Narrative Structure:
As the trailer begins, we are taken straight into a state of disequilibrium which is unconventional for a film trailer as Todorov’s narrative theory states that there are four main stages to a trailer; equilibrium, moment of disequilibrium, disequilibrium, and then a new equilibrium. The Saw trailer does not include a new equilibrium as this would give the whole plot of the film away. Instead, as an audience we gather a range of questions and predictions about various ways of how the film could end. From this we gain pleasure by seeing our predictions revealed when we see the film; this relates to Barthes’ pleasure of text and enigma code theories. Unconventionally, there is no direct state of equilibrium or moment of disequilibrium within the trailer; this creates uncertainty for the audience and adds to the fear factor. However, 4 seconds into the trailer a series of newspaper articles is shown giving the audience both a brief insight into Jigsaw’s background and a previous equilibrium.
Characters:
In the trailer we are shown a range of different character types. At 10 seconds, a medium shot of a man is used to show the first victim. He is dressed in a blue shirt and trousers which is seen as smart/casual and looks to be a well-kept man; because of his attire, we assume he works in a high standard profession and can therefore connote that he is wealthy. However, because he is shown wearing no shoes it presents him as vulnerable which allows the audience to assume he is one of the killer’s victims. The next victim is shown in a close up shot at 39 seconds and is of a pretty blonde girl leaning against a staircase for comfort and support. Due to our prior knowledge of film trailers and Carol Clover’s final girl theory we can make an assumption that she could be a possible final girl in the film. The main villain in ‘Saw’ is named ‘Jigsaw’ and is always shown through to his victims through a screen; this helps to conceal his identity as no one knows who Jigsaw really is. Jigsaw is presented as a ventriloquist doll with clown like features; this is scary as many people have a fear of clowns which adds to the initial fear factor. The use of a mask is a common prop paradigm as it again helps to conceal the killer’s identity.
In the trailer we are shown a range of different character types. At 10 seconds, a medium shot of a man is used to show the first victim. He is dressed in a blue shirt and trousers which is seen as smart/casual and looks to be a well-kept man; because of his attire, we assume he works in a high standard profession and can therefore connote that he is wealthy. However, because he is shown wearing no shoes it presents him as vulnerable which allows the audience to assume he is one of the killer’s victims. The next victim is shown in a close up shot at 39 seconds and is of a pretty blonde girl leaning against a staircase for comfort and support. Due to our prior knowledge of film trailers and Carol Clover’s final girl theory we can make an assumption that she could be a possible final girl in the film. The main villain in ‘Saw’ is named ‘Jigsaw’ and is always shown through to his victims through a screen; this helps to conceal his identity as no one knows who Jigsaw really is. Jigsaw is presented as a ventriloquist doll with clown like features; this is scary as many people have a fear of clowns which adds to the initial fear factor. The use of a mask is a common prop paradigm as it again helps to conceal the killer’s identity.
Setting:
As soon as the trailer starts, we are shown an old fashioned television placed on a broken chair; this shows the audience that the location is run down, isolated and old. The next location is shown at 10 seconds and is seen to be a hidden location because it hasn’t been in use for many years due to the grime and dirt. A hidden location is typical in a structuralist horror film as it allows the victims no escape, enhancing the idea of imprisonment. The use of smoke within the different settings creates mystery as the view is distorted for both the audience and the victims; this is also reinforced by the constant low lighting throughout the trailer. Parts of the trailer are shown on a CCTV camera which makes the audience voyeuristic as they are watching the victims suffering through a video camera recording. At 40 seconds there is a quick cut of a cellar door closing. From this we assume that the location is underground so all the victims are trapped in complete darkness; the darkness in horror films also connotes with fear as this is where the horror takes place. The cellar door closing also relates to a sense of burial which is a primal fear for a lot of people which adds to the fear factor when watching ‘Saw.’
