Research And Planning: Trailer Analysis 2 - About Time

 

Genre

Using steve neale's theroy of genre ("Genre is a repetition with and underlying pattern of variation") we can clearly see that this is a romance film as it follows the typical conventions of a romance trailer but still has its own style. Through narrative and editing we can see that it is of the romance genre as the story tells us that it is based upon a relationship of the protagonists. The slow paced editing during the 'romantic' parts also reflects the genre. These are typical conventions of a romance film that the adience would recognise clearly.

 

Representation

This trailer represents a typical boy meets girl romance story. The main character Tim plays the role of an awkward 21 year old who wants to find love. He learns that he can travel in time and tries to make his world perfect. He then meets Mary and uses his 'power' to become closer to her and learn more about her and correct mistakes he has made. Throughout the trailer you begin to see that Tim uses his power too much and it changes his whole life, making him never be with his wife or have children. Both characters are represented as 'acting' their typical age and living in the moment.

 

Narrative

The narrative of the trailer shows us that this is a typical romance film. Using Propps theroy we can clearly see that Mary would play the 'princess' and Tim would be the hero. I do not think that within this narrative there would be a clear 'viallain' because the narrative isnt about someone or something trying to break up the relatioship between the chracters. The disruption within the narrative would be Tim finding out that he has powers and then using them for his own good. The climax would be Tim going back to a point in time which is irreversable and then changes him life forver. The new equilibrium would be Tim finally being with Mary and all of his problems have been solved.

 

Audience

The audeince that I think would be attracted to this film is an older group of people at least 15+. This is due to the complexity of the characters and narrative. A younger audeince would not fully understand. Also because the characters are 21 and not in the 'high school phase' an older audience is more likely to watch it. Male audiences may be attracted to this film s the lead is also a male which they can possibly relate to. This film is attractive to people with interests in british independant films and who are looking for an escape.

 

Media Language

Due to this movie being about time travel as lot of fades are used to show the passing/going back in time. The fades also link the two scenes together and show there is a 'relatioship' between the two. Also because it is an independant 'realist' film straight cuts are used to give the realist sense to the audience. Mostly close ups are used to show the audience the characters expresions and emotions. Due to it being based in a small English town the mise-en-scene which is used is mostly deserted beaches and cobble streets. The costumes which are worn would be typical of that time as I believe it is set slightly in the past. The sound is mostly dialogue to explain the complex narrative of the trailer.