The Decent Trailer analysis

The Decent (2005)

Narrative structure:

·         Period of equilibrium

Similar to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the group of women taking pictures and having a memorable time sets the period of equilibrium.

·         Moment of disequilibrium

The characters are unaware of where they are heading, “are you sure we’re going the right way?” The second sign which indicates to the audience the moment of disequilibrium is when the group of women are in a cave and “ the only way out is down the pipe,” illustrating to the audience that these characters are cut off from civilisation as well as trapped.

·         Period of disequilibrium

The period of disequilibrium is clear when we see the characters to be trapped in a tunnel with an unknown, monstrous creature. The fear of claustrophobia, being trapped and being kept in the dark, as well as the cave-ins in the tunnel, are all presented to the audience which enhance the period of disequilibrium because the characters are helpless and in a deadly situation which creates fear for the audience.

Sound:

Throughout the trailer, there isn’t much non-diegetic sound used. This is because the diegetic sounds of panting and rocks crumbling create a realistic effect on the film, which, on its own, creates the audiences fear of claustrophobia and being trapped.

Codes and Conventions/ Genre iconography:

The weapons seen within this trailer are similar to that of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, sharp, stabbing weapons. The iconography of the torch and it light going out, act on the fear of the dark like many other horror movies. The codes and conventions of being isolated are also presented in the trailer, through the establishing shot of the road and the tunnel, like many horror movies creating fear and anxiety for the audience.

Editing:

Fade to black shots are also used within this trailer to show time passing and to create tension from the beginning. The use of night vision half way through the trailer adds a sense of realism to the trailer. The quick shots used at the period of disequilibrium disorientate the audience, as well as startling the audience when the monster is revealed.