Trailer Analysis: Elysium

The trailer begins with a panning establishing shot of the setting with a deep cinematic bass and suspended sound, which indicates tension. Through out the equilibrium, the build up of non-diegetic sound sets an endangered atmosphere to indicate the conflict in the movie, which is about to increase.  It cuts to captions such as “the year 2154”, which informs the audience it’s set in the future conforming to science fiction genre. “The privileged”, along with a loud banging sound, communicate to the audience that they are part of the dispute that takes place. As the captions processed close up/ long shot is used to introduce a female character that is well dressed in all white, showing “the privileged” live on Elysium where it’s sophisticated, clean and disease free. The woman’s surrounding, which looks expensive and luxurious reforms this. This indicates “the privileged” are the antagonists because they “let the rest of us” live on the distort Earth. The female subverts to the stereotypical female character because she is presented as powerful, independent and professional. 

The contrast between Earth and Elysium indicates story will consist of good vs. evil, which is conventional to the genre. Earth is left as dirty, chaotic and rough, a place where middle class /poor people live, as they are not “Privileged” enough to live on Elysium. The caption “the rest of us” is exclusive, which engages that target audience to feel they as if they are part of Earth’s faith/future.   

There is an extreme close up shot of a male character that is given prevalence suggesting he is the protagonist. His facial expression, one raised eyebrow, suggests he is serious, curious and focused.  He conforms to male stereotype in films of being physically strong, powerful and a hero.  

The disequilibrium in the story follows after non-diegetic deep base drop creating tension, as protagonist gets transformed into half machine/human. “You can save everyone” the voice over suggests the power lies in the hands of the protagonist. It appeals to the target audience because power is a very influential aspect and it’s in the hands of a protagonist, who is unstable. Therefore target audience can relate, as an average person can be potentially powerful and hold the faith of Earth too.

To show the conversation between the protagonist and helper shot reverse shot it used to conform to the audience they are going a head with the plan. The montage of intense scenes builds an uneasy atmosphere. Through out the trailer, there is numerous of establishing shot to show the futuristic world and advanced technology conforming to genre sci fic.

The trailer ends with title of the film and voice over “they will haunt you to the edge of the earth for this” this creates enigma, as the trailer leaves the audience with unanswered questions.