Film Trailer: Prom Night!

• I chose to analyse this film trailer because It is different from trailer I have previously looked at. The trailer doesn’t start with the common horror theme and I think this is effective. The trailer starts by creating that perfect Prom scene that every girl wants, with no connotations of horror included until the lights go out in the prom. From this moment on the audience are shocked as they have been waiting for that turning point in the film, the audience are now engaged with the trailer.
• The music at the beginning is upbeat and energetic, which relates to the fun that should take place at prom, but this gets the audience thinking that its not going to stay so fun for long, and something is going to happen. The music then cuts out and a loud sound is used when the lights go out, this is the point of shock where the horror begins. The music then changes to a slower sound, which is quite high pitched.
• When the music changes the screen repeatedly flashes black, in between which you see action of the characters all in shock and scared. After this a man feet appear at the top of the stairs. This is effective as the audience know this is going to be the ‘killer’ in the film, but gives a sense of mystery as you only see the feet of the man.
• Similar to the other trailers I have watched, the trailer then picks up pace and cuts between action become faster making a more intense atmosphere. There are a lot of loud noises and screams that are used to shock the audience and this builds up the tension instead of fast, loud music that other trailers use.