Limitless: Trailer Review

Things that make this trailer successful:

1. Narrative: This trailer is very fast paced. It gets the viewer exited and focused. It uses many quick shots and transitions in order to catch the viewers attention and keep them interested. It uses dialogue to convey the plot. It does it in a way that tells you a bit about the story line but doesn't spoil anything. This is very important when creating a trailer. You don't want the viewer knowing the whole plot but you also don't want them confused over the storyline. This is key in a trailer and Limitless's sure pulls it off.

2. Mis en Scene (or Setting): This trailer gives great use of setting. It shows different locations, from urban slums to tropical islands. The trailer contains scenes in office buildings to night clubs. The use of setting draws the viewer in and shows them the nature of the film and where it takes place. using interesting settings such as a lit city or beach gives the viewer a feeling of excitement.

3. Cinematography: Different styles of cinematography are used throughout this trailer. For example, there is a scene of the main character in his room with a birds eye view from the wall. This kind of camera technique is not commonly used and expresses a warped reality showing us scenes we couldn't see through our own eyes. Shots like that add interest to the trailer and show us that the movie isn't flat. Complex camera angles and techniques draw in viewers and add interest.

4. Edit: Edit is used quite a lot in this trailer as well. In a way the editing compliments the cinematography and conveys messages not as easily sent without it. As an example, while the main character is walking, we see through his eyes in his point of view. We see warping around the buildings and people. This shows a warp in reality hinting that something isn't right or normal. Use of edit can really tie the knot of a trailer. It can really draw in the audience watching it

5. Sound Design: Music was always present in this trailer. it starts out average but follows the plot and soon gets fast paced. As conflict arises it stops for a moment showing the mood of the scene. It then moves onto a piece that is face paced and energetic again (Power - Kanye West). The music helps convey the theme of the piece and helps the audience understand what they are watching.