Trailer Analysis: The Shallows Theatrical Trailer (2016)

The theatrical trailer of the 2016 film The Shallows opens with the establishing shot of a large beach, this immediately sets the scene for the audience so they are aware of where this film will predominantly be taking place. Therefore from the outset of the film we are exposed to the spacious deserted beach which inflicts isolation, something which might later be foreshadowed in the film. The ariel shot inflicts the extensive scale of the beach and the audience quickly start to depict what the narrative could entail.

We then contrast to a slow motion shot of what seems to be the main female protagonist on a board which shows her confidence in the water. Therefore it is suggested that this character is no stranger to the water. At this point in the trailer there is very little sound, only very low volume fuzzy non-diegetic sound that doesn't seem to have a purpose at this point.

Next, there is a shot of a mass of birds, this suggests that the film is going to take place in a relaxing and calming setting, this is a juxtaposing idea considering we know that the narrative is going to be tense and uncalming to watch.

We then see the female characters loss of power through a wide low angle shot as she is hurdled through the waves by a large wave, yet she manages to keep her strength subverting the audiences expecations of females. The diegetic sound of the wave matches what the audience are seeing on screen.

The camera then cuts to a low angle shot, perhaps a point of view shot from the shark, putting the audience on edge yet enticing them to watch on. This is where the trailer starts to pick up the pace. Still we don't have any other music apart from the diegetic sound of waves.

It then cuts to black and here the diegetic loud crunch of the female protagonist eating a apple, this could be a reflection of the shark bite. Therefore the audience are being subtly exposed to the narrative and are being teased into what happens to the character.

Later on in the trailer at 1:16, the tone of the trailer begins to change as see the characters demise as a powerful character.  The darker lighting inflicts her struggle that begins to panic the audience. We no longer see a steady camera as the camera begins to shake inflicting the cameras panic and frantic movements to get free.

The intertitles are written in a simple sans serif font with usually with one or two words on each intertitle. The white font against the contrasting black background helps the audience take note of the significant words that are placed in between the frantic scenes we are being exposed to throughout the trailer. However the intertitles do not start appearing until the last half of the trailer making the audience keep focuses in the first half on the narrative and then allowing them to focus on the intertitles in the second half.

After analysing this theatrical trailer, there are aspects in which i am going to replicate in my trailer, for example the varied camera angles are essential to engage the audience and the sound is vital to set the mood, therefore i am going to consider these factors in depth for the the creation of my trailer.