Assignment 3 - Trailer Analysis

Genre: Taken 3 is an action drama film because of the quick transitions between intense action scenes and slow - paced scenes slowly revealing a deep and meaningful story behind the whole film. The genre is communicated to the audience through fast paced run, gun and explosion fighting scenes (1st screenshot) to emotion filled shots that create a believable story line (2nd screenshot).

Mise - en - scene

Setting: The setting of this movie changes various times from urban environments to dark and quiet hideouts. This creates an atmosphere of anticipation and keeps the viewer engaged as they don't know where or what is going to happen next. 

Props: The Taken series has always been known for its over the top action and the 3rd sequel definitely lives up to its name. Countless guns and other weapons are shown off and used to tear anything in their paths. Using all these extravagant weapons creates a chaotic atmosphere adding to the thrill and pace of the film.

Non - Verbal - Communication: Several shots are used in Taken 3 that do not have any form of speech or narration. These shots are normally scene in the heart of action scenes. As you can see, in screenshot 3, the close up of Liam Neeson's face is much more effective at showing the feelings of the character than a narration would be. In this shot you can see that he has a sense of anger and frustration.

Narrative: Taken 3 follows on nicely from the previous films. However, new viewers could still enjoy the story line without being too confused. This is effective because old viewers would be tempted to watch the new films especially as the trailer hinted that this would be the last sequel.

Characters: Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is shown as a hardcore ex-marine dad who is fighting to keep his life normal but when his wife is killed and he is blamed for the murder, he has no choice but to go under the radar whilst protecting the only one he has left, his daughter. The protective dad like figure he is portrayed as makes the movie relatable and interesting. Kim (Maggie Grace), his daughter, is portrayed almost as a damsel in distress but she grows in strength and confidence as the movie rolls out. This could be seen as her maturing into a real adult making the movie relatable convincing a wider audience to watch the film. 

Editing & Post production: The beginning of the trailer starts off very calm and normal featuring slow moving oan shots and slow cuts. However, a sudden turn of events immediately changes the pace of the trailer featuring high action shots with very fast cuts. This creates a sense of tension and chaos immersing the viewer in the full experience of the trailer.

Camerawork: Several mid-shots are used in the trailer to feature the character in the action. Close-ups are also used to capture the real emotion of the characters so that the viewer can have a clearer understanding of their feelings. Some low angle shots are used, especially in a one on one close combat scene, to portray Brian Mills as a physically dominant figure.