The Format of Trailers

Trailers tend to follow the same pattern as a film. They have a beginning, or introduction sequence, followed by a problem and then an attempt at the solution (This ties in with Todorov's narrative theory). This shows the audience the narrative and main plot of the film, however, it has been argued that this format reveals the whole story in the trailers. Some people suggest that all the best bits are put into the trailer to make the film appealing, but the rest of the feature leaves a lot to be desired.

Most trailers have three 'acts'. It is common for them to have three separate songs, which are quite often not included in the films as trailers are made before post production has finished where, usually, the soundtracks is one of the last things to be added. This was not the case for 'E.T.' or films with quite distinctive soundtracks.

Some trailers also include sequences that are not actually in the film. This is most famously seen in the six minute trailer for Hitchcock's 'Psycho' in which the whole trailer is shot post production and even included a different actress for the main role. However, some things are in the trailers that have been cut from the original film. An example of this is in the 'Spiderman' trailer in which there is a scene of criminals near the World Trade Center, where the film was released soon after the terrorist attacks when the area was still very sensitive.

 

 

*When researching multiple horror films I have noticed that they tend to deviate from the conventional narrative as a new equilibrium is not put in place, instead there seems to be no real end to the character's fear and suffering or the indication of a possible sequel is shown, such as in 'Isidious' where the family believe they have successfully rid the demon from the child, it becomes apparent that it has possessed the father which ques the end of the film and a possible sequel.