Preliminary Task - Conjuring Trailer 2 Analysis

Mise en scene: The main setting for the trailer is a big house which the family have jus bought which already gives the audience the impression that its going to be haunted. The house also has a large garden with just one tree in the garden which tells the audience that the tree is quite significant. Furthermore, at one point in the trailer we establish someone was hung on that tree. The tree is isolated which gives the impression that the film is cold and isolated like the place and person who must have been hung. The decor and antique furniture of the house is traditional which is expected of that type of house in horror films. The use of the old piano and rocking chair in the basement gives a creepy feel. The clothing of the characters is warm toned, which has connotations of happiness contrasting with the events which will follow. Dull colours and worn out furniture/ creaky doors create an eerie effect which is required for a horror film. This is because dull colours have connotations of darkness and evil and creaky doors are often used to create tension through the sound they make as it shows that you are not alone.

Sound: sound creates the horror feeling of the trailer. The sound makes an atmosphere of suspense and fear. Eerie music/ sounds as well as a lot of screaming. These are typical conventions of a horror film. All of these together make the audience scared. The trailer starts with the male character narrating his documentary. When he walks up the stairs the piano is played which increases the tension and changes the mood instantly. We also hear a childrens laughter which is another sound effect used in typical horror films. The trailer then returns to the Warrens giving a presentation. The music that follows is relaxed which contrasts with everything being shown at the same time. The clicking sound when changing the slides is effective as it emphasises what is being shown. When the woman says "there's something horrible happening in my house" the music then fades out only the clock ticking becomes the only sound. This is a contrast to the relaxed mood and creates suspense and tension. The dead silence further increases the suspense and tension as the audience expect a big event to occur. This is followed by a loud sound in time with the girl being dragged out of bed by a supernatural being which is meant to scare the viewer. Following this there are many sounds such as screams, smashes etc.. which add to the suspense, intensity and tension of the trailer.

Camera: Many establishing/wide shots are used which show the house and the whole location. Close up shots are used to show facial expressions of characters which shows their fear. Slower pace than typical horror trailers. However, there are many fast paced shots towards the end of the trailer which shows the intensity and engages the audience making them want to watch the film.

Editing: No use of CGI which creates a sense of realism which is what the film is aiming for. There are many different transition types used between shots, which fit with different sections of the trailer.

I think the first trailer is more successful than this one as this is more about the paranormal investigators compared to the first one which has more scares and reveals less. Therefore, the audience are more persuaded to watch the film as they don't know as much.