Focused Analysis: sound/music

As the trailer begins the soundtrack quickly and quietly builds before an abrupt crash as the first shot appears. For the next few shots the music is almost non-existant whilst dialogue from the film can be heard. The dialogue helps 'set the scene' somewhat, the use of the words 'mental hospital' immediately indicate that the film is likely to be a horror. This dialogue is then followed by a crash in sound that seems to resemble the sound of a person screaming - again indicating that the film is of the genre horror. This sound is accompained by a short, fast sequence of disturbing shots. The music then quietens and more dialogue (this time diegetic) that links in with the previous is heard. There is then another brief sound crash as the shot changes and more dialogue begins. Following this is another short, fast sequence of shots, again with a sound crash that resembles screaming. A conversation between characters is then played out where only the dialogue (no additional soundtrack) is audible. A very faint increase in sound is then heard as the main character hands his gun over. This suggest the action is significant, the character has handed over his 'control'. Diegetic sound is then heard as the music begins to increase in intensity. There is then a sound crash when the Director's name appears and the tempo of the music increases as the rising action begins. The dialogue educates the viewer on what the film will be about, unfolding the mysteries and inticing the audience. Between 0:42 and 1:05 the initial mysteries around the disapearance of the patient unfold. There is mostly dialogue and diegetic sound during this period. There is a faint soundtrack running in the background that remains relative with a few crashes in sound, most of which are in sync with the action on screen. There is then an 'unusual' sound as the rising actions continues to increase followed by the discovery of other, more complicated mysteries. The intensity builds and builds as the storyline appears to become more and more complicated. This build is shown through the use of both sound and editing. There are many crashes in sound that fit with the editing of the sequences, and much diegetic sound and dialogue is also heard. The trailer then reaches its climax at 2:04, followed by the falling action. The next and final sequence of shots (the falling action) builds as the music increases in pace and volume. There is then a final crash as an extreme long shot of the Island flashes on the screen. This shot then transforms into the title of the film - 'Shutter Island'. To end there is a final piece of dialogue - 'you will never leave this island' - before a dramatic crash in sound as the names of the cast and crew are shown.

I found analysing the sound/music used in this trailer very useful. The music changed dramatically in tempo and volume many times throughout which was interesting to see. Each piece of music that was used helped to create an eerie atmosphere and build tension. The many crashes in sound had been purposely synchronized with the on screen action which is something I would like to attempt to do when producing our trailer. Also, this trailer included a lot of dialogue and diegetic sound which is something I will take into account.