Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Textual Analysis - I Love You Man (Comedy)



Cinematography

The beginning shot of this trailer is a medium two-shot of the main character and his girlfriend. This is put there to show them in relation to one another in physical form, but also as a relationship from and what they mean to each other. It also allows the viewer to know who they are and what role they play in the film.

There is then a close up of the main character proposing to his girlfriend. This, again, shows there relationship with one another, but also it lets the viewer know who is the most important character in the film, because he is the first to be shown by himself, but also what the narrative of the film is based around, as the viewer gets to see clearly what is happening in that scene.

Included in this film is some cut away shots. One example of this is when the main character and his girlfriend are in the car and she is talking to someone on the phone. The camera cuts to look at the phone, which has on it the name of the person she is speaking to. This gives the viewer some insight to who she is talking to, but also lets them know of another character that will be present in the film.

Through out this film trailer, there aren't many establishing shots. One example of when I found one in this trailer is when it shows the gym. The use of this establishing shots shows the viewer where part of the film is taking place, and how it might have some relation with a character in the film.

Medium shots are used quite a lot in this film trailer. I think this is done to show the viewer, and make them, realise who are the main people to watch and also what they are doing. This is done to add to the genre of the film. It's a comedy, so it's not so much the narrative that's funny, so the use of medium shots gets the viewer to watch what the characters are doing and saying, instead of waiting for a big event to happen.

The medium shots, in this trailer, also make it a little more personal because the viewer is constantly watching the same people closely. They get to know that characters better, through the trailer, as opposed to learning what the narrative is about and getting interested by that, like in usual trailers, instead of getting interested by the characters.

Another feature used in this film trailer is a noddy shot. This is done to show the reaction of the person listening to someone speaking. An example from this film trailer is when the main character, his girlfriend and his family are sat around a table, and his brother is talking about him to everyone else. The camera cuts to show the main characters reaction, even though he isn't saying anything.

Over the shoulder shots are used in this trailer, as it is in most trailers. It is used to show the viewer a conversation and who is involved in it. It allows them to see who is speaking at different intervals, but also the reactions and emotions the different characters convey throughout the conversation.

Editing

The main thing that can be said about this film trailer, and most others, is the use of a montage. This is a common feature of film trailers, as it allows the viewer to see all areas of the film in a short amount of time, and allows them to know the narrative in condensed form.

Through out this film trailer, all the cuts a straight without fades or dissolves. This gives the effect of clean changes from image to image which allows the viewer to imagine the situation for themselves as opposed to it being edited to make them feel a certain way towards what is going on in that particular scene.

Shot/reverse shot is used throughout this film trailer. Again, this is used in most film trailers as it's done to show different characters speaking in a conversation. It allows the viewer to know who is speaking to who, and who is showing what reactions and emotions.

Sound

At the beginning of the trailer, there is an upbeat steady non-diegetic drumming, which opens the trailer with a happy atmosphere. It allows the viewer to recognise the feelings going on within this scene and the rest of the trailer, as it immediately shows them how to feel towards what's happening in the film, as it's giving them the thought that the 'happy' feeling is going to continue.

Throughout the trailer, there is an upbeat drumming and at some points there is some soft guitar solos. This is used as a non-diegetic sound to over the top of the dialogue spoken in the film, and helps create an atmosphere so that it's easier for the viewer to understand different situations.

Whenever emphasis is put onto something in the trailer, the non-diegetic music stops. This is done to make sure all the attention is put on to whatever someone is saying or doing. It adds emphasis by making a change in what the viewer is watching, the viewer then recognises the change, and pay more attention to what is happening on screen.

In most film trailers, there is usually a non-diegetic voice over to get the narrative over to the viewer. But there isn't a voice over in this trailer. I think this is done to show the viewer as much of the comedy involved in the film as possible, instead of using up time describing what is happening in the film. By the viewer just seeing what is in the film, and knowing the type of comedy involved, it will attract them more.

Throughout the trailer, the guitar solo's that are done, I feel, are done to relate the main character and his new 'best man' together, and allow the viewer to foresee some of the film. This is because the song that is used in the non-diegetic music, sounds similar to the music the main character and his friend are playing in one part of the trailer.

Mise-en-scene

Throughout the trailer, the main character is wearing suits, shirts, vests and smart trouser. This shows his personality, career and social status. By wearing suits e.t.c, it makes the viewer think he is a formal person, with a good, smart job, which is well paid. We can also see this from his house. His house is very clean and bright, and looks very well decorated and furnished. This is also going to make the viewer think he is a formal, well-paid man.

This can also be seen from his girlfriend. She is well dressed, clean looking and has tidy hair. This shows that he go for the 'nice looking' type of woman, but it also says things about her. The viewer get to see that she is a nice, average but well-off person.

Another character is shown, the girlfriend's friend, on a date. This gives some indication into the fact that she is single, but it also shows she is on her mobile phone talking to the main characters girlfriend. This shows that she has no interest in the man she is on a date with, which also gives an indication into the type of person she. This could make the viewer think that she is rude, as she is on the phone, and not talking to the person she should be talking to.

At one point in the trailer, there is a close-up of two picture. One of them is of the main character and his girlfriend. Give off the impression that they have being together for a while, and that they mean a lot to each other to have themselves frames together.

Throughout the trailer, the lighting is mostly bright and airy. This gives the feeling of happiness and contentment. Bright colours are also, usually, related to comedy, as they make you laugh and make you feel good about yourself, which is what bright colours have the effect of doing.

The man that the main character starts to get to know, is shown to dress very casual. He wears loose shirts with shorts, or just plane t-shirts with jeans. This allows the viewer to understand his personality, as it shows he is laid back and out going. This is a complete contrast to the main character, which makes it easier to create some sort of comedy between them, by showing their differences.

Although the main character and his new friend are very different. Within the trailer, it shows them each playing an instrument. This makes them a little similar, which allows the viewer to see some sort of relationship between, and it also shows how it would work as they have something in common, and something to do with their time spent together.

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