Romance Trailer Analysis: The Fault In Our Stars

Romance Trailer Analysis

The Fault In Our Stars 

The trailer begins with a green screen, which lasts of a second, it shows that the film is rated so parental guidance is suggested. This is always shown at the start of the trailer to establish their target audience; the text shows the approval of the age range.  The target audiences of this film are female teenagers especially as it’s a love story that they may relate to, however it doesn’t have a cliché plot, which may appeal to a larger audience. The male protagonist’s appearance may encourage more people as he’s young and some audience can relate to the situations the couple may face.

There is a quick shot of the distribution company 20^th Century Fox; the distribution companies are always included so the audiences know which company is promoting the film. This trailer is accompanied by non-diegetic piano in the beginning, which creates a peaceful atmosphere then a voice over of the main character is introduced. The first sentence “I believe that we have a choice in the world” may suggests that the theme of the film is choices and gives an advice. The opening shot of Hazel, we are looking down on her this implies that she’s vulnerable. The background is black, which shows that it’s nighttime but the color black connotes sad, gloomy and mystery, this teases the audience because they want to know what has occurred. Hazel’s costume makes her standout from the background and makes her seem more innocent. The introduction of the female protagonist telling her story guides the audience that makes them sympathies with her throughout the trailer.

Hazel talks about her experiences to the audience so they feel that they’re involved and focused. The screen fades into a black screen then the flashbacks of her memories appear, Hazel and the male protagonist (Gus) are dancing this reveals that their in a relationship, he twirls her around the camera that then tracks them.

As there are flashbacks the non-diegetic piano is still playing, she talks about her life where she seems happy due to her lover Gus. The camera fades from the dancing scene into an over the shoulder panning shot showing Hazel laughing; there is high key lighting which reflects her mood. The music then get louder to intensify the romantic scene, this shows their intimate relationship and suggests that she can do normal things young teens do. In the next scene there is low-key lighting, which reflects the closeness of the protagonists. These scenes are features of the romance genre; this may increase the female audience’s expectations. She compares her to other girls “I much prefer the version as much as the other girl does” which implies that she’s just another teenager which may relate to the female audience.

The camera then returns back to her laying on the grass then it zooms into her eyes closing, this implies that the story she narrated ended. Whilst this is happening the non-diegetic piano sound stops at one key giving it a dramatic effect this suggests that something significant is going occur after this scene. Once the screen goes back there is a voice over of Hazel “It’s just no the truth” implies that it’s not reality even though “sugarcoats it” to hide her sadness and the pain, this is relatable because everyone goes through ups and downs in their lives, the audience begins to have a connection with her.

The shot fade into a close up of her suitcase and then fades into a medium shot of Hazel walking away from the car which the tracks. A non-diegetic upbeat song fades in suggesting that it’s a new beginning as the voice over says, “this is the truth” implying that this is her true story. We can see that she has short hair and she’s wearing a cannula, which shows that she has a medical condition that could be cancer. Then there is a long shot where her mum suggests her to “make some friend” this explains that due to her condition she may not have had a normal childhood or made any friends, this makes the audience sympathies. It also shows that her mother has to take care of her, as she’s vulnerable. Hazel costume is what a normal teenager would wear that suggests that she tries to life a normal life.

It then changes to the meeting of the two protagonists, medium shot reverse shot is used which establishes their conversation. The characters bump into each other; this is pretty cliché in the romance genre. They exchange dialogue by apologizing this conforms to the genre as they begin to have a connection. The non-diegetic sound is still playing which lifts the mood up.

The next scene long shot is used to establish the setting, we’re able to see that there is a gathering that may suggest that they all may have something in common and it might be a support group. Gus then introduces himself and briefly by talking about himself, the camera then switches into a medium shot of Hazel’s face, her expression suggest that she may have an interest in him. The non-diegetic sound of the piano is increasing in pace with the introduction of the tambourine which shows how happy the female protagonist is. The camera moves into an over the shot panning and question are asked by the group leader, there is low key lighting in inside the room to give it a gloomy effect as it’s a difficult topic however when asked about fear Gus replies “Oblivion” which implies that he’s afraid of not being aware of what’s happening around him due to his sickness which shows his vulnerability and weakness. This subverts the idea of a cliché male character from a romance genre because he’s scared and worried about what may happen to him however the audience are able to build up a connection with him.

The scene fades and both characters are seen outside they seem awkward at the beginning. The male protagonist Gus smiles then a medium shot of Hazel at side angle, which suggests that she’s uncomfortable with him staring at her “ why are you staring at me” the non diegetic sound then fades out to emphasis Gus’s response “you’re beautiful” this boots Hazels confidence especially as she’s smiling at him. The non-diegetic music fade in however it incudes vocals making it more cheerful because two protagonists are getting closer. A black screen with blue text appears to show that it’s adapted from the best selling book to promote the success; this allows their audience to recognize that the film is a good quality.

The trailer continues to show the two protagonists hanging out together as they get to know each other. This is expected in a romance genre because in the beginning the characters show small affection, which then build up their relationship.  The non diegetic sound compliments the romantic moments as it creates a cheerful and uplifting mood because the audience eager to see their relationship grow.

We’re able to see their closeness of the characters however we can see that Hazel is afraid to be in a relationship “Gus I’m a grenade, I will blow up one day” this suggests that she’s unsure of her future due to her condition and things can go wrong so quickly so she doesn’t want to hurt him when that happens. At this moment the non-diegetic music changes to a dramatic beating sound indication that Hazel is in trouble, there is a slow motion scene showing her mother and father rushing into her room, we can see the panic from their body language. The audience would become worried on whether she lives, as her condition is severe. There is a medium shot of the father carrying her toward the emergency room, the camera tracks them both which shows the audience how much the parents care for her which will make the audience sympathies as it could be relatable, the dark lighting creates a sad atmosphere. The camera then fades we can see how devastated the parents are as they’re worried and scared, the camera slowly zooms in and quickly fades out to create more tension. The audience has a connection with her so they would be worried for her, the camera shows a long shot of Gus who comes to visit her however his body language shows that shows that he’s sad and scared.

The next few scene include of more intimate close scene between the male and female protagonist as they hang out more, also after the emergency room scene the female protagonist voice stops and the male protagonist voice over starts, this allows to show the audience another perspective on this relationship. He soon confesses to Hazel, Gus also mentions that he’ll always be by her side, which infers that he’s supportive partner. There is a non-diegetic cheerful music as there is a medium two shot that shows both protagonists having an intimate moment, this teases the audience.

Then the screen goes black with texts “Life Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect” implies that there is no such thing called a perfect life and people can have happy life even though it can be though. The quote gives advice to the audience, which can assure them. The “To be Perfect” is highlighted to emphasis and grab the attention. In the next few scenes there are moment, which shows the ups and downs in their life. It fades into a restaurant location which pans and there is shot reverse shot as they toast “to a good life… Okay?” which then the scene goes back to where is lays on the ground then replies “Okay” as the camera zooms in. The trailer ends on the title and production titles, the color of the text is blue and font chalk like which is child like. The “fault” and “stars” are both highlighted, as it’s the theme of the film. Finally the trailer finishes with mentioning the production and the author of the book to promote that it’s going to be a success.