1. Media Research
A2 various other genres

2. Fun Size
Comedy

3.  The opening shot is a tracking shot following two teenagers. This shot is
used to establish the setting in which the characters will feature. Due to the
iconography in this scene (school buses, rucksacks) we can see that the
setting of this film is based around modern-day students; the mise en scene
shows the audience that the era is very present. This is done through the
characters clothing which is very up-to-date and what can be described as
fashionable.

4.  In the background of this scene, a school bell sounds. This is used to put emphasis on the
setting of the film. The reverse shot here shows the audience a frontal view of the two
introductory characters. The character on the left will most likely be the protagonist due
to the significant height difference. The dialogue used is discussing Halloween and at the
same time protesting the idea of “all the lamos who come the school in costume” The use
of slang here “lamos” provides insight to these two characters’ social hierarchy. This film
would be used to target students around the same age as these characters, as this type of
audience can relate to the characters.

5.  This shot is used to provide an example of a “lamo” who is being bullied by
another student by knocking him to the ground, the background students who
are pointing and laughing emphasizes the idea of the social hierarchy that is
present in all high schools, the targeted audience will relate to this. This scene is
also being used to present the genre as a comedy. Obviously the definition of
what is funny or not is completely arbitrary and is a matter of opinion; critics of
this movie might suggest that this scene condones institutional aggression. And
so, because it is difficult to understand what is and isn’t funny, I will consider
avoiding this genre when it comes to the planning stage of my project.

6.  The over-the-shoulder shot in this scene is used to juxtapose the stark
contrast of this character and the one in the previous shot. By highlighting
this difference, it is clear that this character is much higher in the social
hierarchy. This is further emphasized with the dialogue building up to this
shot: “Aaron Riley is crazy hot”. By portraying the lust of these female
characters towards the male character has strong links to feminism and the
gender roles of women in media.

7.  As the desirable male character leaves the shot, the two main characters are
left in awe. Again, this highlights the link to feminism here as the only
female characters shown so far are portrayed as submissive and emotional
in comparison to the only male character shown so far being portrayed as
strong and desirable. The dialogue here provides insight to the plot of the
movie as the male says “You coming to the party, right?” and the
protagonist replies with over-enthusiasm “We will DEFINITELY be there!”
this dialogue supports my previous points about the links to feminism.

8.  The sound bridge used in this over-the-shoulder shot is used to show the
comedic value of the film. The protagonist is narrating, referring to the
deuteroganist in the mise en scene: “Well my costume’s all figured out, as
for April, I’m betting sexy kitty.” This provides some element of dramatic
irony as we as an audience can see that April’s costume is in fact a “sexy
kitty”.

9.  Again, this shot here is used to display the genre as a comedy. The idea of a
small child undertaking routine tasks in the way of an adult can be seen as
funny and thus this scene is used. The way he so calmly holds his finger to
the other character instead of shouting wait! and over-reacting is not
expected of a child.

10.  This mid-shot presents the two primary characters, looking at or showing a
mobile phone. The mobile phone is used to represent the modern era with
all it’s latest technology. It also allows the audience to further relate to
these characters.

11.  The dilemma of the movie is hinted at here when the protagonist is shown
with a concerned facial expression shouting “Albert!” and “my mum is going
to kill me!” Clearly the dilemma is that “Albert” has gone missing.

12.  Here, the audience can see Albert. The fact that throughout the trailer, he
hasn’t a single piece of speech. He expresses himself through body language
and facial expressions and this can be seen as funny by the audience as
children aren’t usually so quiet. Albert is displayed as a very likable
character, mainly because of his size and age.

13.  This shot shows Albert and a stranger bonding. It is an unlikely friendship
and that is why it is seen as funny by the targeted audience.

14.  Here, we are reacquainted with the character who was being bullied in a
previous scene. The deuteroganist says “nerd alert” as they approach them. This
once again emphasizes the social hierarchy between these two characters. In
terms of Vladimir Propp’s character theory, there isn’t a strong link to it in this
trailer; there is no obvious sign of evil and the characters play very simplistic
roles focusing less on their motives (e.g. rescuing the princess) and more on
their role in society as a “nerd” or “crazy hot”.

15.  As mentioned before, Albert is performing acts otherwise seen as unlikely
for his age. This is once again used to sell the film as a comedy.