Suicide Squad - trailer analysis

Name: Suicide Squad

Date Released: 5th August 2016

Cast: Will Smith, Ben Affleck, Jared Leto, Cara Delevingne, Margot Robbie.

Rating: to be confirmed

Production Company: DC Entertainment

Director: John Ayer

Box Office: to be confirmed

Target Audience.

As this film is produced by DC Entertainment therefore there is already an established audience from previous films made by the company. The core target audience for this film is fans of comic books as this is a film predominantly about super heroes and villains. I think that this film will appeal more teenagers as stereotypically teenagers are into superheroes at this age. This film would probably be aimed more towards males as stereotypically they are interested in the concept of superheroes and comic books. However I females would be interested in this film due to the star system.

Settings, location and Mise en scene.

The opening of this trailer begins with a long shot in a restaurant, the shot has been framed through a window and includes the use of rain in the shot. This adds an ominous tone to the first shot of the trailer therefore exciting the audience and entrances them for whats to come. This shot then transitions into a fade to black screen.

The ident of the warner brothers logo is significant t the trailer as the animation used relates back to the narrative and the themes included in the trailer. The Ident that is used also fits in well with the theme and colours used in the trailer. The colours that are shown on the Ident also relate well to the colours that are stereotypically associated with superheroes. However this would be ironic as the film is about villains.

Between the two shots a fade transition into black is used to give a dramatic effect and to entice and peak the audience's interest. The next important shot used in the trailer is one which a tracking up is used. The use of tracking helps to establish the change in location to the audience it also attract the audience into finding out what will happen next. This shot is also a technique used to introduce one of the characters. This shot is important as it is the first look at the character we will see.

The close up shot of the character allows an introduction between the character and the audience. Tis helps to create a rapport between them. The shot also allows the audience to recognise the character and make her an established part of the film.

The next few shots shown in the blog is a montage paired up with a voiceover that sound bridges over from the previous restaurant scene. The use of the montage allows the audience to view things that will happen in the film but in a shorter amount of time. The montage also helps to keep them edited. The use of the voice over sound bridging into the next shot also the audience to make the association between that conversation and these shots. It gives the audience familiarity. These shots are linked in together using a fad to black transition and jump cut editing. This adds a flow to the trailer and could help the audience understand that these shots are happening at different times and places.

As we come to the middle of the trailer more and more of the characters are being introduced. The camera work to introduce theses characters are mainly close ups or medium shots. These shots enable the audience to really focus on the characters features and make them more recognisable for the viewer. An over the shoulder shot to introduce a character is also used as this gives a unique 360 degree so the character is more distinguishable. The costume worn by this character supports the criminal archetype as the character is wearing an orange jumpsuit which stereotypically associated with criminals.

Again in this trailer a montage editing sequence is used as a form of introduction for the audience. This is a good technique as it introduces the audience at a faster pace. This montage also is an effective way of seeing how the characters were before they joined the suicide squad. This could make the audience feel as if they know the character better, this therefore creates a relationship. 

One of the most important shots in this trailer is the medium shot of the character all together. This shot is significant as it shows the squad all together. This shows the audience that they are a equal team and shows unity for the viewer. The costume worn by the female character, Harley Quinn subverts the archetype that women wear skirts and are pristine all the time. However this characters wears minimal clothing and looks the opposite to the stereotypical woman. The squad of villains are also wearing slightly bright items of clothing, this subverts the archetype that villain wear all black to connote death.

Near the end of the trailer titles with typography that can be associated with the film is used to break up the clips and montages to inform the audience of the important details e.g. release date. A catch phrase is also incorporated into the trailer, the catch phrase has been broken up into different parts and is paired with shots that interlock and relate back to the slogan.

Medium close up shots are used to highlights the fact that these villains turned heroes still have a normal life with children and loved ones, it signifies that these characters are capable of love. This is exhibited through a medium close up of a character hugging and caring for his daughter.

Another significant shot in the trailer is the first glimpse of the joker. The extreme long shot of the joker is only around 3 seconds long. The fact that this shot is only several seconds long entrances the audience and excites them to continue watching in hope they see one of the most important characters again. 

The final shot of the trailer is of the joker. The costume and makeup on the joker supports the stereotypical mise en scene that would be associated with his characters. The actor has green hair and makeup on which shows connotations of a clown or a joker. The fact the joker has tattoos is a icon of a criminal. A close up shot allows the audience to clearly see this. The effect of a close up shot impacts the audience greatly as it is very eerie and will make a lasting impression and won't be forgettable.

Sound.

When the ident is showed at the beginning of the trailer a non diegetic sound track is used to mimic the sound of a timer or a clock. This adds an eerie effect to the clip and immediately entrances and puts the audience on edge. From the offset of the trailer a low beat soundtrack plays and this piece of music is quite atmospheric and flows well with the genre and storyline of the film. As the first character is introduced a non diegetic soundtrack begins, the soundtrack is of a female singing. The sound of this piece of music is very eerie and almost angelic which is ironic because these characters are the opposite of angels. The tone of music also flows well with the character who is being featured as it is a female, and the song is quite feminine and dainty.

Whilst the soundtrack is playing throughout the trailer several sound bridges are used to further introduce characters. The dialogue used in these sound bridges also interlock with the narrative and the shots well. 

As the trailer move forward the tension and atmosphere is built up with more powerful instruments and sounds added into the soundtrack. This reflects the anticipation created for not only the film release but possibly for the big reveal of the joker's appearance. The anticipation for the joker to be shown is also created through the music ceasing, after this the only thing that can be heard is the joker laughing. This effect creates an ominous atmosphere and immediately entrances the audience.