Deconstruction

British Horror "Tormented" Trailer Deconstruction

As British Films differ greatly from American films we wanted to research modern British Horror Films. As a case study we looked at the comedy-horror “Tormented” (2009) which although a comedy shows typical codes and conventions of the slasher genre for example numerous characters being hunted and killed. The films narrative also contains elements of technology but unlike our narrative which uses online social media, Tormented sees its victims being tormented through the use of texting, leading to a gruesome death.

The film trailer contains the title and release date throughout in a red font with a black background which are two typical colours used to symbolise blood.

During the first part of the trailer a party environment is showing a sense of normality before the later events of the film occur. The diegetic heavy base sounds means the characters are forced to shout over the heavy music. The scene then follows two characters that are shown to be in an intimate situation, again emphasised by the sound of a heart beat.

There is a sudden shock to the audience as a masked character jumps into the scene with a chainsaw, a particularly recognisable icon of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. However the character rips off the mask and starts laughing, showing the comedic value of the film as well as the horror.

There is particular emphasis on the youthfulness of characters with a carefree lifestyle. After showing the film title the trailer cuts back to the party and The editors use fast cuts.

The sound of an echoing voiceover is heard creating a sense of isolation. The poor quality and shaky movements of the camera suggests the shot is from the mobile phone (hand held). The characters are dressed in school uniforms. However they appear to be represented as the “rebels”, involved in bullying, heavily made up and wearing their uniform incorrectly. This is a contrast to the victim who is over weight and helpless as they throw his inhaler to the ground.

The use of technology is evident with a close up of a mobile phone with a sadistic message threatening to kill the holder of the phone. The editing appears to speed up which contrasts to the eerie music and shows a build up of tension as the characters become stressed, paranoid and deaths are shown on camera.

One particular death that stood out in the trailer was the close up shot of a body by a fence with blood pouring down the leg, emphasising the gruesome death of the character.

The trailer then ends with the same message shown on the phone earlier and reveals the films website to the audience.