The Expendables Trailer

I was asked to analyse 3 movies trailers in terms of the following:

·         codes and conventions of genre

·         cinematography (camera shot type; angles; movement; lighting; sound; editing;

·         mise-en-scene;

·         how audiences are targeted

·         reliance on previous titles

·         use of star persona

This is my first choice.

The Expendables (2010) - Action

Codes and Conventions – An action movie is generally where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases. Story and character development are generally secondary to explosions, fist fights, gunplay and car chases.

Cinematography – Lots of close ups, tracking shots, birds’ eye view, super close up, two shots, eye-match, point of view shot, over the shoulder shot.

Mise-en-scene – Dressed in combat gear, with guns, armour. Light clothes for travelling quickly. Cigars show “tough” attitude.

How are audiences targetted – Audiences for this film were targetted by it being shown prior to a movie of a similar genre.

Reliance on previous titles – There was a 2000 film with the same name but this film is a tribute to action movies from the 80’s and 90’s so there are elements of those era’s included.

Star Persona – Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steve Austin