Matrix Trailer Deconstruction

The Matrix Teaser Trailer begins with the name of the production companies who made it. In this case, Village Roadshow Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures. Trailers often begin with the names of the companies who create the film as it is an important factor in the type of film it will be. The name of a familiar company will attract a certain audience. It is also interesting to note how the typography is presented: the juxtaposition of black and blue creates a sense of mystery and adheres to the genre of the film.

 The shots within this film are presented in order to illustrate danger and power. For example, the birds eye shot of a person jumping between two high storey buildings. There is also a constant reiteration of the same shot of several television screens, which either flash up combinations of letters or mirror the shots before or after them with the television effect.

Another important part of this trailer is the introduction of what we assume is the protagonist of the film. A close up of Keanu Reeves is exactly the kind of shot we could use to display our protagonist.

 The science fiction element of the film is shown through shots such as of the fake mirror. We see the character putting their fingers through the mirror and then a close up of their confused face. This creates an idea of mystery which is always present throughout the trailer.

 Another character is presented in the trailer through a long shot which changes to a close up. He is presented as solemn and frightening. The low key lighting used throughout the trailer is particularly effective here, as the darkness adds to the intrigue and foreboding.

This is an example of when a shot is mirrored within the televisions.  It suggests that there are two worlds within the plot and illustrates a science fiction/technological theme. Once again danger is presented in this shot.

Another major character is presented to the audience, but the length of the shot is shorter so we can assume she is not as important as a character or perhaps actor compared to the others. She is holding two guns, emphasising danger once more.

 The shots continue to be fast paced which gives the trailer an energy which epitomises the conventions of the genre.

These shots relate to our initial idea as an army is used. It suggests that there are two sides, the ‘rebels’ and the ruling ‘government’ and that they clash violently.

 Another shot of the female character is used. By interspersing shots of all the main characters, the trailer makes the audience wonder at the relationship between them all.

 This shot effectively uses depth of field to highlight the paranormal power of this character, and the subsequent unimportance of the army characters.

 The highest billed actor who acts as the protagonist is introduced first. The same typography is used as before, adding to continuity of the genre. The text is followed by a shot of the actor in action to identify him. This is also done for the other male character, but notably not the female character.

 Silence is used for around two seconds to create tension and is interrupted by gunshot noise.  The film is clearly an action film. Once again this shot is mirrored in the television screens.

The title of the film and the tag line ‘the Matrix has you’ is portrayed in a similar typography to the other text. The tag line itself creates intrigue and involves the audience heavily.

This trailer deconstruction was written by a member of the group who hadn’t seen the film in order for it to be unbiased to the plot. We thought this was important because the main idea of the trailer is to create a sense of mystery. There are no spoilers to the narrative, only suggestions to what might happen through intriguing imagery. It pulls you in and compels you to see the movie but gives nothing away, which is why this trailer is so effective.