Film trailer analysis of the Hunger Games
- 1. Analysis of The Hunger Games Film Trailer Shania Steele
- 2. Background Info The Hunger Games is a film based on a trilogy of novels by Suzanne Collins. It was directed by Gary Ross. The Cinematography was done by Tom Stern. It was produced by Nina Jacobson and John Kilik.
- 3. YouTube link to the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf mrPu43DF8
- 4. Camera Shots, Angles and movement Establishing shot- sets the scene. This suggests that the area here is run down and a poorer community lives here Two Shot which shows two characters in the same shot. Creates a steady shot and not having to move the camera to see each character. Low Angle- Shows that what is above has authority as we are looking up to them. This shot could also be referred to as a point of view shot as we are looking at it from their position. The effect of having the sun distorting in the camera also could reinforce the points of view shot as it is the way we would see the sun.
- 5. High Angle- Shows that the people below are under authority and are powerless They are not superior. Close up on Object- This shot gives the audience a key focus into what to look at. It could indicate that something significant is going to happen from this shot. Close Up of Character- This expresses the facial expressions of a character which shows the emotion the character is feeling
- 6. Other Shots Over The Shoulder- Get an overview into what is going on like we are following/behind the character. Two Shot which shows two or more characters in the same shot. Creates a steady shot and not having to move the camera to see each character. Point of view- See where they are looking. Puts the audience in the characters position. Tilt Shot- Gives an extended view for the characters. Long Shot- Gives an overall view of the character. Can get a general feeling of the way the character is in a long shot. Hand-Held shots are used at various points. Creates sense of uncertainty and tension.
- 7. Mise-en-scene (costumes and make up, lighting, setting and props Voltage Sign- Suggests danger. What she goes into in the games is dangerous. This shows lower class with the wooden buildings. The area is run down and has a low population. Poorer people. Bow and arrow used by Katniss. Suggests hunting and that they need to kill animals for food. Nature setting with trees suggesting adventure.
- 8. What Katniss wears at first is simple compared to later in the trailer where she is in a fancy dress showing the difference between her town and the capitol. Reaping is factory like. Closing is pastel like blues, greys, whites, browns. Contrast to woman on stage with the over the top brightly coloured dress which shows wealth
- 9. We see the chosen child before the characters know. This gives us a sense of authority, power and secrecy.
- 10. This shot is significant as it shows the posh lights inside the train and you see Peeta in the foreground looking as if he wants to return to the poorer community where he is from.
- 11. Sound • First shot- ambient nature sounds of birds tweeting but with the eerie high drone sound over the top which suggests something bad is going to happen. • Diegetic sound of Katniss and boy talking and the non- diegetic sound stops. • Non-diegetic sound throughout the majority of the trailer. • More dramatic music as tributes start the games suggests action and danger and creates tension for the audience. • Whistle tune at the end is a key sound made in the film. This suggests a calling.
- 12. Editing • The editing is a mix of slow and fast paced. This suggests that there is an unsteady feel to the film and full of changing moods. • The majority of edits are cuts but there are some fades. This shows how the film is going to be tense and full of action and drama. • Shot reverse shot is often used in the trailer during the conversations in the film which gives a more close up view of the characters therefore expressing emotion throughout the scene better which affects the audience.
- 13. Use Of Credits and intertitles (any text that appears on the screen) This is the next text we see, this reinforces the fact it is made from a popular book. This is the first text we see in the trailer which involves a set of gates folding out to see ‘Lionsgate’ - the company involved. This text shows the audience the title of the film with a recognisable symbol behind it. The glow behind the title could suggest hope. Gold is a royal colour which could suggest victory.
- 14. These pieces of text create tension for the audience as it gives indications of what could happen in the film without giving away the plot and what happens at the end of the film
- 15. The slogan of the film. Popular phrase used in the film and will give the audience something to talk about for the film. Release date- informs viewers when the film is released to cinemas so they know exactly when it is released. Tweeting phrase to get the film trending on twitter, an advertising technique. Audience interaction Distribution Company name Copyright details and some logos
- 16. Twitter being referred to again Made reference to where the soundtrack is available from Again, social media is being used again, this time it is Facebook. They are trying to build there fan base by getting there audience to like the page Again the main company is being used Copyright details again
- 17. Purpose, Genre and audience • The purpose of the film trailer is to give a brief taster into what the film is going to be about. Also, they are used to build a fan base so people watch the film. • The film gives a small insight into what the film is about but doesn’t give away the main plot of the film. It focuses on the build up to the main plot instead of giving the main part of the film away. • The genre of this film is Adventure and Sci-fi. • The audience for this film is likely to be teenagers. This is because of the age of the majority of the characters in the film.
- 18. Institutional factors • The logo of ‘Lionsgate’ is displayed in the trailer. • Jennifer Lawrence plays the main character Katniss. • Budget: $78,000,000 (estimated) • Opening Weekend: $152,535,747 (USA) (23 March 2012) • Gross: $407,999,255 (USA) (31 August 2012)
- 19. The USP of the film In many trailers, the USP (unique selling point) is clearly displayed as it is usually the main selling point of the film and is the reason why people want to watch the film. In the case of The Hunger Games, the USP is the fact that the film is based on the trilogy of the Hunger Games novels which are written by Suzanne Collins. The fans of the novel are the primary audience for this film as they are more than likely want to find out what this film is like compared to the novels.