Editing
The trailer ultimately follows the conventions of your typical Horror/Thriller generated film and proves significant continuity throughout when it comes to the editing stylisation. What stands out more specifically on this trailer alone is the length of the shots and how the cuts use a combination of both sharp and faded styles.
The trailer opens with a series of faded, medium paced shots which establish the setting of the film. The transitions manipulate the audience to believe it is a romantic genre of film, very emblematic of the Horror variety. The trailer is quick to move on from the introduction and produces a short, black screen as it fades onto the screen which immediately ends the romantic theme presented. This transitions into various shots of an intimate moment between the 2 protagonists, stylised through fades, building the tension in the scene and then a loud banging noise is heard. It is unexpected so it adds to dramatic impact as the action and intensity of the trailer begins to unfold.
A section of the trailer which strongly depicts the change in pace is from 1:24 when the trailer reaches the summit of suspension and begins to incorporate a strong anthology of shots which show the antagonists significantly terrorising the protagonists. The transitions of the shots are blunt cuts which combine an editing technique of a static glitch which adds to the conventions of the horror genre. They are also no longer than a split second so the audience are unaware of the what happens next and also to show the variety of action within the film. The cuts are also edited and split to the pace of the broken record player track skipping repetitively in the background which gradually increases drastically in speed to heighten the suspense within trailer. This strongly affects the dramatic impact of the graphic imagery and the tension within the trailer.
These examples are very conventional of the Horror Genre, how the introduction manipulates the audience into believing something else is occurring and then easing into the revelation of the plot seconds after. Ultimately, it becomes a fast-paced, intense, graphic and thrill-packed ride for the audience to give them a sweet taster for the full length intensity. This creates tension and dramatic impact, especially in trailers for films such as "The Strangers".
Camera Angles & Shot Compositions
What is interesting about this trailer is how it composes its shots and makes clever use of elements such as an unstable camera (which is used significantly throughout), for example. This is done to somewhat parallel the emotions of the protagonists and also to depict the idea that this is filmed through a "handheld" camera (even though we are fully aware it is not), yet also to make the audience feel as if this is really happening, rather than having every shot perfect and still, very conventional of the Horror Genre.
From 0:20-0:22 it significantly makes use of the unstable camera and sound from the ambiance of the trailer to create the tense atmosphere. It can be contemplated that the 'unstable camera' represents the fear & unsteady nerves within this specific shot and parallels that of the emotions of the protagonists as they fear what may be found behind the curtain in this medium-long shot. This shot is utilised at the beginning of the trailer as it creates the suspense yet does not reveal too much about the plot or the antagonists yet intensifies the anxious environment.
What is so very unusual about the shot from 0:43 - 0:52 is that it last for 9 seconds, something which is very unconventional of the Horror variety because generally the suspense and fearful atmosphere comes from the blunt shots and the quick pace of the trailer. This shot goes against the conventions and gives the audience a lengthened taster of the film consists of; furthermore it creates this powerful piece of iconic imagery which makes the trailer so memorable and entices the audience on edge yet makes them want to see what will occur after. The establishing shot of the scene makes the environment within the film more anxious for not only for the protagonist whom is unaware that her killer is watching her from a distance, but also because it emits drama impact through the dramatic irony because the audience is unaware of what actions the antagonist will take.
The shot composition at 0:57 is low angled, long shot & a somewhat point of view shot, which is cleverly utilised to create the illusion for the audience that what we see is seen through the vision of a protagonist within. The shot combines with what can be seen as ambiance with a strong "thud" noise when one of the antagonists appears from the shadows and parallels that of the shot from 43 seconds when another antagonist appears from the shadows. It is placed within the middle of the trailer, the section which builds up the suspense, and entices yet frightens the audience. Also it introduces us to further antagonists within the film.
(1:00) This specific part is a third extreme-long shot & point of view shot within the trailer which follows the 2 prior to this to introduce us to the antagonists of the film. This follows the conventions of the Horror Genre as we are gradually introduced to the antagonists yet the audience are not exposed to them too significantly. It can be understood that we see this shot as if it is through the vision of the protagonists.
Mise En Scene
The trailer proves to be nerving and intense, yet this mainly comes from the treatment of the protagonists from the behavior of the antagonists. Not only does this make the audience feel uncomfortable but this is also due to the lack of knowledge and identity of the antagonists. The creation and characterisation of the antagonists within the trailer they are made up of your everyday clothing styling and their faces are simply masks (Sackman & the 2 doll faces), the significance of this is to make the audience feel nervous as we are unaware of the killers identities and their is no clue as to whom they may be. The masks create this emotion, and this is due to masks having that uneasy affect on people, having this somewhat 'halloween' and 'fearful' characterisation behind them.
