Love Actually Trailer
Textual Analysis
The initial shot has a bright ‘hookers green’ back ground and then to underline the acceptable content of the ‘love actually’ it says ‘the following PREVIEW has been approved for all audiences’ this is the very first shot to reassure appropriateness for all cultural backgrounds and hence attract a vast audience.
The second caption; ‘BY MOTION PICTURES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA’ immediately establishes the location of where the film is ‘association’ or based. So the producers of the film are therefore, giving creditability to America, both as a good setting and production company. This is positioned centrally, but slightly upwards, so that it immediately catches the audience’s eye. Furthermore, it stands strong in contrast to the background due to it being white which stands out against bright primary coloured backgrounds such as ‘green.’
The colour white has connotations of being pure and a clear-cut. Any other colour, such as ‘black, would have had a reverse effect making it look negative and serious. The audience would acknowledge that the colour white has been used for affect, and that this has important underlying symbolisms such as nature and nurture, as well as the notion of being a ‘genuinely friendly’ production, the symbolism of green representing nature. When given deeper thought could give the audience the impression that what they are about to witness is an authentic production. Also in terms of optical clarity due to the colours vividness the white font is much easier to read and comprehend, whereas grey in comparison would be more difficult to read. However, the weakness of the use of white may be that a person who has photosensitive sight may be inconvenienced by the white lettering (however this is a minority).
The film has a certificate of 17 and presents this information in a table format, this rectangular ‘table’ which has an R in the top left hand-corner which is an abbreviation for the word ‘restriction.’ The abbreviation and full word are both included in order to cater for those who are familiar with abbreviation and those who are not. It also provides information in a clear format so a person can grasp of essential information from a few seconds of scanning of this grid. Columns and rows have been used to provide simple structure and divisions to present the information clearly. On the right side column it literally says restricted and next to it is a small flat, oval symbol that’s placed horizontally with an X shape. This is illustrated in the central core of it. There’s a symmetrical diamond shape, which in my opinion, gives implication of a solid route like something one may depict on armour, or a shield. The second column makes it explicitly clear that some scenes may be sort of adult themed and states that are under 17 year olds should have their parents alongside them. This certification is due to the sexuality, nudity and language presented in the film. Having an adult present is seen as a device which would safeguard youngsters from miss-interpreting key parts, or the morale of the storyline.
The film scene starts with a foreign looking Caucasian couple hugging, in a warm embrace, with affection, glee pasted all over their expression, with huge grins, wide eyes and big smiles. This positive imagery creates a “feel good” opening to the film which indicates the genre of comedy and romance to the audience. The demographic for this film would include predominately females, due to the romantic genre, but it would also be ideal as a film “couples” would watch together due to the adult humour and complex relationships portrayed.
There was a close up shot of a young cute young girl hugging an older women maybe, an older sister or a mom. It looked from the youthful complexion of her skin and her build that she may have been a sister. The older girl who looked like an older influential figure, had black hair and on the right was visible which shoulder had a two red stripes with a white striped sandwiched in the middle. The choice of colours in this representation could be interpreted as symbolising love as red connotates love and white connotates purity. The girl was wearing a light blue shirt and which was only visible from the right shoulder, and her bright blue bag. When she had reached him we could see, his, grey sleeves, and a pink bright pink which showed contrast, and how they reverse roles when they’re apart, also how they each other in remembrance in the clothes they wear.
The male is towards the right side, with the lighting dominantly being focused on him on him making his face appear luminous, giving emphasis and great detail to his facial expression. This provides the audience the impression that this is a special magical moment for the couple, and you can’t help but be happy witnessing it as deep down, this is what most people value. The concept of this priceless moment of blissful happiness draws the audience into the scene and holds their interest.
It is significant to note how the female partner came from the opposite angle and hence, only the back of the girls head and hair was visible. It was black from the back, then brownish-bronze; and then red right at the fore-front. The change in colour could signify the transition and the change in how she feels when she is back in her lover’s company and presence. The colour red again is associated with love and romance. It is a symbol of love and as a audience from this filmed angle, we get to look at a realistic embodiment of what happens to lovers every day. This is what gives the focused audience the feeling of empowerment, because of the simplicity and realism of the scene. Another point could be that the fact that the girl had her back turned towards the camera, instead of her face, highlights how the spotlight is on them, and that they are the main focus. Their meeting isn’t to please an outward audience, and they are not intentionally flaunting what they’ve got – we as the audience are witnessing a private moment.
This happens in a series of medium shots, which allows us to see, blurry faces in front, which shows us that this is a public place like somewhere in an airport. But the fact that the camera is so zoomed in, that they’re faced are blurred, shows their insignificance in this love ‘scenario.’ This could also be showing us that when in the company of the ones you ‘love’ or admire you can feel sheltered in your own little bubble, where it’s like only you and in this case that one other person exists. Their kisses and eye contact is smooth and gentle which showed genuine happiness. This exposes the fact that spontaneity can be seen as a good positive thing, that everything doesn’t have to be planned, you can act on impulse, things can happen out of the blue, and out of destiny, and not everything has to happen according to a scheme.
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