Cloverfield (2008) Trailer Review (Class)

Name of film : Cloverfield

Year released : 2008

Genre of trailer : Hand-held action horror

Your mark (after viewing) : 8/10

What happened in the trailer?

This is a greenband scene trailer so we do not expect it to contain many, if any, gory, graphic features. We are first introduced to a scene in a skyline apartment where a group of people have thrown a surprise farewell party for their friend and main character, Rob. There is diegetic sound as they all shout "surprise" and continue to dance and express messages to Rob through the hand-held camera. There is a sudden shake and the lights go out momentarily along with sirens in the background. There is panic as the group head to the roof, only to find buildings exploding and things firing through the air causing destruction. We follow them out of their flat onto the street where many people are standing in wonder and shock of what is happening. The trailer ends with the Statue of Liberty's head flying towards them as we see it get struck down. There is diegetic screaming and hysteria as the credits appear on the screen to end.

Which positive, clever or interesting aspects do you think you could include in your own trailer? What generic features are fulfilled well?

Due to it being a scene trailer, the audience are thrown straight into the film and the action, captivating them from the first shot. We can quickly establish it is a hand-held camera trailer, indicating the whole film could be hand-held. By using this technique, it appears to be more realistic, thus more appealing to the viewing audience. The scene used is well chosen as it is memorable and interesting and is set in the instantly recognisable  city of New York; allowing it to be more relatable and relevant. The scene finishes on a big moment, with the iconic Statue of Liberty's head hurtling through the city destroying anything in its path. Having an epic ending to the trailer is something I would include in my own trailer; it simply leaves the audience shocked and wanting to see more, but more importantly it allows them to remember it after only watching it once.

 

Which aspects of the trailer did you think were unsuccessful, and would put off its target audience? How is it disappointing?

This scene trailer contained a lot of action and no horror. To gain a higher mark from myself, it needs to include a small amount of horror to fulfil it's hybrid genre of action and horror otherwise stereotypical fans of the genre could be put off by the trailer thinking it is purely an action filled film. To be specific, the trailer could have contained a bit of gore after the lights flicker out and panic arises. The balls of fire that strike the apartment could cause a character to be injured; showing body horror. This would then indicate that of blood and gore is included in the rest of the film, showing that it is indeed a horror film.
 

What was the trailer's average score in class? Why did it receive that mark?

Cloverfield (2008) trailer received an average score of 8 from the class. A scene trailer can work as long as the chosen scene is distinct and gives an enticing view into how the rest of the film could unfold. This trailer fulfilled this so this is why I think it achieved  a high average score. The trailer finishes with an open ending whereas a highlights trailer would normally end with a jump and a shot which could indicate the ending of the whole film. By leaving it open, it captivates the audience's attention, obligating them to be in wonder of how the plot could endeavour to unfold.  However, on the other hand, as it is a scene trailer, it only gives you a little insight into film in comparison to a highlights trailer where more of the film would be shown in short shots. This may encourage viewers to watch the film, although it could also discourage them too.