Codal AnalysisIsaac Randall

Black Mass

Visual Code The trailer immediately starts with an aerial establishing shot

of the setting of the film (Boston). The trailer then uses around 40 seconds of one clip from the film. The clip creates a calming atmosphere through this dinner scene however, the audience suspects the atmosphere to change quickly.

The shots then get shorter and change more rapidly increasing the pace of the trailer. The trailer uses dark and low lighting shots mixed with graphic images of violence in order to convey the genre to the audience.

The costumes of the main characters also help to convey the genre. The leather jacket and the other outfits worn help to give an insight into the main characters and also the time period that the text is set in.

Narrative CodesThe narrative is only hinted at through the voice

over used in the trailer. The narrative is not specifically stated throughout however what is used helps to convey genre.

The trailer uses text in order to show that the film is a true story and gives an insight into the “notorious” main character.

Enigma CodesThe trailer uses short clips towards the end of

the trailer in order to create unanswered questions and draw the audience in, making them want to see the film upon its release.

The audience are unaware of who the characters are in the film and it is only assumed that Johnny Depp’s character is the main one in the film.

The voice over in the trailer also creates enigma as the audience is unaware of what the characters are referring to in detail.

Audio CodesThe trailer uses a voice over as well as intense

music in order to create tension and convey genre throughout.

The voice over also is important, as previously stated, it creates unanswered questions in order to draw the audience in.

The music also creates a tense atmosphere alongside the visual, which further engages the audience.

Legend

Visual CodesThe trailer begins in a club using an establishing

shot, conveying the genre through dark colors and lighting. Shortly after this an ariel establishing shot of London skyline is used in order to show the location that the film is set in.

The text uses a mixture of longer and shorter shots, similar to that of Black Mass, getting shorter and more fast paced at the end of the trailer building tension.

Narrative CodesThe trailer uses a voice over in order to convey

the narrative to the audience and text to assert who is playing the roles of the famous main characters.

The trailer does however, use some longer segments that have been taken from the film which help to create an ambiguous sense of narrative and story line.

Enigma CodeThe trailer uses various shots in quick

concession in order to create ambiguity about what the film is actually about. It is identified that it is about the Kray Twins, however, if you are not familiar with the story of the Twins then you will not know the story from the trailer itself.

The trailer also uses a voice over, similarly to Black Mass, therefore creating some unanswered questions throughout, grabbing the audiences attention.

Audio CodesThe trailer, as previously stated, uses a voice

over and a music track suited to the genre (a rock, up beat, intense track).

The trailer uses a lot of speech from the film however, they are only segments to create ambiguity further.

The trailer also employs the use of music in order to create a action style intense atmosphere, making the audience excited to see the film.

Gangster Squad

Visual Codes The trailer uses a variety of short sharp shots that accompany

the voice over throughout the trailer. They do not give a huge insight into the story of the film, but give more of an aesthetically pleasing experience, enticing the audience.

The trailer also uses setting and costume in order to convey the genre and also the time period, allowing the audience to get more of a specific idea of what the film is about, however, keeping some ambiguity.

The lighting in the trailer is very shadowy, low key lighting in order to create tension. The trailer also uses slow motion when the antagonist is boxing, creating a more dramatic feel, supported by the use of graphic violence, again confirming genre.

Narrative CodesSimilarly to the other trailers, a voice over is

used in order to convey the narrative. The trailer doesn't’t actually convey the story specifically but states that “Los Angeles is in distress”, providing a direction that the film will surely go in.

The trailer doesn’t use long shots throughout to do this but uses a voice over that is accompanied by specific scenes.

Enigma Codes The trailer like many others uses enigma codes

throughout to ensure that the audience is not told the story in its entirety, but that it only hints at it. Meaning that the audience have to see the film to know what is happening.

The trailer uses more ambiguity around the characters, introducing the antagonist but not really the protagonists, again creating unanswered question.

Audio CodesThe trailer uses an intense soundtrack in order

to create an atmosphere throughout. It also uses a voice over similarly to the other two trailers, therefore linking to narrative codes and enigma codes also.

The trailer uses various diegetic sound effect linked to the genre also, such as gun shots, explosions and car sounds, again conveying genre and appealing to the target audience.