystery films. The film's focus on suspense, paranoia, and unreliable narration appeals those who enjoy stories that explore mental illness, trauma, and isolation. The trailer draws in viewers by showcasing an atmosphere of intense suspense, inviting them to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
The trailer also appeals to a modern audience by representing common fears, like being trapped in your home and not being believed by others. This can especially resonate with people who have experienced isolation or mental health struggles. By presenting these relatable themes, the trailer connects emotionally with the audience, making them more interested to see how the story unfolds.
One element I would like to use in my opening is the trailer's ability to build tension through subtle visual and auditory clues. The trailer uses a combination of tight, confined spaces and strategic lighting to emphasize the protagonist’s isolation and growing paranoia. For my opening, I would adopt a similar approach by using claustrophobic settings or enclosed spaces to visually reflect the mental state of my protagonist, drawing the audience into their emotional world.
In terms of sound design, the trailer utilizes diegetic sounds like creaking floors, footsteps, and doors opening to create an eerie atmosphere. I would use similar techniques in my opening, with minimal yet deliberate sound effects that heighten the tension without overwhelming the audience. This approach allows for suspense to build gradually and can evoke a strong sense of unease.
The trailer also effectively plays with the concept of unreliable narration, making the audience question what is real and what is imagined. In my opening, I would use this narrative tool by offering subtle visual or audio hints that blur the line between reality and illusion, engaging the audience with the puzzle of figuring out what is true. I’ve seen this technique used in books, and I think it would be interesting to implement into my trailer.
The trailer leans heavily on jump scares and sudden shifts in tone, which can feel abrupt and predictable in some psychological thrillers. I would avoid relying on these techniques in my opening, as they might undermine the slower, more atmospheric tension I want to create. Instead of quick shocks, I would focus on building a sustained sense of dread through lingering shots, subtle camera movements, and ambient sound.
I would avoid using too many overt narrative twists in the trailer, which the trailer seems to hint at repeatedly. While twists can be interesting, overloading the opening with too many plot reveals could make the narrative feel rushed. In my opening, I would aim for a more focused introduction, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually rather than presenting too much upfront.
Missing, 2023
The Missing trailer primarily targets a young adult audience, particularly those who enjoy thriller and mystery genres. This demographic is often drawn to films that incorporate elements of suspense, technology, and relatable characters. The trailer appeals to this audience by presenting a modern story that uses digital themes, showcasing the main character’s use of technology and social media to uncover a mystery surrounding a missing person. This approach represents younger viewers, who are used to utilizing similar technologies and apps in their daily lives.
The trailer effectively captures the audience’s attention through its fast-paced editing and storytelling, highlighting the urgency of the character’s problem. The representation of a strong and young female lead adds to the appeal, as it provides relatable themes of determination. The use of social media as a tool for investigation reflects the realities of today's modern world, making the story feel relevant and engaging, making it more relatable and realistic. Additionally, the combination of suspenseful music and quick cuts creates an atmosphere of tension, compelling the audience to remain engaged and invested in the narrative.
In my opening, I would like to incorprate this trailer’s use of technology and software to accurately represent our audience’s daily life. The trailer emphasizes the character’s use of devices and social media to gather information, and I aim to take inspiration this in my opening by showcasing how technology plays a crucial role in my story. For instance, starting with a scene where the mian character uses her phone or laptop to communicate or search for information could establish a relatable and contemporary context. This trailer also has great emotional appeal by showing the character’s emotional stakes (her relationship with her mother), which can make the audience easily emphatize with the protagonist. I would like my audience to be able to connect to the characters in my opening the same way.
I would avoid using too much exposition in my opening. The trailer reveals key plot points which can lead to bad climaxes and minimal suspense. I want to adopt a subtle approach, allowing the audience to piece together information through visuals and natural dialogue rather than through overt explanations. This method will help maintain mystery and encourage viewers to keep watching by highlighting the effective use of technology, pacing, emotional depth, and visual storytelling techniques from the trailer, while avoiding rapid pacing, clichés, and excessive exposition.
Nightcrawler, 2014
Nightcrawler is a dark psychological thriller that appeals to a broad adult audience, particularly viewers aged 18-40 who are interested in morally complex characters and narratives. The film centers on themes of media manipulation and moral ambiguit, making it especially appealing to those who enjoy intense stories. While the movie was released almost a decade ago, the thriller genre has evolved since then, reflecting the rise of social media and technology. Contemporary thrillers often incorporate more fast-paced editing and visual effects, which makes this trailer stand out for its focus on more traditional media. This contrast between older thrillers and more recent ones highlights how the genre has changed to reflect society's concerns in different eras. Even with all these differences, I think it would be helpful to research an older movie, to gain inspiration and knowledge.
Lou Bloom, the main character, is portrayed as a determined but ethically questionable anti-hero, which would appeal to viewers interested in darker, more realistic representations of ambition and despiration. The trailer’s focus on Lou’s spiral into unethical journalism and his obsession with success, captures the interest of audiences who enjoy complex, character-driven plots. The tone of the trailer, with its intense dialogue and atmosphere, also resonates with viewers who prefer psychological thrillers over traditional action-packed films, showing how carefully it appeals to an audience with more mature tastes.
There are several aspects of the Nightcrawler trailer that I would like to add into my own film opening. One of the most interesting features of the trailer is its use of lighting and shadows to reflect the main character’s mental state and the overall tone of the film. The low-key lighting, which creates dark shadows and highlights contrasts between light and darkness, represents the main character’s moral ambiguity. This technique not only enhances the suspense but also makes the audience feel like they are getting to know the darker parts of the story. I would use a similar technique in my opening to establish an uneasy, suspenseful mood. In addition, the use of close-up shots of Lou’s face is particularly effective in showing his increasing obsession and mental deterioration. This focus on the character’s expression draws the viewer into his mindset, making the audience feel connected to his situation, even if they disagree with his actions. I would employ this technique to engage my audience emotionally and provide subtle insights into my character.
The trailer relies heavily on dialogue to convey the plot and themes of the film. While this works in the context of the trailer, I would like to avoid overusing dialogue in my own opening, especially in the early scenes. Instead, I would focus on using visual storytelling—through camera shots, mise-en-scène, and sound design—to build tension and establish the tone of the film. By relying on these, I can allow the audience to interpret the story on their own, which would make the experience more engaging and thought-provoking. For example, instead of explaining a character’s motivations through dialogue, I could use their body language, facial expressions, and surroundings to suggest their emotional state and intentions. You know, “show, not tell”.
In conclusion, this film serves as a powerful example of how a thriller trailer can effectively appeal to its target audience through its use of lighting, close-up shots, and an intense, suspenseful atmosphere. However, by avoiding some of the trailer’s cons, such as revealing too much of the plot and relying heavily on dialogue, I would aim to create a more mysterious opening. By maintaining a balance between building suspense and leaving certain aspects of the story ambiguous, I can keep my audience engaged, making them to stay invested in the narrative.
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