batman trailer analysis

I have chosen to look into this film which is Batman the dark knight as it follows the genre we have chosen to look at as a group which is action. Batman was first produced by DC comics and was first introduced to the public in the comics in May 1939. Since then he has become one of the most successful and popular DC comic character. This film is part of a trilogy which was co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film was distributed by the warner bros. which is a popular film company and probably help lead the films to their success. The budget which was spent on the film came to around $185 million and it made at box office around $1,004,558,444.Based on 286 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 94% approval rating from critics, with an average score of 8.5/10.

Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer is a German film composer and music producer. He has composed music for over 100 films, including award winning film scores for The Lion King (1994), Crimson Tide (1995), Gladiator (2000), The Last Samurai (2003), The Dark Knight (2008) and Inception (2010). He did the music score and has also worked on games scores such as call of duty which is an army game. I think this shows he knows how to create an atmosphere which gets an audience truly interested and involved with the game or plot of the film and this ability helps with the success of the film.

This is my analysis on the film trailer as i think they use iconic ways to represent characters and create an atmosphere by using Mise en scene, editing, sound, camera angles and movement.

Mise en scene:

The first scene we see is very low key light and it is obvious it is set outside as first as we see the building. We then also see the very low lit streets also stating this scene is outside and in a popular city. when the producers names come up we see them backed by blue fire this makes them look modern and helps make them stand out. Blue is an iconic modern colour and gives the new release a recent feel. We then see a city scape and people in suits this is just showing you the setting of a very popular busy city where there are a lot of people. We then see some characters in suits showing they have some importance in the city and possibly in the plot of the film. We then see a short scene of a car crashing through a wall this immediately highlights drama and action. It then cuts to a meeting going on where we see the back of the joker. I think is so we can focus on his voice and realise and recognise him for his voice and it helps build up curiosity for the audience as they wait to see what he looks like. in the meeting the lighting is high key light and this connotes to a safe place and they may be having this meeting in a place of authority and law and something to do with the police.

           When we first see the joker has has on a purple suit purple connotes royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition, as well as wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom,and dignity suggesting the joker thinks he is smarter and higher above everyone else and is striving for individuality.  In the high key light the wrinkles on his face are also highlighted making his facial features more presented and defined. Around his eyes he has black this makes him look very dark and evil. The green hair makes him look immediately different along with the smudged red around his mouth which looks almost like blood. He has a smile of death. We then see a crowd running suggesting something big has happened and is scaring them away this creates curiosity and tension. We then also see a scene where a building explodes this clearly makes the action clear and the genre of this film clear. We also see the joker hold up a playing card with the joker on it as he suggests this is his card. This implies he has a sinister humour and likes to be funny and see things as a joker. He also claims its 'his' card and is therefore stating that he is the ultimate joker. We then see another city scape which is highlighting the importance of this city and stating that it is clearly relevant to the plot and is probably linked to the joker. We are then in a restaurant and the warm back lights help create the warm and cosy atmosphere within the place.
         We then see a scene with batman on a motorbike which are built for speed and this makes the scene look dramatic quick and full of action as they are also dangerous vehicles. We are then shown more explosions which show us the intensity of this film and the destruction that takes place within the plot itself. We then see a woman character talking to Bruce outside on their own showing that those two are quite personal and their is some significance between them both. This also signifies that there could be a possible damsel in distress. We then also see batman land on a car smashing it in a crouched down position. This makes him look very powerful and strong as a character and as a hero but is also shows he is quite mysterious about what he does and prefers to be closed off as he hides his identity. We then see the joker shooting up the roof trying to stir up the crowd and make his presence clear we also see the people run in wearing clown masks. This indicates he has followers as a clown is a step down from a joker as a joker is seen to be more complexed and tend to be more famous for mind games and this makes him more sinister , creative and more feared. We again see a scene of a car explosion this could indicate his target is not the public but a single person. when he is about to confront the female character we see him slick his hair back with the hand he has the knife in. This reminds us as an audience that he is dangerous armed and that this could be hinting to a next scene. It also may show that he is proud to be who he is as he doesn't hide the knife from her making him seem confident and quite superior.
      We then see the joker watching a fire burn this shows he has no fear of the element and is quite confronting to the fire and its dangers. it also makes him look very dark and cruel as the fire kills away the building. We also see the joker throw a knife from one hand to the other treating it as some toy and this again makes him look very confronting as he toys with the weapon it also makes him look very strong and bold. We see the joker shooting a gun and then the lorry flips this is clearly showing that the joker is the one causing the chaos and making things go wrong. we also see a scene were the very iconic symbolic batman light is smashed and this indicates that he has found his match and that he his being challenged by the joker himself as the people cant signal for his help. We then see a male character who has already been introduced shouting this indicates he has an important role in the plot and he is involved with some dramatic incident. We see batman flying over the city this shows he is watching over the city in general.

