Taken Trailer Analysis - Research and Essay Task

Adhering to the genre:

• Begins with a phrase in bold white writing on a black background - not used in most trailers but an extremely effective technique to suggest what the film is about - we know instantly what the narrative of the film will centre around (we just don't know the storyline itself).
• This choice of opening allows the producers to show more of the action shots instead of trying to convey part of the storyline. The Bold writing is extremely effective as it stands out in comparison to the plain black background. 
• Sound Boom used again - used in all crime/thriller trailers as it adheres to the darker more sinister genre that is CRIME. 
• "80%...Females" - suggests that a woman will be 'Taken' and become a victim to this crime. 
• Clever fade from previous phrase to a closer up of a girls face, with Neeson's character saying, 'I didn't think a 17 year old" - strongly suggests that she is going to be the victim - common convention is Crime/Thriller trailers is the use of Motivated and continuity editing to suggest something will happen without actually having to show it. 
• Powerful image of Neeson holding a phone to his ear - suggests that a phone is important to the story. 
• Music gets darker as trailer draws on - plays on this idea of naivety and creates tension amongst the audience - not sure what will happen next.
• Almost documentary in style - switch from short, fast paced editing shots from the film to statistics about trafficking, emphasising the plot-line of the film. 
• fast-paced editing used to highlight the genre of the film and adhere to it - quick cuts from close ups of Neeson and his daughter - suggests danger (shown through anguish on her face)  
• "too never finding her" - powerful line is emphasised by a cut in the fast paced action music - keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. 
• low key lighting used to emphasise danger - common convention in many crime/thriller films. 
• montage of different shots from the film - used in all trailer, especially action/thriller - shows the fast-paced, dangerous style of the film. 
• The tone is highlighted through the statistics presented to us - shocking and disturbing. 
• Extremely fast montage of many different action shots - continuity editing as we know the outcome but are still presented with a brief overview. 
• They play on the idea of time through sound (countdown shown with soundtrack and the woman presenting us with the girls price), fast pace editing - clever way of keeping the audiences attention.

This is not the original trailer!

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