Trailer influence - Birdman

Birdman

Genre: Drama 

Narrative: Former superstar Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is performing in an ambitious Broadway production which he hopes will regain the success of his career. It's risky, but he wants to take the gamble. Meanwhile, he is dealing with his girlfriend, daughter and ex-wife.

Unique selling point: The film is one long shot (with perhaps one single cut). This makes the film so immersive for the viewer, as this heavily increases the verisimilitude - this is because, every time a cut (in editing) is used, it reminds the viewer that what they are watching is fake. Therefore, the way the film has been shot also heightens the emotions and emotional reactions of the viewer to the events within the film, as they feel so real.  

Target audience: 15s and over

Music: A version of 'Crazy' by Gnarls Barkley has been used, which is a soul track. I have no particular preference to this choice; it does not take anything away from the visuals but I do not think it enhances them either. I think a techno/rock song would have worked better.

Shot types / camera angles: The camera is very often mobile, and follows the actor on screen. I like this as it takes the viewer on a journey, and makes them feel as if they are almost within the scene. I really like the centre framed shot of Thomson floating whilst meditating in his room (1.12). The weirdness of this shot is enhanced due to the high verisimilitude.

Pace: Begins slow with one continuous shot, before speeding up into a montage in order to give a feel for the whole film.

Dialogue: There is no dialogue, the majority of the shots have been muted for the trailer. (Except the short clip at the end, which has been added for humour).

Voiceover: The voice of Thomson has been used as a voiceover.

Special effects: He appears to have 'supernatural' powers, including telekinesis. SFX have been used for these shots (e.g. moving the vase and the poster with his eyes), as well as when he is floating. CGI has been used in the shots of him with wings, and when he sets off an explosion. Green screen has been used when he jumps off the roof of the building.

Credits and inter-titles: These minimalistic credits are one of my favourite parts of the trailer - I think they look more like graphic design than simply names on the screen - the font that has been used is simple, bold and widely spaced. There is a combination of both capital letters and lower case, and they are white and red against black.