The Woman In Black (2012) Trailer Review (Solo)

Name of film : The Woman In Black

Year released : 2012

Genre of trailer : Psychological horror

Your mark (after viewing) : 9/10

 

What happened in the trailer?
The trailer begins with a male character sitting staring gloomily out of the window. There is a man speaking over the top saying “So, you’re from London, trying to sell Eel Marsh House” whilst we see the outside of an old looking house, assuming it is the house that is being spoken about. We see various images of the marsh land surrounding the house along with the character travelling towards it on a horse and cart. There is a non-diegetic sound of a piano playing along with a diegetic sound of a creaking noise when the character opens the door of the house. We see him explore the house and find him looking through an old fashioned zoetrope. The first jump moment happens here as he sees a woman’s face for a split second through the gaps of the zoetrope. There is a screeching noise to accompany it making the audience jump. There is then a quick montage of shots where we see a house on fire in the village and the main character explaining that he can’t leave yet even though people are continuously warning him to. We see children walking through the marsh whilst the character watches on. There is use of pathetic fallacy here as it is a stormy night which is then reflected in the character’s face and mood. We then see him carrying his son, it then cuts to him ripping off wallpaper to reveal the words “you could have saved him” so we presume it means his son. There is then another quick montage of shots inside Eel Marsh House showing the frantic and worried main character. The main title appears on screen and the trailer ends with the main character placing his hand on a misted up window to get a shock when a screaming woman’s face appears on the other side.

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

There were many positive aspects in this trailer. For example it sets the narrative well through use of clear and descriptive inter-titles. There are many jumps scenes which informs the audience as to what genre of horror the film will be. The music and sounds effects are used appropriately and work well in conjunction with the images they are used with. The music builds as the trailer gets more frantic which causes increasing tension for the audience and makes them feel on edge. There are many typical horror conventions used including plenty of low key lighting throughout and a creepy location being Eel Marsh House. There are also plenty of close-ups and great quick montages used to emphasize the drama.

 

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

I found it hard to pick out any major aspects of this trailer that were unsuccessful as it fulfilled many typical horror conventions and left me feeling on edge but wanting to see more. Nevertheless there were perhaps slightly too many jumps as it gave a lot away in terms of the plot so the audience may be left underwhelmed by the full film.