Analysis of Saw 1

Camera shots and angels

A mixture of mid shots with faded light to show a disorientated view. A rising tilt shot is used to show the lights being turned on it builds up suspense to the viewers to what it is they are about to see. Close up shots were used to show to the facial expressions and reactions of the characters at a fast pace which builds up the tension and suspense for the viewers. Low angle shot of character smashing something, this gives him a sense of power and control showing his violent side in a superior way that the viewers are looking up to him.

Sound

Exaggerated diegetic sound of camera taking pictures it is much louder than the noise would be in real life and gives the viewers a sense someone is being watched. A eerie, clowns laugh is heard in the background as a person shouts “Who is that?” this leaves the viewers in suspense to what is happening. A non-diegetic sound of a heart beat echoing in the background this builds up the tension for the viewers as it is becoming more intense. Their is a dialogue heard from a lone speaker in a deep, disturbing voice the audience can hear from this that he is identified as the antagonist. Brief sets of dialogue is used in the trailer to give an outline of the plot and so the audience can analyze the characters.

Editing

The speed of the trailer starts of slow and with the effect of dark surroundings builds up to the plot of the film. As the trailer progresses, the pace of the trailer increases as shots become faster. This has been used to create suspense for the viewers and to grab their attention. The editing shows the focus on various characters mostly the victims to show the films genre being a horror.

Mise en scene

In the beginning of the sequence we see a man taking pictures, where there is a prominent flash beings shown, this gives the affect that something is being investigated or watched. We see the antagonist in the voice and body or a doll, this gives the mysterious effect of who truly is the killer in the film, his voice is deep and gives a disturbing feel, even though he is a doll he is portrayed an eerie. Newspaper articles pinned to a wall are shown, of the publicity of the killer, that his crimes are known but his identity is hidden. The victims are shown enclosed in a dirty bathroom sweaty and beaten up showing them in a vulnerable and threatening state. A clock is shown, with the hands moving at a fast pace show this shows the effect that time is running out for the victims.

At what point in the trailer are we told the name of the film? Why is this?

The film title ‘Saw’ is not shown until the very end of the film, this is so the audience has to see the whole trailer before knowing what the actual film is. This is so the audience is drawn in to teaser trailer, it makes them want to see the film and when they see the title at the end it gives it significance and imprints into the minds of the viewers.

Why are we told who is starring in the film?

This is so fans of the actors who are starring know that they will be in the film. A percentage of viewers will only be going to see the film just because their favourite actors are appearing. A-list Hollywood actors create more a buzz in trailers as they have more fans, the more fans of the actors means more people will want to see the film. As audiences associate good actors with good films.

How is this information given to us? Why?

However in Saw we are not actually shown the names of the actors who are appearing in the film. We are show “Twisted production” the production company though. This is so the audience can associate the well known production company who mainly produce horror and teaser films with the film.

What type of action from the film do we see?

In the trailer we firstly see a man (Adam) taking pictures in what appears to be a crime scene, where we then hear something approach him, as he is aware that someone is there. Lights then turn on where we can see adam as well as another man (Dr.Gordon) in a large locker room/ bathroom both chained up. A television screen is then shown where we see a puppet disguising a mans voice “Hello Adam, Dr. Gordon” He knows who they are and he is the reason they are there. A montage of newspaper clippings showing that the killer is famous and is being hunted by police. A flashback to one of his previous murders is shown, as a man tries to escape through barbed wire. Back in the locker room/bathroom the two men try and saw through the chains, but soon realise the saws are for their feet. Another flashback is shown of Dr.Gordon in a car park to when he was abducted.

What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?

There is no direct music in the trailer however there are sounds similar to wind and thunder that is quite eerie. This helps advertise the trailer as it fits in with the genre of horror, the music matches the actions shown. The short sounds of knife slashing and loud bangs suit the shots as the quick framed shots matches the the blunt noises heard in the background.

Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?

In the trailer there is no voice over however we do hear some of the characters talking more significantly then others. Such as the antagonist his voice is played over the actions of the Adam and Dr. Gordon and through various scenes in the trailer without actually seeing him. This is also done with the crime scene investigators there voices are played over various scenes such as the montage of newspaper headings.

How does the speed of what we see compare to watching a clip from a film? Why is this?

Because the trailer has to include the best bits of the film the trailer must be fast pace this is so it can include all of these parts within a short amount of time. The pace if faster then the actual film itself because the trailer must try and attract the viewers to the general point of the film however the film obviously explores the point of the film at a longer pace. The trailer is also at a fast pace to build up the suspense for the audience so that it leaves a more dramatic and intense reaction on to them.

Does the speed alter through the trailer or does it stay the same?

At the beginning of the trailer the pace is quite slow and slower pace shots are shown so that the story starts to develop, without giving to much away to the plot. However the speed starts to build up as more horrific shots of torture are shown. This builds up the tension for the audience who find the fast action shots exciting and they then want to go and see the film.

What information are we given about the film?

In the trailer we are given the production companies names: Lions Gate films and Twister pictures around thirty seconds into the trailer. We are also given the release date “In theatres Fall 2004” right at the end of the trailer.

What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?

The trailer is targeting mostly men aged between 15-24. This is because the main characters are male which fits into the stereotype, the film is disturbing gruesome, which show most popular to men at the age. The IMDB website shows me that the film tried to target 15-24, mostly males.