When the audience are exposed to the environment of the house, it appears to be a comfy and secure place. This atmosphere is created by the use of typical homely, household substances such as a fireplace, dressers, dining room table with chairs, sofas and photo-frames to suggest a close-knit family. As the trailer moves faster in progression, the comfortable ambience is negated by the horror which follows. This is created by the utilisation of the conventional trees with no leaves and lack of inhabitants of the town, which emphasises the vacant landscape that creates the setting of the film. Within the middle of the trailer, there is an old metal abandoned shed located in the centre of the forest, which connotes to the theme of the trailer as it adds to the sense of danger.
The typical lighting theme used throughout the Movie is very dull lights, bland household illuminations from lamps and a Fireplace. For the exterior of the house the majority of the lighting is created by street light halos which highlight shadows but they are not strong enough to enlighten major details of the characters (mainly the antagonists faces) and other aspects. This add to the eerie elements of the film making it a much darker and real piece as the lighting is natural.
Music & Sound Effects
The introduction to the trailer uses a soft yet sinister melody to draw the audiences attention because the gentle sounds of the piano make the trailer seem more intense, rather than jumping straight into the action with stronger, louder sounds. This is overlapped by the soft voices of the film's protagonists. By using such a soft melody, it creates a calmer atmosphere, even though we are fully aware that this is a horror/thriller film trailer. It can be contemplated whether or not the music is intentional and specifically created for the trailer, or whether the melody is ambience which actually is featured within the film itself, questioning the Mise En Scene.
The Music used throughout the trailer is mainly accentuated by the ambience sounds within it. What intensifies the tension within this trailer more is that the sounds which are created come from the shots themselves. For example, the emphasis made on the sound of the creaking swing when it is plainly swinging on itself, sound is overlapped by the faded in appearance of words "Inspired by True Events". As the trailer unfolds deeper into the significance of the story, the piano melody and notes are dropped and instead the trailer plays a stronger influence on the sounds within to create the atmosphere it is aiming for.
The trailer significantly plays on silence so that the audience feel anxious, uncomfortable and on edge waiting to see what happens next. This is then killed by a strong, slamming sound which breaks the tension and induces the intensity of the trailer. After this, it features the protagonists talking and interacting with one another, rather than the music to create a more eerie and intense environment, which does not keep the audience at ease as we are nervous to know what will happen next. The slamming noise of an axe crashing through a door and the screaming of the female lead begins the build up of the action within the trailer. Almost simultaneously, the shot of the record player suggests that now rather music being purposely placed in the background, it is ambience from within the trailer itself creating the repetitive tune which is significantly used throughout the second half of the trailer, creating the fast-paced and intense shot exchange.
Setting
The audience witness the location of the film when the trailer opens with its establishing shot, showing it is set in an isolated, deserted, dark, grim and forest engulfed area which follows the conventions of a stereotypical Horror Film. It places the protagonists of the story in an environment which they are not only unfamiliar with but are within a world which is just them against their terrorisers. Yet the majority of the trailer takes place within the comfort of the protagonists own home, which intensifies the drama and goes against the conventions as it is completely unexpected because you would expect them to be captured and taken to a location which is entirely unfamiliar to them, making them more tense, vulnerable and terrified. Although, they become somewhat unguarded and so do the audience because they the action is taking place in the comfort of the their own home, questioning their safety. In progression, when the protagonists are lead outside of the arena, they become more exposed to the dangers which lurk within the darkness of the outside world, they become more assailable as they do not know what will happen next, what to expect or even where the antagonists are hidden.
Captions
The writing style is capital letters, stylised in bold and white situated on a black background, 2 contrasting colours. The words fade in, peak at large, bold letters and then fade out again. This style is shown throughout the trailer when there are words exposed to the audience, which accentuates a eerie and tense feel. When the words do appear they flicker which is a typical of the Horror Genre's conventions, it creates a darker feel providing the idea of fear and how when you are scared and things are still waiting for the slightest source of movement shocks you, which is also the style of the trailer & film itself. This style is typical of Horror conventions as the black and white create the dark tone to the trailer, yet the flickers add to the tension and fear of the piece.
The captions in the trailer are as follows:
"Inspired by True Events" - The significance of this particular phrase, which is the first caption introduced, makes the audience feel more uncomfortable as it is based around something real and something which could happen.
