The woman in black

Trailer analysis

Unique selling point

The film is a version of a famous play. It also stars the famous actor Daniel Radcliff; much as he relied upon this movie to prove his diversity as an actor, his fans relied upon it to show he could be in many more popular and different movies. He has likely been cast for this role to give a new image of himself as a serious actor who works for the enjoyment of it. People will desire to see the film in order to understand the actors passion better. Another unique feature show in the trailer is the situation which the character is in. The majority of horror films contain young adults or teenagers because these are the people who can be most effected by horrors. However this film is a period ‘drama’ where the character is a family man who arrives at a house in a village where he knows no one. Thus its aim may be to ‘chill’ the older generations.

Genre

This is a supernatural horror, revealed by many stereotypical methods used often to surprise the viewer. The house displayed at the beginning is old and large which can imply the presence of ghosts. The character is isolated with the phenomenon which though isn't common of all horrors, it is a pattern when danger is present. Whilst this character is often alone in the house other protagonists of horror movie are isolated for a short amount of time when the event happens. This enlarges on the amount of terrifying events which happen to the main character. The trailer therefore guarantees a fright as he can’t easily escape the danger. Random images and objects further induces fear because everything is unexplainable. The village is shown as dark and dull which emphasizes the feeling of helplessness.

Target audience

The film was made a 12A which was plausibly a marketing strategy as the producers were aware of the interest of young teenagers. They wanted to increase the size of their target audience because older children want to prove they can watch what the parents may claim is too frightening. Nevertheless the trailer sells mainly to an audience from the age of 20 because this is the age at which they could relate to the main character and the situation may apply to them. People of the age of 15 have also likely seen all of Daniel Radcliff's films and grown up watching him change as an actor.

Narrative

Diegetic dialogue forms the narrative as pieces for different scenes is used as a voiceover. The images used also illustrate the statement made. It portrays the style of the film with mystery and suspense. As the trailer progresses the narrative does to by slowly suggesting the nature of the phenomenon which he will encounter at the house. It states the main characters background as a salesman and a father using the diegetic dialogue from introduction conversations he has with locals. The quickening of the editing pace then establishes the danger. The twist in the story is shown in parts through the development of anger towards the protagonist.

Music

The harp is used to suggest harmony and can often accompany scenes within adventure or fantasy stories. The melody is repetitive to represent a mundane lifestyle. The soundtrack suddenly ends as only the spinning of the lamp can be heard consequently creating anticipation for a sudden change in events. The use of drums at certain points gives a fast soundtrack to mimic the beat of the characters hearts because the unexplainable events are becoming increasingly terrifying. The non-diegetic soundtrack is played with the diegetic noises from the film such as the screams and the door creaking. This is an effective way of confusing the real world with the fantasy world. It becomes increasingly realistic.

Shot types

A range of wide shots are displayed initially to distance the audience from the characters and allow them to see everything around. It is also appropriate to show the style of the village he has moved into. The close ups of the protagonists at the end of the trailer reveal his emotions to show helplessness he feels. The audience may sympathise and though the main reason for viewing a film of this genre is to experience the terror; viewers may want to know if the character will survive.

Camera angles

High angle is utilised frequently to enforce separation between the main character and the viewer. The trailer then becomes increasingly frightening. The angle also confirms his isolation within the house making the presence of the woman impossible, therefore it is more startling when she is seen. The majority of scenes have been filmed at eye line level to force the viewers subconscious into each scenario. The viewer then becomes involved and as a result they feel a stronger desire to watch the film than they would if only high angles had been used.

Dialogue

The lack of diegetic dialogue entices the audience because they are given no information about the Eel Marsh house and the ghost who inhabits it. The quote “you won’t find a local buyer” makes the viewer suspicious. The diegetic dialogue states the characters personality. The line “you have a son” shows his innocence making the story events that follow more tragic. There tone contrast greatly with that of the woman in black, her diegetic dialogue ‘never forget” is chilling because it is hushed and hints at her relentless torment. Another line “you should have left” leaves the viewer questioning the nature of the locals, they seem angry and irritated by the disturbance. It is also clear that they are all aware of the Woman in White which makes it mysterious as they may be trapped there.