Trailer Analysis

Analysis of a Horror film trailer SAW

The Trailer begins with the Sound of distressed voices, which then descends into screams. This implies to the audience that a ‘killer’ has struck and is inflicting pain and suffering on the victim. There is then the sound of a heartbeat which speeds up. This creates tension and reflects the fear and distress of not only the characters but also the audience as they watch the trailer. The lighting is dark and low key. This portrays elements of fear of the unknown, thus, encouraging the audience to want to see more and find out what’s happening. We are then introduced to the sound and sight of camera flash which illuminates the eerie surroundings, creating a contrast against the pitch black of the room. The audience then see’s the room and events through the eyes of the ‘photographer’ or ‘victim’. He then asks, ‘’is someone there?’’ A close-up of the jigsaw killer is then shown quickly as another flash from the camera; this illuminates the inside of a cupboard where the killer is hiding. There is then Extreme close-up of the faces of the Jigsaw killer’s victims (young woman wearing a head brace) to enhance the horror and distress of the victims. It also shows the audience how horrific the situation is which creates a sense of fear. The speed at which the clips are shown builds towards the end of the trailer to create a terrifying climax in which the audience feels inclined to watch more, which makes them want to go to the cinema and watch it. The voice over of ‘Jigsaw’ killer speaks, “Live or die, you decide”. This introduces the audience to the killer in a way that the audience experiences what it feels like to be a victim. The voice is distorted and creepy, which makes him mysterious and almost dehumanised. It also gives the audience an idea of what the plot involves. An iconic image of horror i.e. rusty cages, guns, bullets, chains, knifes and saws; all of which the victims use at some point to escape.  The main characters are introduced after they have been captured by the jigsaw killer. This leaves the audience and the victims wondering where they are, how they got there and what’s going to happen to them. Voice over of the character’s talking about the killer’s techniques- “The jigsaw killer… finds ways for his victims to kill themselves”; another clue into the plot of the film. The majority of the trailer’s sound is non-digetic with voiceovers, and the characters talking. There is also the sound of escape weapons, which ultimately make the audience, feel anxious to find out what’s going on. There is fast paced music towards the end of the trailer. This could reflect not only the victim’s heartbeat but also the audience’s as they watch the trailer and become involved in the tension and suspense.