The Conjuring Trailer Analysis

We instantly know that The Conjuring is a horror film. This is because right at the start of the trailer we are introduced to two of main characters trying to communicate with the supernatural. It then cuts to a shot of someone holding at ticket which says 'Seekers of the supernatural - Ed and Lorraine Warren' . This is another genre indicator that it is a horror film. It also tells us the names of the two main characters who try to interact with the supernatural.

The trailer then fades to black and tells us that this film is based on a true story. It then starts to show us a load of pictures that have been taken at the scenes that have investigated. There is also text to go along with them which says that they have never shown this one case because it is so disturbing. This is referring to The Conjuring. Up until the point Ed and Lorraine are introduced to a woman who needs their help, the music is quite up beat. But as soon as the woman starts telling them that something weird is happening in her house the whole atmosphere is changes. All we hear is the clock ticking.

The trailer then starts to show some of the scary things that has been happening in her house. We see one of her daughters be dragged out of her bed by her leg. It then cuts to one of the girls screaming whilst we also hear glass being shattered. This really creates a scary and deathly feel for the duration of the trailer. We can also see that the trailer is very dark and darkness could connote death.

The trailer then fades to black and tell us that The Conjuring has been directed by the director who has also directed Saw and Insidious. This is a unique selling point as it will draw people in who have seen those films and have liked them. This would make those people want to see this film as well.

The editing pace starts to pick up as they show us an establishing shot of the house, a close up shot of the woman who needs help and a long shop of the family. Throughout this scene there is a high note being played. This creates a lot of tension as we are not sure as to what may happen next. This is when we are introduced to all the main characters who will be featured in the film. When we see the long shot of the family we can really see on their faces that they are scared to death and are really unhappy.

It then cuts to scenes of just Ed and Lorraine. There is one moment that really draws the audience in, this is when there is a close up of Lorraine's face where she looks very frightened. This is when shot the reverse shot happens. We see a pair of rotted feet drop down behind Ed's head and then it cuts back to Lorraine fainting. For the next 30 seconds or so of the trailer the main focus is on Lorraine, she is given prevalence throughout this part of the trailer. This makes us think that Lorraine could be a very big part in the story line for this film. 

We then cut to a scene where it is very quiet. There is a close up of a little girls face along with a long shot of an older girl standing at the wardrobe. All of a sudden we hear a scream and a woman appears from above the wardrobe. This is another genre indicator because it was a very jumpy/scary part of the film. The editing pace then picks up as they start to talk about the supernatural happenings in the house. This includes more screams and very tense music. We also see a few fade to blacks throughout this part of the trailer with text on. 

A couple of questions we could ask ourselves is; Did they manage to get rid of the supernatural happenings? Was anyone hurt/killed during it? Did the family live happily ever after?