Saturday, 19 September 2015

Trailer Analysis of Salt



Salt was a 2010 action thriller film that starred Angelina Jolie about that is an action-packed film about secret agents told through compelling plots concerning trust and honesty. It's target audience was aged from early 20's through to adults and the film's unique selling point is that although it is action, it pulls in aspects of a drama through a plot that is inspiring and emotional.

The colour used within the trailer is mostly cool colours include blacks, greys and blues. These colours are primarily used to convey the dark themes and atmosphere of the film, constantly suggesting to the consumers that something bad is looming towards the character. The lighting used throughout the trailer is a mixture of both high key and low key, this is additionally because all of the characters are dressed in dark clothing which contrasted against the light in the photo, allowing for them to stand out. In this image an extreme close-up of Angelina (Evelyn Salt). Firstly, it acts for endorsement purpose, using Angelina Jolie as a point to reel and attract audiences who are already followers of the popular actress.

This the part when the action is at its most highest. In this brief scene, we see Angelina's character being represented as a very assertive and brave character, it challenges the conventions of female characters who tend to be passive. This character however is shown to have the same 'killer mentality' that men have when she is seen throwing a grenade at the ceiling. This scene clearly follows the many conventions with action thrillers, with explosions and weapons being shown to the consumer.

The ending of the trailer informs audiences of around the time the film will be released. Using 'Summer 2010' instead of the actual release date is much more effective, because it means that those who find the trailer intriguing must use the links shown to perhaps find out the release date and when they can see the film. WhoIsSalt creates an enigma around Salt's characters, leaving audiences confused who Salt is, is 'Salt' good or evil? Having this particular link at the very end of the trailer ends up leaving audiences and consumer on the edge of their seats, wanting to find out more and the truth about Salt.

The first half of the trailer gives consumers the basic outline of the story, though I feel it gave a way a little too much but still left a degree of mystery. The trailer tells us that a Russian spy is planning to kill the American president in New York. It is also revealed in the trailer that this Russian spy is in fact the women who was questioning the Russian guy. This indicates that the film is going to be an intense action thriller because we discover that the chase during the film will be the "spy" (Angelina Jolie) who is running from her colleagues. The target audience is aimed both towards men and women. Men will want to watch this film because it is an intense thriller, meaning that action and fast pace will be a dominant feature but it also is because using Angelina Jolie as the main character will appeal to the Male Gaze theory. Women will also want to watch this film because it shows a female protagonist, where a women will be fighting with men which flips the convention and its head as it is stereotypically men fighting men. Challenging conventions, especially in terms of gender will be more appealing as it does not dismiss the importance of strong female characters in film, which sadly is very narrow and limited.

Sounds within the trailer begins with predominately non-diegetic, with drama music and soundtrack to bring a sense of atmosphere to the trailer. The background music that has been used to this film was composed for the purpose to match and fit with the on screen visuals and additionally to match the mood of each of the characters in certain scenes and situations. It's slow, dark and gradually gets faster and then suddenly changes when it is revealed who the spy is. The sound then progresses to diegetic when 'Salt' is being moved across the bridge and the sounds go quiet and all that is heard is the sound effects of the traffic, breaking glass, the taser being used and the sounds of the cars wheels swerving.

The cuts used at the beginning of the trailer is slow, to let the trailer follow nicely and fit with the soundtrack, which will contrast with how intense and dramatic the trailer gets towards the end. The remainder of the trailer shows a much wider variety of shot types and the non-diegetic music begins to speed up and synchronises with the timing of the cuts. The end of the trailer, where the women can be seen almost peeling off a sort of face mask, it indicates to audiences that there is maybe a twist in the story. A wide shot is used twice in the beginning of the trailer where the action appears to be taking place (New York) which firstly gives consumers an idea of the types of locations that they will see in the film. The second shot is an array of police vehicles which emphasises the idea that a serious crime has taken place.

Overall, the trailer for Salt is very effective. It gives a clear indication of the thriller action genre, with using explosions and showcasing the different weapons used, it is clear to audiences that this film will include a lot of action. The trailer, though it follows conventions in terms of genre, it still challenges the conventions of female character. Angelina Jolie's character (she also appears to be the main character) is seen in the thick of the action, she is the one causing the explosions, the chaos, whereas typically it is the males who are causing the action and violence, but in this trailer the conventions are challenged and with brilliant results.

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