Research: Analysis of a teaser trailer 3 - Room (2015)

Institutional Information

Room is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abramson, based on the book by Emma Donoghue. Room was produced by Ed Guiney and David Gross. The film stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. The film had a budget of  $13 million and has $36 million box office takings.

Synopsis

The film follows a young mother, Joy (Brie Larson) and her son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). They have been held captive in a shed for seven years, and live in a small space called "Room". "Room" is all Jack has ever known, she lets him believe that only "Room" and the contents of it is real, the rest of the world exists on the television.

One day, she attempts to escape in order to gain a better life for her and her son. When they do, they must adapt to the outside world acknowledging their past, learning about life and love.

Mise en Scene

The mise en scene in this trailer makes use of darker, more subdued colours to represent the mood of the characters. For example, by using colours such as grey and brown, it conveys how they have been forced to lead a very sheltered, black and white life. Despite her best efforts to sustain optimism, Joy has been emotionally drained by her time being held captive. It therefore also represents this. These colours help to illustrate, "Room", a shed. Brown is usually the colour of wood, and so substantiates this. In contrast, when they escape from "Room", the colours seem to be brighter, connoting hope. There is emphasis on the sky. It is blue, which connotes sadness and calm, portraying the conflicting emotions of the characters once they escape.

The costumes show that the characters have not been able to take care of themselves that well because of their situation. For example, they seem to be wearing clothes that look worn and old. Hence it suggests that the person holding them captive is not taking care of them. Although some boys do have long hair, it is likely that Jack has never had the opportunity to get his haircut - and this substantiates the fact that they are uncared for. 

The proxemics of the actors demonstrate that they are very close - as you would expect a mother and son to be. This is especially true because of their situation and because they are essentially trapped in a small room.

Editing

The editing for this trailer is intelligently crafted. The trailer uses fade to blacks to build suspense and introduce different shots. It could also link to how the two characters have been living in "darkness", disconnected to the real world. The shots are taken from different parts of the narrative, meaning it is not necessarily non linear. However, editing works with sound to explain what is going on with the audience.

Titles

The titles use white and blue, the sky being the background. White could connote the innocence of the boy (Jack) whilst blue connotes serenity. Some people find the sky and clouds inspiring; the skylight could be a constant reminder that they are still living and contribute to their desire to see the world.

Title uses blue and white, helps explain story

Sound

Sound is key to the effectiveness of this trailer. A sound bridge is used at the start (there is a sound over institutional logos which continues into first shot and beyond). This is non diegetic sound of the mother singing (featured in the movie). Though this is innocent, the slow speed of the sound combined with the footage on screen gives a sense of darkness. Therefore the audience are immediately introduced to the darker side of the film.

Camera

Close up shot

This close up shot introduces the audience to Jack as a character. Through this, we can see the curiosity that children often possess. However, as he is not obviously smiling, we can infer that he is quite subdued; he is running his hand along the wall. This solemness is most likely to exist as a result of their situation. 

Two person shot

This two shot demonstrates that the characters are forced to do simple things to keep themselves entertained, a lot of their daily activities are derived from imagination. It is evidence of the close proxemics, which help portray a familial sense and suggest that the two manage to maintain a good relationship.

Close up shot

This close up shot is significant because it provides the audience with a rare glimpse of happiness for the character. It is made clear that her mental state is on the edge of deterioration. Therefore the audience can infer that she distracts herself from her situation by focussing on her duties as a mother.

Long shot

The above external long shot is key to the effectiveness of the teaser trailer. It acts as a visual aid for the audience to comprehend the characters' situation. By using a long shot, it emphasises the small size of the shed. The trees are imposing in comparison. The leaves on the floor are suggestive of autumn. From this, we can infer that the shed is cold and uncomfortable. It also shows that the two are missing out on the transition of the seasons because they are being held captive.

Long shot

This long shot substantiates the grey mise en scene. It shows how everything the characters own is in close proximity to one another, emphasizing the small size. There are many drawings on the wall which portrays how Jack is young and innocent. The washing line demonstrates how they are trying to live a life close to ordinary in a compact space.

Overhead shot

This overhead shot shows the mother looking up at the sky light. The fact that she is looking directly up (almost at the audience) shows a plea for help. She could also be praying and reminding herself that there is life outside where she is being held captive.

Mid Shot

The above shot of the sky light is important to the trailer, and the wider narrative as it serves as a  reminder that there is life outside the room. Light is often symbolic of hope, while blue connotes serenity. Everyday, Jack sees a small piece of the outside world, making it significant. It also teases them because they can see it but can't reach it, whilst showing them that they are tantalisingly close.

Extreme close up

This extreme close up of Jack's eye and nose puts the audience in his position. Hence the shot evokes a range of audience pleasures, whilst increasing tension. We have learned from previous footage in the trailer that Jack is a lovable and innocent character, so we will him to escape unscathed. There is a saying that "eyes are the windows to the soul" and there is emphasis on his eye in this shot. This allows us to further see the emotion that he is experiencing. 

POV shot

By showing this point of view shot, the director is taking the audience on the same journey as the characters. This therefore increases our empathy for Jack and also our desire for him to be alright intensifies. Although they are telegraph lines, they could represent the fact that serenity (a connotation of blue) is being disrupted by the black lines.

Close up

This close up is significant for the audience because it shows the emotions that Jack is experiencing. As an audience, we hence feel more excited and engaged for the next phase of the film due to the look of sheer disbelief on his face.


Evaluation and Critical Reflection
This trailer is effective as it deals with sensitive topics successfully, translating them into emotions. Hence it evokes a range of audience pleasures. I especially like the  use of sound, as it gives the audience a taste of the mother and son bond, which stays prominent throughout the movie. Whilst portraying a rare situation, the film is able to resonate with people due to the verisimilitude and empathy that is created.