Editing:

In the first 3 scenes we see they fade out. This means as an audience we are being slowly introduced to the trailer and being built up slowly. This also adds dramatic effect to the scene itself. The names and logos of the producers fade in so we are slowly introduced to each of them so we can see them clearly also the blue fire behind them highlight there significance.we then see four quick cuts used which goes from a city scape to the police to then two male characters (separately) this highlights there significance in the plot and also shows they have some relevance and importance in the plot and the film in general. A scene of a meeting fades out to a scene of a car crashing through a wall which also acts as a cut away shot from the meeting and this could indicate what is going on whilst the meeting is taking place or could be some sort of flash back and this is why they are having the meeting. Two quick cuts are then used as the character Bruce looks up and then we see a black frame this highlights his significance and also could relate him as a character to the car crash and the meeting. The black frame helps us concentrate on the sound as it is important and helps us as an audience listen harder and pulls us in. The meting scene then fades back in this highlights its importance as we are revisiting the scene.
          A cut away shot is then used as Bruce is introduced to characters in the film but also to us as an audience so we know who he is and who is character is in the film. A cut way is also used to see batman on a motorbike this adds a clear link to the two characters. The female character fades in and out quite often making her look quite vague and weak almost as she doesn't look as bold of a character than Bruce and this highlights the possibilities of her being a damsel in distress later on in the film. When the male character asks if there are any ''ex's'' he should worry about a cut away shot is used to batman landing on a car smashing it this looked quite bold,strong and is done in quite a confident and slightly aggressive manor adding slight humour to the trailer and also indicates he is an ex boyfriend. A black scene is used as the joker speaks again so we are again paying more attention to what he is saying and to the plot in general.
          Two quick shots are used as the joker is walking up to the female character to him being really close to her. This makes his confidence clear and also shows he has an immediate interest in her. We then see Bruce fade out holding the batman mask to a meeting this could be showing that he is becoming a public need but he isn't strong enough for them. Four quick shots are then used from an explosion to the joker to Bruce to the batman costume. This way we can see how the explosion links to do joker making him the ultimate culprit and then from Bruce to the batman costume making it obvious he is the batman and that all these situations are all linked as batman has to face the joker because of the explosions and chaos he is causing. We then see the joker sat in a cell and when he claps his hands a quick cut is used and this shows his confidence as it is almost as though he signalled the transition which also gives him a sense of power as a character. Scenes then become shorter and transitions faster until an iconic,ironic important saying is said so we are built up for this moment. The titles then slowly fade in giving them dramatic effect and importance as we are introduced to the film title. A cut away shot is then used to the Lamborghini this also adds humour to the trailer.

Sound:

At first we hear a loud bang which immediately draws us in as it catches our attention. The bang is then repeated again this could symbolise this importance of the upcoming events. Beating then comes in building the music up and making the music sound more bold and thick. We then hear another loud bang before the man jumps off the building the music then builds up louder. We can then hear a voice speaking however we do not yet have a face to put the voice to so this increases curiosity within the viewers and makes us intrigued to see who is talking. We also hear the diagetic sound of the camera flashes and this keeps us related to the real world and makes the whole plot in itself seem more realistic and reminds us this is supposed to be a real and possible situation. The jokers voice and the constant score of music acts as a sound bridge throughout the whole of the trailer keeping all the scenes linked and making the trailer feel fluent as it plays.
          The music then changes pitch as it becomes a higher key and this again grabs our attention as we notice this change and this help build up and create tension. The music then stops and all we hear is the joker say ''Kill the batman'' this highlights the importance and relevance of this saying and makes it clear there will be a distinct battle between good and evil the joker being the bad guy or villain. We then hear a stereotypical evil laugh which sounds very sinister and mocking as people run and we hear the diagetic sound of people screaming this clearly indicates that the joker is evil and is causing chaos and disaster. We also hear the diagetic sound of the explosions this makes them seem more real as we hear and see them happening. We then hear the violins come into the score of music this adds an immediate dramatic effect and helps make the score of music sound more full and intense with there sharp sounds. We then also hear the fast pace beating and this is helping build up the tension also we hear the loud pounding of the drums this is all making the score of music sound heavy and very obvious as it is helping build up the atmosphere. The score of music is also a low tone and this adds a sinister and very confronting effect as it sounds powerful and strong. We still hear the diagetic sounds of the explosions keeping us linked with the reality and severity of the situation. Trumpets are then introduced into the score of music. Trumpets were used to signal importance and also to signal the start of a war and this is what i get from this i feel like they are announcing the war is about to start between good and evil.
              We also still hear the fast beat keeping the tension high and gets adrenaline pumping as the music prepares us for the drama that is about to happen. The music then stops as we hear a character say ''you have no idea''. We then hear the joker introduce himself by saying ''good evening ladies and gentlemen'' this is stating that he is very powerful and the people have underestimated villains and he is going to be different and more eccentric. As the joker shoots his gun this is a trigger for the music to come flooding back. Again giving the joker control and a strong sense of power almost a though he is manipulating and controlling the trailer. The violins start to pick up and become louder we hear the diagetic sound of people screaming. Through quick cuts we hear the loud beats again that were used in the beginning this again sounds abrupt and grabs our attention keeping us completly focused on the plot. Sound perspective is demonstrated when the joker flicks his knife as the noise sounds really loud. I think this is because it is an easily recognisable sound and this connotes pain,death and this again makes the genre of the film clear.
            The joker signals the music to come again when he literally says the word ''Go''. He is signalling the chaos and starts all of the drama. we then hear the diagetic sound of the Gun shots and this again connotes pain and death making the genre really clear and also acts as a shout out as we are being pulled in to see what he is doing and what he is shooting at. The violin starts to build up again and is joined with fast percussion and this again is adding tension and helps create the dramatic atmosphere. We hear the constant beat and the clash of the violins as they strike together this makes the music sound strong and powerful and is parallel to the joker as he is confident and a powerful villain. The music is then silent so we can hear the significant saying from the male character as he states '' die a hero or live long enough to see our self become a villain''. The music then goes from high to low pitch again bringing back that sinister feel to the trailer and build us up with the constant drum of music. Slow dramatic wind instruments are then introduced to the score of music adding drama and power this adds emphasis on the titles and makes them more important as they music finally slows and this makes the title stand out.

