Let the Right One In Trailer Analysis

After looking at several film trailers for inspiration, we have decided to use some components of the trailer for 'Let the Right One In' as inspiration for our own trailer. Below is an analysis of the trailer, looking at the use of sound, mise en scene, cinematography and editing.

Let the Right One In - Trailer Analysis 

Within the trailer, certain features, such as the use of blue filters, the build up of tension through fast cuts and an elongated shot at the end (which draws the trailer to a close), have caught our eye.

Horror film trailer inspiration

After fully analysing several horror film trailers, we decided to look at some more unusual film trailers to look for inspiration for our own trailer. 

The first trailer that we looked at was for the 2008 Swedish film 'Let The Right One In' (which was later remade for an Amer audience starring Chloe Grace Moretz in 2011). Filmed in Sweden, the film is set in the winter, which means that harsh white and blue tones are prevalent throughout. The coldness of the tones are linked with the horror genre (obviously the polar opposite to the warm tones you may get in a comedy or romance). With the main characters of 'Let The Right One In' being children, it helped us to get an idea of how to portray our child ghost in our trailer. As well as this, the fact that the film is Swedish meant that the international trailer did not have much dialogue in it. Our trailer has one main character, and almost pushes the normal conventions of a film trailer, in that she will have no one to interact with. The use of sound in this trailer is important, and therefore, we will have to carefully think about the use if sound in our trailer. Also, the last 20 seconds of this trailer is a single shot of snow falling. This scene is literally and figuratively chilling, with a shrill echo playing as the snow is falling. The use of text over it is effective, and it is a very effective way to end the trailer, from the crescendo of the music beforehand. The contrast of the red of the title against the black and white of this last shot is very eye catching, and this scene has given us many ideas for our own trailer. 

Another trailer which caught our eye was the 1980 trailer for Stanley Kubrick's film 'The Shining'. The rising credits alongside the loudening, creepy music with the still frame of the elevator builds a lot of tension, and the flood of red 'blood' (at 0:55) is a very effective way to insinuate death, without showing a dead body. This teaser trailer is quite clever, and we may use this as inspiration for part of our trailer. 

Cinematography shot practice

Before we went out to shoot our main footage, we decided to have a go at some initial shots of film, to practice the shot types that we'd like to use. To shoot our trailer, me and Ashleigh are using our DSLR cameras (Nikon D3100). Due to the fact that they are DSLRs, it means that we can get cinematography effects that we wouldn't be able to achieve on a normal digital recorder, such as a pulled focus. For these few shots we used my Nikorr f/1.8 50mm lens - the high aperture meant that we could capture a very shallow focus. 

One of the main shots that we'd like to use is that of a record playing. Here are a few shots that we got;

This shot was taken of the record of the 'Blade Runner' film soundtrack, produced by Vangelis. This is just atmospheric music, and the fact that it is on vinyl gives it a crackled effect (best viewed in 720p HD). I took this video handheld, which is clear as the video is slightly shaky.The next few videos are shots of the record 'Tubular Bells' by Mike Oldfield. This song is from one of the most famous horror films of all time 'The Exorcist'. Clearly, this record, being associated with such a well known horror film gives off an eerie feel to it. I took these videos with the camera on a tripod, and they are visibly smoother.

These clips were just experimental, however, I like the effect this produces - after looking at the results of our questionnaire, cinematography was an important component in making a successful and interesting trailer, so we will consider other interesting cinematography features to include. 

Film distribution

From our research, I think our film would be an independent film instead of a blockbuster release. I wanted to do some research into the distribution of films, as it is an important part of the post production of films. I looked at some research as to how films are distributed and who they are distributed by. 

Distribution is arguably one of the most important parts of the film industry. The process of distribution involves the releasing and sustaining of films in the market place. In 'blockbuster' Hollywood films, distribution, production and exhibition can operate effectively when 'vertically integrated', however, in the UK, distribution is more focused on marketing globally across local markets. In the independent sector however, this vertical integration does not occur as often. The producers of independent films tend not to have the long-term economic links with distributors that Hollywood producers would have. In this sector, distribution can be divided into 3 stages - licensing, marketing and logistics. 

