By Dominic Edwards

DEVIL INSIDEMOVIE TRAILER ANALYSIS

The black background in these title shots already suggests the presence is evil in tis film. It also suggests fear, death and mystery. This sets the audience on edge as it creates a suspicious atmosphere, making them feel uneasy. Just the text alone draws the viewer in and to make them pay attention to the words on the screen, this is because the text used is in capitals and kept in a large font, this makes it visible for the viewers but makes it seem as if there is something else behind the happenings of the text. This makes the viewer seem very uneasy as they can sense something else, but also the only sound to go with this text is the unusual sounding static from the phone and typing of the key as letters appear on the screen. This unnerves the audience as they don’t know what to expect and the non-diegetic growling in the background (in the form of static) also unnerves the audience and makes them feel vulnerable themselves. Although this is an unnatural sound it is suspicious, and draws the audience into the narrative.

• The conversation ends as the suspense has increased. But then it cuts to a mid shot of a woman sitting in a chair in the dark, in little clothing and very timid body language in the dark, this image is quick and cuts fast as well. Due to the pace of the cut the viewer does not quite focus on what he image is. This is not natural as it increases the element of horror in the trailer, confusing the audience and making them feel frightened at the moments when the audience least expect it. These shots at the same pace are used throughout the trailer. This is common for a horror trailer as it something that is usually a simple shot added in to build suspense.

• The screen then fades into the first scene of the trailer. The trailer then reveals a basic overview of the story and the protagonists motive in the story. The Mise en scene tells the audience that the daughter of Maria Rossi is talking about her Mother murdering three people, linking with the dialogue in the first screen. At the table with her a group of people, including a priest which is stereotypical of a Supernatural/paranormal film, which links with the dialogue as the daughter explains “She committed these murders, during an exorcism”. This also links with the beginning of the trailer, making the audience want to know what happened to her Mother. This is used in order to terrify the audience symbolising religion and the long on going feud between Heaven and Hell. This is also backed up by the use of basic, unsteady camera movements filming close up shots of the characters faces. This engages the audience and makes them listen to the dialogue used. Also by their pale, monotone facial expressions the audience can see they are having a serious conversation. The use of non-diegetic, basic music (single notes on a piano) creates an eerie atmosphere, still discomforting the audience, and a sense of worry of what is to come.

• The use of zoom on the camera is used throughout this trailer along with a variety of camera shots, which are all done for the purpose of the audience becoming fully engaged with the trailer. An example of a zoom-in is used when a picture of a young Maria Rossi and her daughter is shown on screen, and the camera zooms into Maria’s face. This gives the idea to the audience that she plays a big part in the narrative of the film. They look almost like a normal mother and daughter in the picture with the basic makeup and hair, but the emotionless faces symbolise that something is wrong with the Mother as it focuses more and more on her when the camera zooms.

• The same eerie music has passed over (using sound bridge) into this clip and beyond, this keeps the audience engaged and the same feelings throughout.

• The trailer shows two establishing shots of where the film is based. By the setting and scenery it is based in Rome. This is where Maria Rossi is held in a mental institution, and we can tell that this is not an abandoned or isolated setting. This gives the impression that wherever a place for god is a place for Satan is to, and he has the power to invade sacred houses that are supposedly warded to keep evil away. By Shot 2 we can see gargoyles that are faded on their posts, suggesting that Heaven is weary and cannot defend from evil. This is also shown in shot 1, with the use of a high angle shot zooming out. This shows the audience how vulnerable the characters are in a largely populated area.

• But using the catholic state and linking it with the horror conventions from previous shots and the narrative, it encourages the audience to watch the film as they want to know the conclusion.

Shot 1 Shot 2

• Linking in with the narrative, the protagonist visits her mother in a mental institution. When Maria is shown in shot they use high angle shots to express how weak and frail she is. This is what it tells the audience, but having seen the happenings at the beginning of the trailer the audience feel afraid for her daughter, suggesting that the shots used are showing her vulnerability in a very enclosed room. This relates to horror conventions as the audience usually become attached to the protagonists.

• Maria contrasts with the set as she is wearing dark and worn out clothes, as if she has been trying to conceal something for a long time. This makes her the focus of the scene so the audience notice her unhuman like behaviour. What is also emphasised is how weary her facial expressions are, as if she has been in this state for some time. This relates to horror conventions as it is common for the protagonist to have a family member that is distanced from them due to a supernatural event or being.

This shot shows a mid-shot of disfigured girl, to the audience this is not natural and very discomforting to look at for some viewers. The shot continues and shows the joints of the subject popping out of place, again further discomforting the audience. This adds to the horror elements because it is unsettling for the audience to watch, with direct address of the subject as well, draws the audience in and urges them to watch this. This is a prolonged shot, they are used throughout he trailer in order to emphasise something that relates to the genre or is relevant to the story. This is used on this shot to show in detail the sadistic aspects to this film. It is also used because it is an image that would stay in the audiences mind and it will be something for the audience to remember when they see it distributed elsewhere. This is a common horror convention because it is unnerving and a simple way to make the audience remember something from the trailer.

These shots show close ups of crucifixes that have been carved into the skin. This immediately draws in the audience because it is a religious symbol. Also relating to the supernatural element, the close ups allow the audience to see how abruptly this has happened. Also having them inverted is an insult to Christianity, again relating to the sadistic presence. For the audience it is familiar but unlikely to see it in this form so they are more likely to remember it. It also shows how much Maria has been tortured by the presence possessing her.

Ultimately the high angle shots are used to show her frailty and to get an idea of the pain she is in. It also ensures that the focus is on the symbols shown, with the close up making out details to make the audience feel uneasy. But also promoting the importance of religion in this film.

This comes at the end of the trailer, as the audience don’t expect it after the suspense is broken for a jump scare. The audience is set on edge by the pixelated face that brings out quite a horrifying image from Maria, as if the camera is making a demonic presence visible with the deformed and horrific eyes, and sharp teeth. This adds to the horror element as it is unusual and unexpected which is common for horror films. Due to limited colours the audience associate this with horror because it keeps it simple and allows them to focus on the subjects facial expression which is frightening to them. Relating this to sound it is unusual and very loud, also touching on the audiences emotions and adding to that sense of fear.

All the titles shots seem to appear and slowly zoon into the text. This added with the music keep the pace of the trailer and allows it to link onto the next shot quite easily. By doing this it also keeps the audience read the text whilst still immersed in the action, as it is important so they don’t distance from the events in the trailer. The music dictates the pace of the trailer and shots, becoming fast when the texts start, and then as the trailer ends the intensity of the music decreases.

This keeps the audience involved and also dictates their own feelings towards the trailer. Building tension and then telling them when it finishes. By putting ‘coming soon’ the audience then know to expect it in the near future. Also linking with Christianity, a January release would coincide with the new year, relating to a religious event.