The Hangover Trailer Detailed Analysis

Camerawork

This film trailer has three main shot types: Close-up, two shot and wide shot. Each are very common and conventional for comedy film trailers and each have a different effect.

Close Up

There are a number of close up shots within this trailer. These shots give the effect of showing the audience a character’s facial expressions to portray emotions, helping to tell the story which in turn, helps with the humour aspect. In the particular example shown above, one of the character’s fiancés are angry and the close up helps to portray this emotion. Consequently this makes the situation funnier for the audience as it is realistic and has probably happened to them at some point too.

Two Shot

Two shots are also commonly used within this trailer, mainly because the film focuses on a number of couples so are often seen together. Two shots are usually used when two characters are having a conversation and show the audience the reactions to one another. In comedy these work well as it makes an argument more exaggerated so therefore, more humorous. In the example shown above the couple are discussing how ‘mature’ his friends are when his friend shouts “ageing doctor douchebag in the background. The fact you can see the wife’s reaction makes the situation funnier.

Wide Shot

Wide shots are used very often in comedy film trailers due to the effect they have. Wide shots show the audience the wider scene of what is happening. Due to being able to see everything which is going on around the characters, the situation is funnier as you can see the full effect of their actions. In the above example, the characters have just woken up to their room after a drunken night. The wide shot shows the complete mess and broken furniture, showing the extent to which they got drunk, adding more humour.

Mise – en – scene

Mise – en – scene is very important for comedy film trailers as it helps to tell the story and what the characters are like, sometimes adding more humour to the trailer.

Costume

Costume is an important part of telling a story. In a comedy trailer it helps to emphasise the funniness of the situation. In the first example above, a character is shown just to be in a t-shit and underwear. This emphasises the drunk night they had which makes the situation funnier for the audience to watch. Costume also helps to show the differences between the different characters within a film. Usually, in a comedy you find someone who is of a higher class to another character. In the second example above, it shows three different characters all wearing different costume. The man in the middle is wearing a smart dress shirt whereas the other two are just in a polo and t-shirt, emphasising the different personalities.

Lighting

Conventionally, comedy films always use bright lighting unless the scene requires it. This is because comedies are supposed to be feel-good films. In the first example shown above, ambient lighting is used. This has the effect of making the scene look as natural and realistic as possible. The more realistic the film is, the funnier it is. In the second example shown about, high key lighting is used. This helps to create the atmosphere of a feel-good film.

Props

Props are used within comedy films to make a situation funnier and to help tell a story. In the above example, we see empty beer cans, broken glasses and a chicken. This suggests the extent of how drunk the characters were due to the glasses being smashed, this wouldn’t happen in a normal situation. The chicken adds the humour aspect as it is just so bizarre.

Setting

Setting is an important factor of any film trailer. It helps to tell the story and put the characters in a certain place. The Hangover film trailer has two very contrasting settings. Firstly, the trailer shows a manor house with neat gardens, connoting a peaceful and relaxing environment. It then switches to a pool side with women in bikinis, everyone having a good time. This creates the humorous reality of the characters not being where they should be.

Editing

Editing within comedy films, especially trailers, conventionally is very fast paced. This ensures the maximum comedic effect.

Cut

Cuts are very common within The Hangover film trailer. They are all faced paced and juxtapose one another. In the example above, the first shot shows a couple having a conversation. Due to their facial expressions being serious, it connotes that their conversation is of an important matter. This shot then cuts to the next one which shows the guy in the first shot with all of his friends, travelling in a

convertible with his friends having fun. This juxtaposes the first serious shot, creating comedic effect.

Shot-reverse-shot

Shot-reverse-shots help to make scenes more humorous within a comedy trailer. It achieves this as it shows the audience the reactions of characters to each other’s actions. In the above example we see that at first, we see the three characters turning round and staring at something then the next shot shows a police car and officer and then it returns to the first shot. This is funny to the audience as it is a realistic situation which these characters are in and connotes they are in trouble for their actions.

Sound

Dialogue

Dialogue in a comedy trailer usually uses the funnier comments to attract the audience and make them want to watch the film. In the above example, a police officer is shouting “in the face” when using a taser on another character’s face. This is funny as it is very unrealistic for someone with authority to do, therefore making a humorous situation.

Non – Diegetic Music

In the face, in the face!

An important aspect of comedy film trailers is the non-diegetic background music which sets the mood from the film. In the Hangover trailer, a lot of feel good, popular music is used to attract their primary audience. In this example, the lyrics of the song being played say “live your life” which connotes freedom, linking to the fact that the characters are going to have fun and be free. This adds to the feel good mood of the film.