As soon as the trailer starts, we are shown an old fashioned television placed on a broken chair; this shows the audience that the location is run down, isolated and old. The next location is shown at 10 seconds and is seen to be a hidden location because it hasn’t been in use for many years due to the grime and dirt. A hidden location is typical in a structuralist horror film as it allows the victims no escape, enhancing the idea of imprisonment. The use of smoke within the different settings creates mystery as the view is distorted for both the audience and the victims; this is also reinforced by the constant low lighting throughout the trailer. Parts of the trailer are shown on a CCTV camera which makes the audience voyeuristic as they are watching the victims suffering through a video camera recording. At 40 seconds there is a quick cut of a cellar door closing. From this we assume that the location is underground so all the victims are trapped in complete darkness; the darkness in horror films also connotes with fear as this is where the horror takes place. The cellar door closing also relates to a sense of burial which is a primal fear for a lot of people which adds to the fear factor when watching ‘Saw.’
Sound:
The trailer uses a range of sounds both diegetic and non-diegetic. Throughout the trailer various industrial instruments are used as both diegetic and non-diegetic sound; this includes the sounds of saws, jangling metal and some sounds which are unidentifiable which creates a sense of unease. The industrial sounds also relate to the film’s title of ‘Saw.’ A rumbling non-diegetic sound is used occasionally throughout the trailer which also creates agitation. At 34 seconds there is a diegetic sound of a clock ticking down, this not only represents the victims challenge during the scene, but metaphorically connotes with the time they have left to survive. Right at the end of the trailer, we hear a non-diegetic sound of an evil clown laughing which slowly starts to fade and crackle as if the evil clown or doll is breaking. This could also relate to the victims slowly dying one by one.
The trailer uses a range of sounds both diegetic and non-diegetic. Throughout the trailer various industrial instruments are used as both diegetic and non-diegetic sound; this includes the sounds of saws, jangling metal and some sounds which are unidentifiable which creates a sense of unease. The industrial sounds also relate to the film’s title of ‘Saw.’ A rumbling non-diegetic sound is used occasionally throughout the trailer which also creates agitation. At 34 seconds there is a diegetic sound of a clock ticking down, this not only represents the victims challenge during the scene, but metaphorically connotes with the time they have left to survive. Right at the end of the trailer, we hear a non-diegetic sound of an evil clown laughing which slowly starts to fade and crackle as if the evil clown or doll is breaking. This could also relate to the victims slowly dying one by one.
Editing:
The trailer is of a fast pace with quick jump cuts throughout; this is used to disorientate the audience as there is no clear idea of the plot of the film. At 20 seconds there are series of different shot types of a saw which is a typical prop paradigm because of the personal killing between the victim and the killer; because the killer, in this case Jigsaw has ownership of the victims it changes ‘Saw’ from a slasher film to just a horror. The quick shot types also represent the unstable mental state of the victims because of the disorientation. During the reverse bear trap scene, the camera is constantly spinning to represent a hand on a clock spinning; this breaks the 180 degree rule and is again use to disorientate the audience. All the tone cards within the trailer are of the same design and use the traditional ‘times new roman’ font. This gives a sense of age and maturity to the killer making him seem intelligent. The colour of the tone cards connotes with darkness and the blurred writing is disorientating which acts as continuity with the setting.
The trailer is of a fast pace with quick jump cuts throughout; this is used to disorientate the audience as there is no clear idea of the plot of the film. At 20 seconds there are series of different shot types of a saw which is a typical prop paradigm because of the personal killing between the victim and the killer; because the killer, in this case Jigsaw has ownership of the victims it changes ‘Saw’ from a slasher film to just a horror. The quick shot types also represent the unstable mental state of the victims because of the disorientation. During the reverse bear trap scene, the camera is constantly spinning to represent a hand on a clock spinning; this breaks the 180 degree rule and is again use to disorientate the audience. All the tone cards within the trailer are of the same design and use the traditional ‘times new roman’ font. This gives a sense of age and maturity to the killer making him seem intelligent. The colour of the tone cards connotes with darkness and the blurred writing is disorientating which acts as continuity with the setting.
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