Final decision on trailer title

We decided to go with the title 'Lullaby'. We thought that this reflected the atmosphere that we want to capture quite well and also fits in with the theme of the child ghost. Below is the video for the song by The Cure, and as you can see, it could fit in the horror genre with its creepy, strange and almost disturbing theme. 

We may even use this as the sound track for our trailer, however, we will need to do more research into possible sound tracks before we decide.

Film Title Ideas

Trying to decide on the title of our film was quite difficult, however, we came up with three names;

Apartment 12

We liked this name as it was simple, and linked directly to the trailer. The room number of the apartment in Paris is number 12, and it is direct to the point, and doesn't give away too much about the plot.

Lullaby

We derived this name from the title of the song by the Gothic/ alternative rock group The Cure. The Gothic connotations linked to the group would fit in with the dark feel to the atmosphere that we want to create. 

La File Fantome 

Because our trailer is set in Paris, we considered naming the film a French name. The phrase 'La File Fantome' is literally translated as the the ghost girl, which clearly fits very well with the plot.

We will later decide on the final name.

Prop List

Within our film trailer, we will need to use several props in order to make it interesting and life like. One of the props that we would like to use is my Crosley portable record player (which you can see in the photograph below). This will provide sound effects and will also play a role in the story of the trailer.

Obviously, to accompany the record player, we will use a vinyl record from my collection. We are still unsure of whether the actual audio from the record will be used, or whether we will edit over the sound with a tune or song of our own choice (if I do not own that record). 

Another important prop that we may need is a clock. I'm not sure what type of clock will look best - a vintage clock? A modern clock? I know that I would like it to be an analogue clock with a second hand, as it will be used to show the passing of time and to build up tension within the trailer. It may also be used for sound effects. A passport will also be a necessary prop which will add to the narrative of the story. 

The mise en scene and set dressings will also need to be considered. Things such as the items of clothing that the characters will wear, certain make up that they will have to wear, and also features of the actual set will be considered, and will be used to portray the certain atmosphere that we want within the trailer. 

Location Ideas

Before we begin shooting, we have decided to look at possible locations for filming our trailer. Due to the synopsis of our film, obviously there needs to be shots of Paris. In the summer, I visited the city and got several establishing shots. I think that the view from the apartment that I was staying in provided the right atmosphere for the film, and shots I managed to get of the Eiffel Tower would allow the viewer to instantly recognise the location. Below are some photographs that I took while in Paris, where I filmed several shots that we will use.

As well as this, we also need to get shots of Ellie in the airport, on methods of transport and even a shot of a plane in flight. I think that either Liverpool John Lennon airport or Manchester airport will allow us to get the shots that we need - both airports have areas where you can view planes taking off where filming could take place.    

Also, filming in the Parisian apartment for all of the shots was not possible, so we had to try to scout a location to use. We have looked at several houses that we could use, however, Ellie lives in a large Victorian house in Crosby, complete with wooden floors, high ceilings and a very large attic. I think this would be a good location for filming, as the aesthetics of her old house would be similar to that of a Parisian apartment. 

Cast List

In our trailer, we have asked my friend Ellie Bray (17) to play the main protagonist. Ellie and we have been friends since we were very young and so she feels confident in portraying a character for the film. Although she has never seriously took part in acting roles before, she is a very confident person, and her interest in fashion (she studies a fashion course at college) means that she has participated in several runway shows. I trust her as I know that she will take the role seriously. Although she is only 17, she looks old enough to play a character who is a couple of years older than herself, and I think she will fit the role accordingly. 

For the role of the ghost girl, we have asked my younger sister, Holly (14), to take on the part. Again, she is a very confident person, and I know that she will take it seriously. I think that Holly will represent the character well, as when dressed in the right clothing, she will look convincing as the character. 

Initial storyboards

These are pictures of some of the storyboards that we drew up for our trailer. These will help us when filming and give us an idea of what to shoot, and how to put together the clips when editing. The storyboards, however, are not definite, and during the filming and editing process, certain features of the trailer may change and more may be added in.