This document provides a summary of shots from the trailer of a paranormal/thriller film called "Knowing". It analyzes 12 shots from the trailer, describing the camera angles, characters, and dialogue used to set up mystery, intrigue, and tension around numbers from an old time capsule that seem to be connected to major disasters. The shots are used to highlight the protagonist and deuteragonist investigating the numbers and growing increasingly worried about their meaning and what will happen when they run out. Feminist perspectives are also briefly discussed in relation to the portrayal of the vulnerable female character.
2. This opening shot is a mid-long shot of a classroom in the year 1959 as the text
shows. The fact that the date is shown suggests that the film is set either
before or after this time, otherwise the audience would be left to assume the
era by way of iconography, mise en scene etc. there is a strong surface realism
here as the costumes and props used clearly represents a historical era.
3. This shot is a bird’s-eye-view of a time capsule being unveiled. It is evident that
the time has now progressed and this is emphasized through the use of a
sound bridge of the 50’s teacher talking about what to put into the capsule.
“what you think the future will look like” are the instructions she gives. We can
see on the capsule that the year is now 2009.
4. here we are introduced to the protagonist, it is a wide shot with the main
character standing very central in order to catch the audience’s eye and
establish him as the main character. This shot also presents accurate continuity
as the characters in the mise en scene are wearing costumes that are
appropriate to the year they are now in. (2009)
5. This mid-long shot shows, what the audience would assume to be, the
deuteroganist who is opening an envelope from the time capsule. The wide,
open space behind this character gives the sense of isolation and provides an
air of mystery. This helps meet the typical connotations of the
paranormal/thriller genre.
6. This close up – also used as a match on action – shows the contents of the
envelope. As this item is shown a slight zoom is used to intrigue the audience
as well as an eerie sound effect used in synchronisation to the sudden change
of contrast in the 2ndscreenshot. This is used to provoke curiosity within the
audience, allowing them to question what these numbers mean, at the same
time emphasizing the mystery of the scene.
7. A long shot is then used to once again put the protagonist under the spotlight,
this is highlighted with the use of depth of field, blurring out the unnecessary
characters surrounding him. Despite the many faces bustling around the scene,
the depth of field allows the effect of isolation to once again be used.
8. Once again we see the deuteroganist now in a close up in order to allow the
audience to see the worried facial expression. This makes the audience want to
find out what the numbers mean and why it has left this character so
concerned. It also highlights the mystery and helps build up to the codes and
conventions of a paranormal/thriller.
9. An over-the-shoulder shot is used and this shows the protagonist obsessing
over the numbers desperate to find out what they mean, at the same time
causing the audience to take on the same characteristics.
10. A fast paced montage is used showing images of disasters whereby many
people have died. At the same time a, high tempo beat is played in
synchronisation with the changing of images. This creates tension within the
audience, another connotation of a thriller. On top of this, a sound bridge of
the protagonist’s voice is playing, depicting the link between the disasters and
the numbers. “I've matched these numbers to the dates of every major disaster
in the last 50 years.”
11. The concerned facial expression on this character, makes her seem vulnerable
and weak. In terms of stereotypical roles of gender, this matches up well. The
feminist point of view would be one of disapproval, as they fight to be treated
equally to men.
12. The low angle here makes the male protagonist seem strong and powerful, this
further emphasizes the previous shot in which feminists would react strongly
to.
13. The over the shoulder shot here once again shows the concerned facial
expression of this character. “what happens when the numbers run out?” is the
dialogue used in this shot. This creates a vast sense of intrigue within the
audience as they too will be asking that question. In typical thrillers, there is
usually a twist in the plot of the movie, this line seems like it could be a hint at
what that twist might entail.
14. As with almost all film trailers, the title is revealed last. The font, and effects
surrounding the text, have a paranormal glow about it and help construct the
conventions of a film of this genre.
