LO1 - Analysis of a film trailer - Dead Man's Shoes

Dead Man's Shoes (Shane Meadows)


A). The purpose of the video is to advertise the film Dead Man's Shoes.
B). The video is in the form of a trailer, meaning that is non-linear.
C/D).  From the start of the trailer we get an establishing shot of the Yorkshire countryside, which is somewhere not used commonly in this genre films letting the audience know that this isn't a normal kind of thriller film. Later on in the trailer there are lots of close up shots of the main characters face, this connotes how the film tells a very personal story and how the characters are the main focus of the narrative as opposed to the events. Also the narrator mentions god which lets readers know of the biblical implications of the film such as revenge, murder and family, We also see a shot reverse shot structure between the two brothers which denotes the connection between the two of them whilst also connoting that the films narrative is based strongly around their bond since the trailer focuses so strongly on it. We also see a shot of Richard staring at something, the camera is at a low angle in this shot which makes Richards character seem a lot more powerful and intimidating, this makes him seem different to conventional protagonists in films furthering the idea that this film is an unconventional take on the genre. We also see two flashbacks in the trailer which are shown in black and white, this might be done to show the brutality of what is going on, or how the world has lost all of its colour from the innocent character being abused in such a way, we are assured that these are flashbacks by the editing technique that makes the screen literally flash when transitioning in and out of these sequences. We also see how all the costumes and props in the film seem very normal and common, this fills the film with verisimilitude and makes the situation seem even more extreme. The use of the axe as a prop connotes to the audience that the violence in this film will be very brutal and realistic. The use of the gas mask in the trailer denotes that there will be elements of horror in the film the connotations of this are that this will be a very hard hitting film and that the protagonist will be very different to what we've come to expect from the normal "hero". Richard is also shown with both high and low angle shots, the combination of these 2 types of camera angles convey how the character becomes superior to those around him, through use of violence and fear. However it also lets the audience see that he is vunerable and haunted by some experiences that define his character, this makes him more interesting of a protagonist and makes him seem more relatable to a wider audience.

E). This films unique setting and narrative that spends more time focussing on the villains of the film that the protagonist makes it unconventional for the thriller/revenge genre. Also the biblical element, more antihero-like protagonist and plot twist near the end also make this film seem like more of a thinking mans revenge film and is more likely to keep the film in viewers minds after it finishes than most other thriller/revenge films.
F). The film was rated an 18 by the BBFC I think the trailer caters to the more mature audience by showing the grittiness and brutality of the narrative whilst also teasing the violence and letting the audience know of the moral ambiguity that they will find in the film. The Film will be aimed at male audiences due to the strong violence. Since it would have been showed at the cinema it will aimed at people in the A/B social grade because they will have more spending power to afford to be able to go out.