Camera angles and movement:


The first scene uses a panning shot around the building and also acts as an establishing shot as we see the city. A high angle shot is then used so we see the man on the roof this also acts as an establishing shot and is also a panning shot as it moves around the character on the roof highlighting his significance. A high angle shot is then used again as he jumps of the building empathising the height of the building and making his jump seem more dramatic. A tracking shot is then used this is also a crane shot as it is going over a building this also acts as an establishing shot as we are being introduced to the city and the surroundings. A vertical tilt is then used of the crows so we see the mass of people. A mid-close up is used on the two different male characters this is so we can get a general idea of their job and appearance and personality. However this doesn't really make them important however more important to the plot as the crowd of people so far. A close up is then used on Bruce so his character is made clear and and allows us to really focus on him and recognise him as a character so we see all his details from his appearance. A deep shot is then used as the jokers back is faced to us and we see the meeting take place in front of him this makes us feel involved and helps build curiosity of what the character looks like. We are then for the first time shown the joker an this is done with a close up so we can clearly see his face. Because of his unnatural odd look as well this makes the close up seem quite confronting and intimidating.
         A wide angle shot is then used so we see the crowd of people and and a slight vertical tilt is used as the run away i think this is to reflect the impact of what has just happened and we are being 'blown away'. An establishing shot is then used again as a crane shot as we see the building explode so we can see the whole impact and this makes the explosion look huge. Then the joker is caught with a mid-close up so we see his body. Another tracking establishing shot is used over the city this is to clearly show the city's importance in the plot and make the viewers aware of the setting. A wide shot is then used so we see the setting of the restaurant. The 180 degree rule is then followed as the characters talk this is to make it seem more realistic and make is clear to the audience who is talking at what time. An over the shoulder shot is used and the female character and Bruce talk this makes us feel more involved with conversation and also gives a very personal feel to there conversation making them seem very close and linked to each other which is parallel to the conversation they are having about a past relationship. When batman lands of the car this is a wide angle shot to make the impact clear and is also took at a slightly low angle making him look powerful and high so superior in a way. A deep shot is used as the joker shoots his gun and we see the character duck behind him this way we can see what effect he is having on the characters.
       A rolling shot is used as the joker talks this adds the feel of panic to the scene and makes us feel involved as an audience and present. A panning shot is used as he is really close to the female character this makes this invasion of personal space more significant and also highlights the fact that every one from every angle is watching them. A zoom is used to batman on the edge of the building this also acts as an establishing shot again as he looks over the city. A long shot then goes to a close up of Bruce holding the mask this is also took at a slight high angle as though we are peeking over his shoulder again making us feel present as an audience. A low angle is used as the joker pulls out his knife this gives him a powerful presence. A close up is used as the batman light is smashed this adds clear significance to this action and reflects batman falling to pieces. Close ups are used on Bruce and the male character as he says his saying. This makes the saying ironic and also shows that it is secretly aimed at batman and therefor also Bruce.

Overall i think in the trailer the genre of this movie is made very clear with the scenes and the techniques they have used and i think they have demonstrated the jokers power clearly. I also like how they focused on the villain more than batman himself making us wonder what will happen in his film as stereotypically good always wins evil but this trailer has us questioning this typical story line with the scenes they have included in the trailer. I also think they have also represented there characters very well and made the good vs evil structure very obvious.