Trailer analysis - Annabelle Creation

Trailer analysis – Annabelle Creation

Genre signifiers

• ·       The setting of the trailer is based in a secluded house; furthermore, it is located in the countryside. Therefore, there are not many places for the protagonists to escape the isolated area.
• ·       Furthermore, to the iconography, there are many dark and cold colours surrounding the trailer, such as black and red, which connote blood and danger.
• ·       The lighting in the trailer is expressive and non-naturalistic. In addition, the low-key lighting helps to create dark shadows and out-of-shape figures hovering in the background- this is one of David Sandberg’s favourite techniques as he used the same skill in the famous horror film, 'Lights Out'.
• ·       Moreover, iconic props, such as the use of the wheelchair help to create a vulnerable protagonist. In addition, the use of the religious objects, masks and dolls help to create a more sinister narrative.
• ·       In the trailer, the use of a nursery rhyme in the background also emits an eerie atmosphere. Furthermore, ambient diegetic sounds like footsteps are utilised often to grip the audience and to emit suspense.
•         Point of view shots combined with extreme close ups are used to encapsulate the protagonists views and emotions. This was used in the trailer when the antagonists mum holds a religious cross as we could see that she was petrified.

Audience Appeal

• ·       The extreme close up of the antagonist’s hand enraptured the audience's attention as this exploited a demon-like claw appearing from a ten-year olds body.
• ·       The trailer started with the process of making the doll, for example, inserting the eyeballs and stamping the doll box. This instantly grabs the attention of the audience as it is a unique and sinister way to start a horror movie.
• ·        Furthermore, the use of the loud screams and the clamorous bangs makes the audience scared.
• ·       Also, the different variety of shots makes the audience feel more interested and more included in the trailer as they feel like they are in the protagonist's position, especially the low angle shots as the audience is able to see the threat in the background.
• ·        The use of the whispering and softly toned dialogue makes the audience listen closely to the trailer; however this is also accompanied by piercing sounds, thus making the audience feel uncomfortable.
• ·       Furthermore, Sandberg framed shots in such a daunting way that it left the audience to search for the slightest shadows in the background to come out and jump at you – this engrosses the audience, making them want to see the film.

Character and representation

• ·       From the trailer, the film is mainly based around Janice as the shots are mainly focused on her.
• ·       It shows that the characters are orphans and that they are going to be living in a secluded orphanage owned by the Mullins’
• ·       It also shows that there is a forbidden room in the house where the children must not enter
• ·       Furthermore, it shows the history of how the doll became to conjure an evil spirit
• ·       It also shows a conversation between Linda (Janice's best friend) and Mr Mullins about their daughter – Bee who has been dead for a very long time
• ·       It shows snippets of Janice trying to escape the doll as she is telling the sister that an ‘evil presence’ is consuming her.

Branding  

• ·       ‘New line cinema production’ was shown at the end of the trailer on the bottom left hand corner with the credits
• ·       Furthermore ‘Warner Bros. Pictures’ was also shown at the end of the trailer on the bottom right hand corner with the credits.
• ·       Watertower music was also shown at the end of the trailer in the middle with the credits.
• ·       There was also a hashtag – #Annabellecreation which we could follow on twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.