"We always tell ourselves"
"There's nothing to fear"
"But Sometimes, we're wrong"
"This Summer"
"What are you afraid of"
Dialogue
The Dialogue presented throughout the trailer is stylised the same way with the silence acting as a background for it as well as the ambience "What was that?...", each phrase significant yet some shorter than others. "I haven't heard a dog bark, a car pass, nothing." Although the dialogue only becomes more crucial when the action and intensity of the piece begins to unfold "There's someone out there." As the ambience becomes louder, the trailer becomes faster paced and the music speeds up, each phrase becomes more critical to the trailer. "I'm going to open the door... and I just want you to run, okay?!" *Screams* The suspense brings the audience to an edge, as the action unfolds and we learn how dark the story really is, creating a mysterious atmosphere and tension to the mood. The most significant piece of dialogue is within the final moments of the trailer when we hear an exchange between the female protagonist of the story and what we assume is a female antagonist of the story (because the exchange between them is not actually visible on the trailer, it is simply voiceover). "Why are you doing this to us?" "Because you were home." this phrase is very iconic of this specific trailer as it makes it memorable, yet it is also a very sinister moment within the trailer as it intensifies the atmosphere as the torturers and the victims come face to face.
The Music used throughout the trailer is mainly accentuated by the ambience sounds within it. What intensifies the tension within this trailer more is that the sounds which are created come from the shots themselves. For example, the emphasis made on the sound of the creaking swing when it is plainly swinging on itself, sound is overlapped by the faded in appearance of words "Inspired by True Events". As the trailer unfolds deeper into the significance of the story, the piano melody and notes are dropped and instead the trailer plays a stronger influence on the sounds within to create the atmosphere it is aiming for.
The trailer significantly plays on silence so that the audience feel anxious, uncomfortable and on edge waiting to see what happens next. This is then killed by a strong, slamming sound which breaks the tension and induces the intensity of the trailer. After this, it features the protagonists talking and interacting with one another, rather than the music to create a more eerie and intense environment, which does not keep the audience at ease as we are nervous to know what will happen next. The slamming noise of an axe crashing through a door and the screaming of the female lead begins the build up of the action within the trailer. Almost simultaneously, the shot of the record player suggests that now rather music being purposely placed in the background, it is ambience from within the trailer itself creating the repetitive tune which is significantly used throughout the second half of the trailer, creating the fast-paced and intense shot exchange.
Setting
The audience witness the location of the film when the trailer opens with its establishing shot, showing it is set in an isolated, deserted, dark, grim and forest engulfed area which follows the conventions of a stereotypical Horror Film. It places the protagonists of the story in an environment which they are not only unfamiliar with but are within a world which is just them against their terrorisers. Yet the majority of the trailer takes place within the comfort of the protagonists own home, which intensifies the drama and goes against the conventions as it is completely unexpected because you would expect them to be captured and taken to a location which is entirely unfamiliar to them, making them more tense, vulnerable and terrified. Although, they become somewhat unguarded and so do the audience because they the action is taking place in the comfort of the their own home, questioning their safety. In progression, when the protagonists are lead outside of the arena, they become more exposed to the dangers which lurk within the darkness of the outside world, they become more assailable as they do not know what will happen next, what to expect or even where the antagonists are hidden.
Captions
The writing style is capital letters, stylised in bold and white situated on a black background, 2 contrasting colours. The words fade in, peak at large, bold letters and then fade out again. This style is shown throughout the trailer when there are words exposed to the audience, which accentuates a eerie and tense feel. When the words do appear they flicker which is a typical of the Horror Genre's conventions, it creates a darker feel providing the idea of fear and how when you are scared and things are still waiting for the slightest source of movement shocks you, which is also the style of the trailer & film itself. This style is typical of Horror conventions as the black and white create the dark tone to the trailer, yet the flickers add to the tension and fear of the piece.
The captions in the trailer are as follows:
"Inspired by True Events" - The significance of this particular phrase, which is the first caption introduced, makes the audience feel more uncomfortable as it is based around something real and something which could happen.
"We always tell ourselves"
"There's nothing to fear"
"But Sometimes, we're wrong"
"This Summer"
"What are you afraid of"
Dialogue
The Dialogue presented throughout the trailer is stylised the same way with the silence acting as a background for it as well as the ambience "What was that?...", each phrase significant yet some shorter than others. "I haven't heard a dog bark, a car pass, nothing." Although the dialogue only becomes more crucial when the action and intensity of the piece begins to unfold "There's someone out there." As the ambience becomes louder, the trailer becomes faster paced and the music speeds up, each phrase becomes more critical to the trailer. "I'm going to open the door... and I just want you to run, okay?!" *Screams* The suspense brings the audience to an edge, as the action unfolds and we learn how dark the story really is, creating a mysterious atmosphere and tension to the mood. The most significant piece of dialogue is within the final moments of the trailer when we hear an exchange between the female protagonist of the story and what we assume is a female antagonist of the story (because the exchange between them is not actually visible on the trailer, it is simply voiceover). "Why are you doing this to us?" "Because you were home." this phrase is very iconic of this specific trailer as it makes it memorable, yet it is also a very sinister moment within the trailer as it intensifies the atmosphere as the torturers and the victims come face to face.
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