Research and planning: 2 Film trailer analysis

8 Mile

8 Mile can be classed as a biopic/ drama genre. The main star/ actor is Eminem which follows his journey which reflects on aspects of  a rough upbringing. This shows following codes and conventions which adhere to what is expected from the genre.

Considering mise-en-scene the setting adheres to conventions because within the frames, the audience see's the deprived backgrounds. To add to this vision, props are used such as cigarettes. For the scenario to be realistic, casual clothing is used to show that the people are ordinary. In addition, this has connotations to being worthless/ lacks status.

Within editing, the trailer uses a single fade to white. This shows that there is only one good moment which shows happiness and a moment of clarity. There are straight cuts throughout to retain continuity between a series of events. A wipe is used which is uncommon in modern trailers due to not retaining the sense of realism but in this trailer the effect expands into colour. A series of jump cuts are used to show instant flashes.

The use of sound splits mainly from diegetic such as tapping of feet when the camera focuses on him jumping and non diegetic such as the score developed which is one of Eminem's rap songs- Lose yourself.  To add to the atmosphere, SFX sounds such as the sizzling of fire builds to the intensity of the situation.

Various uses of cinematography consists within the film. This includes a shot reverse shot which displays a conversation. High angle shot shows vulnerability/ dependancy. The use of hand held camera creates a sense of realism which is allowing the audience to look into a persons life. A tracking goes to eye line match level to demonstrate the sense of understanding.

Some examples:

Non- diegetic score- used in the trailer and uses cross media convergence to promote the film

Remember me

The genre can be classed as a tragic romance and is influenced by the 9/11 bombing therefore conventions of a romance is subverted to create a tragic twist to the trailer and film.  

Considering sound, a voice over is used to show the narrative is from the main characters perspective. Themes and strings are used to build on the trailer such as the use of guitar strings. The sound adds to the emotive response of the audience. A sound bridge is used with the guitar strings playing which represents the continues journey of the characters progression. Diegetic sound builds onto the realism of the atmosphere such as the sound of the train and the first fight scene showed. Within this, there are moments of silence which develops the intensity of the situation. 

Editing includes effects such as quick fades which establishes continuity and includes straight cuts to show the narrative progressing. At the beginning of the trailer, a dissolve between the train and the main character on the train has connotations to the life, of the main character being destroyed, simply dissolving away. 

The use of cinematography is used to build the atmosphere and creates a sense of realism. This is enforced in the use of hand held camera as he approaches the fight scene which not only creates a perspective of character but shows his state of disorientation. Allowing the audience to view the scenario from the eyes of the main character. The shot reverse shots display conversations which allows introduction of mise-en-scene facial expressions and body language. Within the framing, the emotions captured uses an eye line match, for an instant, to show the main character and his father trying to understand one another until the miscommunication. Cleverly, the hand held camera technique has connotations to the destructiveness of the conversation. This subverts the Romantic genre because the sole focus isn't on the romance but the main characters life. The use of high angle shot demonstrates vulnerability which adheres to the romantic genre due to invoking multiple emotive responses from the audience. In addition, the contrasting shot which is a low angle shot has connotations to empowerment of character. Another way lack of empowerment is shown is when there is a wide shot used. This is due to making the character look insignificant and vulnerable which is complimented by the use of facial expression and body language.