Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
'An awkward high-school senior (Thomas Mann) and a gravely ill classmate (Olivia Cooke) surprise themselves by becoming inseparable friends.'
The trailer begins by introducing us to the production companies, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Indian Paintbrush (both involved with The Grand Budapest Hotel). Then we get the first shot of a yellow school bus door opening then a pan from on top of a school. This instantly sets the scene as we, as an audience, are now aware we are in an American school. The birdseye view of the school shows the size and so, the insignificance of the people below. We then meet the main character who stares at the school hallways, which look like two pathways as he looks like he is stuck in the middle of both. This could represent a decision the character must make later on in the film. There are various panning shots in the trailer and I think this is so effective as it makes the film seem more free-flowing and less serious and dramatic. I also like the black screen and the ‘Oh god’ as it adds a comedic element. The shot of Rachel and Greg on the stairs is also effective as it shows Greg as being quite vulnerable as he has never been in this position and also shows the distance between the two, which gets closer as the trailer goes on.
Music
One of my favourite things about this trailer is the music. The music is indie which matches the nature of the film and also the way the music fits the action. As Greg is hearing sad news, the music stops, as if the happy, peacefulness of Greg’s life has been disrupted and he is faced with a new issue. The change in music, as a new song appears, shows a transition and a new journey for Greg. The music stops for both comedic and dramatic moments and this is really effective as we feel like we are in that moment with Greg, whether it be awkward or sad. The best moment, regarding the music, for me is when Greg’s camera flips up and begins to shoot as Imagine Dragons “I Bet My Life” plays. It sounds so powerful and so makes the whole film seem more powerful and triumphant. It then goes on to show happy moments during the film perhaps showing that even if you are sick, there will be happy days, which is such an important message.
One of my favourite things about this trailer is the music. The music is indie which matches the nature of the film and also the way the music fits the action. As Greg is hearing sad news, the music stops, as if the happy, peacefulness of Greg’s life has been disrupted and he is faced with a new issue. The change in music, as a new song appears, shows a transition and a new journey for Greg. The music stops for both comedic and dramatic moments and this is really effective as we feel like we are in that moment with Greg, whether it be awkward or sad. The best moment, regarding the music, for me is when Greg’s camera flips up and begins to shoot as Imagine Dragons “I Bet My Life” plays. It sounds so powerful and so makes the whole film seem more powerful and triumphant. It then goes on to show happy moments during the film perhaps showing that even if you are sick, there will be happy days, which is such an important message.
Voiceover and Conventions
The voiceover used mostly throughout of the whole trailer is effective as we know that the film is the point of view of Greg and we see things through his eyes. Just from this voiceover we learn that Greg is ‘in’ with everyone although doesn't have his own group. This goes against generic conventions of teen dramas where there is usually a ‘clique’ problem for the main character as they are either ‘uncool’ or ‘popular’, though as an audience we can’t help but see Greg as an ‘outsider’. We see a few cliques present as Greg interacts with them all, this is done through clever shots of teens smoking in a bathroom and other teens sitting on a stage. We also get introduced to Earl, who is described as a co-worker, this leads into mystery as why he isn’t a ‘friend’ and also what they work on together.
The voiceover used mostly throughout of the whole trailer is effective as we know that the film is the point of view of Greg and we see things through his eyes. Just from this voiceover we learn that Greg is ‘in’ with everyone although doesn't have his own group. This goes against generic conventions of teen dramas where there is usually a ‘clique’ problem for the main character as they are either ‘uncool’ or ‘popular’, though as an audience we can’t help but see Greg as an ‘outsider’. We see a few cliques present as Greg interacts with them all, this is done through clever shots of teens smoking in a bathroom and other teens sitting on a stage. We also get introduced to Earl, who is described as a co-worker, this leads into mystery as why he isn’t a ‘friend’ and also what they work on together.
Editing
The editing in this trailer is also really effective. I particularly like the split screens of the times of the times that Greg and Rachel have together. This is a good way of showing how their relationship forms and develops throughout the film without taking up a lot of time in the trailer. I also like how Earl and Greg’s films are featured in the trailer and the style in which they are presented. It shows that even though they are amateur and small, they are still proud of them and enjoy making them. The trailer seems to be split into four parts, first is Greg’s life before Rachel, then meeting and getting to know Rachel. After this there is a sombre mood as we see the real effects of the illness as we see Rachel with no hair, upset and frustrated. We also see Greg’s personal stuggle with calling people his ‘friend’. However in the fourth part of the trailer we see the happy times and the effect that Rachel has had on Greg’s life and vice versa. This splitting up of the trailer provides the different parts of the narrative without giving everything away which I think is essential in theatrical trailers, therefore I will strive to do this in my trailer.
The editing in this trailer is also really effective. I particularly like the split screens of the times of the times that Greg and Rachel have together. This is a good way of showing how their relationship forms and develops throughout the film without taking up a lot of time in the trailer. I also like how Earl and Greg’s films are featured in the trailer and the style in which they are presented. It shows that even though they are amateur and small, they are still proud of them and enjoy making them. The trailer seems to be split into four parts, first is Greg’s life before Rachel, then meeting and getting to know Rachel. After this there is a sombre mood as we see the real effects of the illness as we see Rachel with no hair, upset and frustrated. We also see Greg’s personal stuggle with calling people his ‘friend’. However in the fourth part of the trailer we see the happy times and the effect that Rachel has had on Greg’s life and vice versa. This splitting up of the trailer provides the different parts of the narrative without giving everything away which I think is essential in theatrical trailers, therefore I will strive to do this in my trailer.
TitlesThe inter-titles are not used to tell the story unlike a lot of other films and is instead replaced with the voiceover. However, there are a few inter-titles showcasing the film and the companies, including one that says ‘From the studio that brought you Juno and 500 Days of Summer. Both of these films are so popular and are known for its realism, Juno showing teen pregnancy and 500 days of summer showing rejection and break-ups. This shows us that the film will be real, authentic and won’t just be a ‘touching romantic story’. The inter titles also showcases its winnings at the Sundance Film Festival, known for its independent films and also shows raving reviews from vulture.com, and The Guardian. After the title is shown there is another clip after which leaves us happy, as it is a comedic scene. Then the end slate is shown saying Coming Soon, with links to Facebook and a hashtag MEANDEARL, this is effective as it gives a chance for audiences to know more about the film.
Overall, I really love this trailer as it showcases the amazing narrative with clever cinematography and soundtrack. From looking at this trailer, I now have more ideas for my own, including the editing shots of the split screens and the different panning shots that are used. I also may consider using a voiceover instead of using inter-titles to set up the narrative.
No comments:
Post a Comment