Analysing Action Film Trailers - 'The Dark Knight'

The first theatrical trailer I will be looking at is from 'The Dark Knight'.

The trailer includes many conventions that are typical of action film trailers. For instance, the production companies which are shown right at the beginning (which are Warner Brothers, Legendary Pictures and DC) are all big budget production companies that are well known for making many popular action films. Additionally, the production company idents have been altered slightly to give the trailer more of an action feel (they are in a metallic blue colour over a black screen with an explosion as the first one is revealed). During the trailer the audience witness lots of eye candy which includes fighting, explosions and chaos, therefore it is clear what genre the film is as the audience are on edge throughout. 

Additionally, the editing of the trailer is typical of the action genre as it is very quick, therefore the takes are short and snappy which creates an intense tone for the audience. The non-diegetic music is also very typical of action film trailers as it is very fast paced and it matches the rhythm of the editing, therefore it enhances the urgency and intense tone of the trailer. Furthermore, the pleonastic diegetic sound effects of gun shots, explosions and sirens heighten the excitement of the trailer and give it more of an action feel.

The trailer includes moral dilemmas which is typical of action films as ‘heroes’ usually face dilemmas when having “to save the day”. A standout one is “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”, which is heard at the end of the trailer not only to keep the audience engaged but also to encourage them to go watch the film and find out what happens. 

The locations seen in the trailer are frequently portrayed with muted colours and shadows to give it an eerie feel and to suggest that there is conflict within the city. This is typical for superhero films as usually the hero faces conflict whilst attempting to save the city. Lots of aerial shots and extreme long shots are used (which is common in big budget action films) to allow the audience to witness the danger that the city is under and to feel connected to Batman saving the day.

The iconography in the trailer is typical of the genre,  as the film is set in an urban city which is densely populated. The props are also very typical of the action genre (guns, knives, special gadgets, Batmobile) and finally the costumes are what you would expect for a superhero/action film (Batman's armour suit and the SWAT costume for the police). Finally, the characters portrayed in the trailer follow the typical characters found in action films. It is obvious to the audience that there is an anti-hero, a villain, a princess and a mentor.