The narrative represents both the Levi Strauss theory: that a narrative can be constructed through the equilibrium theory, and the Toderov theory: that a narrative is constructed through binary oppositions. The equilibrium theory is shown through the order of the sequence of events shown: a problematic obstacle is introduced to a small innocent village, and this has to be resolved to create a new equilibrium in the film. The Toderov theory is shown through the effect of evil verves innocence. This theory is also put into practise in the title, as a red font is used on a black background. The trailer does not show the sequence of event chronologically, but instead uses a method of a changing pace. It introduces a character or the narrator to reveal some information on characters adding to the plot insight and then cuts into a scene of quick pace and horror.
The white coloured house is a representation of innocence, the use of binary oppositions as it is on the black background behind it, draws attention to the house and reveals its significance, the narrator quotes, “He’s come home”, also representing its significance. At the beginning of the trailer we are seeing what’s happening through the eyes of the villain, one interpretation of this could be to show he is in control, not only of the situation, but of what we see and interrupt, a secondary interpretation could be to show a sense of equality between the audience and character, in which both create tension. The use of the doctor talking is to represent a professional opinion, adding to character development as a stereotypical doctor represents a trustworthy character for the audience. The doctor further represents this by his mode of address, being dressed in a suit, gender and his age. Two victims we witness murdered are a nurse and a policeman; these are both representations of innocence, as we stereotype them through their professions as being honest and civilised people. The character introduced as the main victim is a young, attractive girl, who is a babysitter this is a representation of innocence also following the conventional “children in jeopardy” scenario creating tension and fear for the audience. By the villain wearing a red cape in one scene in the trailer it could be representing blood, and therefore the horror genre.
The trailer shows realisms through the settings, characters, use of CGI and music. The settings are in a stereotypical little, small-populated village, representing realism. The characters are a representation of realism; a nurse, a doctor, a policeman and students. The sound effects of screaming represent realism as they show real fear and emotion. By using no CGI and a normal man to act the role of the villain it creates realism, in comparison to using CGI for a villain who’s not human. It could be said that because the film uses no stars to act, it contributes to realism, as they appeared average real people that could appear in this situation, unlike glamorous, and made up stars that the audience know.
Iconography was use throughout the trailer to identify certain things. The use of the pumpkin represents Halloween and the horror genre. The use of the word Halloween in the title also indicated to the audience the genre and contents of the film. The same knife is used throughout the trailer, which signifies the horror genre.
The uses of camera angles are important in creating a desired effect in a film trailer. The trailer is introduced by zooming in on the house; this creates tension and shows the significance of the house. There is use of a mid-shot to create equality between the subject and audience this also allows the audience to identify the character after not seeing whom the villain is. They also use a mid-shot when the doctor is talking; this is to create equality again between the subject and audience, creating tension. They use a close up on the victim’s faces; this is to show their expression to the audience creating tension and fear. The use of a long shot, establishes setting, and a sense of time and place for the audience. The use of pan also shows the distance between the villain and the victim in one scene, this creates tension for the audience. When focusing on the villain they use a high angle shot showing his superiority and use a fixed frame to focus on him. When focusing on the victims they use a low angle shot, this establishes their vulnerability in the situation.
