Trailer - Taken 2 Vs Columbiana

Taken 2

Taken is another action trailer similar to Columbiana that uses those techniques; ‘sound bridge’, ‘montage’ etc. Like Columbiana, it also works well and helps to build tension and create suspense. The montage technique is easily identifiable due to the rapid flow of shots, giving the ‘sneak preview’ of the film. Equally, the sound bridge is an effective technique as it makes it more flowing, including the right rhythm to match the shots. Within this trailer they also use ‘sound mixing’ to help make a soundtrack that change beat as the action increases.

As well as a sound bridge, the director also uses ‘synchronous’ which helps match the sound and the action together e.g. the gunshots. The dialogue was also an effective technique to help create the scene and give a little bit more of a teaser, ensuring that viewers get an understanding of what’s going on.

This trailer was a good example of these techniques. If I was to do a trailer, with the genre action, I now have a clear understanding of some effective techniques I could use within my production. It also showed that a clear storyline that is easy to follow without giving too much of the film away is vital, and there are many techniques that I can discreetly do this.

(Some of these techniques are; incidental music, dialogue, sound effects, synchronous, sound perspective, ambient sound etc.)

Columbiana (action)

All trailers are a ‘montage’ this is when the director compresses time and gives a series of short takes indicating the events between one narrative and another. A montage is often accompanied with non-diegetic music, which heightens the dramatic quality of the events.

The trailer ‘Columbiana’ shows a good example of a montage, it shows lots of small clips/shots within the film to give a teaser video for the viewers without giving too much of the film away – encouraging viewers to go and see the film. The non-diegetic soundtrack technique throughout this trailer is called a sound bridge – this is where they have one soundtrack playing over many cuts/transitions.

Within the trailer for Columbiana, specifically towards the end, there is a non-diegetic soundtrack at a much quicker pace – matching with the pace of the shots being showed. This hugely increases the drama and tension, building up your suspense for the film.

These techniques I have identified in Columbiana are vital techniques within the majority of trailers. They are two aspects of filming that hugely help to increase the drama and suspense, for viewers.  This analysis has allowed me to identify different techniques, and see how they work best, and what type of impact they produce.

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