wall street: money never sleeps

Inception

Teaser Trailer Analysis of codes and signifiers

The use of motorbikes and helicopters connote wealth and a possible theme of action which therefore could mean that the film is

fast-paced

Throughout this trailer there are various shots showing partying, alcohol (particularly champagne) and women which all connote a

sense of masculine dominance and that wealth allows you to get/have whatever you want. Also, specifically the shot of

champagne infers that the film could be based on people of upper class.

The shots of tall office blocks show that this film is set in a city location, which connotes power and fast-paced business. Also, being made aware that this film is located in a city gives

the audience an idea of possible themes that are normally associated with this setting

Cigars are stereotypically associated with men of upper class, connoting a sense of high status. This paired with a location of a large sophisticated style of window overlooking city office blocks suggest that this character is a wealthy business man. Also as we

can the Gherkin building in the background, we know some of the film will be set in London which is also a very powerful city

Many male characters in this teaser are dressed in suits, which show sophistication and class. A strong sense of image/luxury

clothing connotes that the business they work in or their lifestyle requires this high level of sophistication.

This shot has been edited so that the audience can see a screen of various numbers which is the stock market. The intense

concentration on the characters face reinforces that this is a demanding business to work in. Furthermore, the stock market itself connotes money and is known to be a lucrative business

involving various risks being taken

The single, close up shot of the diamond ring links to the theme of wealth running throughout this trailer, it also

suggests that wealth allows you to get whatever you want.

There are three clips in the teaser trailer that display, separately, the words ‘money’, ‘sex’ and ‘power’. These titles are displayed on a black background and are written in tones of orange and yellow. They show to the audience that they are prominent themes in this film. Furthermore, they relate to the overall tone of wealth, class

and luxury displayed throughout the trailer

This shot shows violence, of what we assume to be the main character breaking a frame. This could connote a possible

theme of violence in the film or an example of the pressures/strain caused by working on the stock market

The final shot of this teaser trailer shows the title of the film ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ and its release date. This title tells

the audience that the film will be primarily based in New York and could also connote a sense of deception and criminality.