To establish the difference between a film trailer and a film opening, I have analysed the opening of two different films and a trailer in terms of genre, narrative, character, atmosphere, themes, setting, sound and titles.
Film Trailer
- Title at the end of the sequence
- Usually fast paces editing with transitions
- Main, Hollywood actor and directors name at the start
- Clear idea of genre, setting, historical period and tone
- Clear indication of plot line with some questions to be answered
- See all characters
- Use of soundtrack
127 Hours (2011)
Film Opening
- Cast, Crew and institution names
- Title
- Introduction of main characters
- An indication of place, historical period, mood and tone and genre
- Brings about some questions as to what will happen
- Film is set up
Catch Me If You Can (2002) Film OpeningGenre: Detective, mystery, drama, action
Narrative: Hiding and chasing, Iconography of the airport signs
Character: Two main characters, one man being chased, the other chasing him, detective characters and smaller characters like airport workers etc.
Atmosphere: Suspicious, suspense
Themes: wealth, chasing, imitation or forgery and crime
Setting: Iconography of yellow taxis shows America, airport, hospital, city setting
Sound: old fashioned style, 60’s instrumental style adds to detective feel
Titles: production companies, director, main actors names, title followed by more actors names.
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Genre: comedy, romance?
Narrative: wedding, friendship, bride catches own bouquet ...something will go wrong?
Character: bride, groom, bridesmaids (three friends)
Atmosphere: happy, light-hearted, feminine, not modern, perhaps 50’s/60’s musical style?
Themes: Iconogrpahy of wedding – dress, bridesmaids etc. love, men, happiness, friendship
Setting: studio, pink shows it is not serious, perhaps a Mickey-take, musical style
Sound: singing about love and how to treat a man, shows themes and narrative
Titles: curly writing like a wedding invitation
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