Nowadays, when watching a trailer for a new film, you may feel like you know exactly what’s going to happen even before stepping into the theatre. That may be because trailers today reveal far too much in an attempt to reel the audience in and get butts in seats.
It takes a lot to encourage someone to come to the theatre, especially if the film isn’t Marvel, Star Wars, or some huge franchise. Some cinemas are sadly even beingforced to shut downfor a variety of reasons. However, these films got people going to the cinema by hyping them up for the film without revealing too much, proving that making trailers is an art, not a science.
Psycho (1960)
In this trailer fromAlfred Hitchcock’s classic, the director spends his time detailing the infamous murder (without spoilers) and setting up the plot. While he is specific that there will be murder and intrigue, Hitchcock is vague about the actual plot and characters, baiting the audience to come and watch the movie.
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This trailer shows once again why Hitchcock is the master of suspense. He gives the viewer just enough to pique their curiosity, but doesn’t reveal all the twists and turns of the film itself.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Instead of focusing too much on the plot, this trailer examinesRobert De Niro’s “brilliant performances” and gives a feel of how intense the film will be with close-ups of the dirty streets. The viewer also knows the film will be psychological because of the repeated close-ups of his eyes.
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The trailer does delve a little into the plot, going into “the only moment in his life that will mean anything,” but luckily not too much is given away because they don’t show the political aspect of the film. By focusing on performance over plot, the film demands to be seen.
The Shining (1980)
Just blood. Pouring out of an elevator. No plot. Just a feel for what’s to come.
This trailer might give the least away of any in history. There is still a title scroll ofStanley Kubrickand those associated with the film because Kubrick was sonotorious for making brilliantand terrifying films but the horror of all that blood cascading out of an elevator shows the viewer that something extremely sinister is going to happen.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
BecauseQuentinTarantinohas some of the most iconic dialogue in movie history, this trailer focuses on just that. It portrays a classic mosaic of characters and quippy dialogue without giving too much away.
It also gives the viewer the style of the film without really getting into the plot. There will be a lot of characters, they will somehow intersect, but you have no idea how. The only way to find out? Go watch.
The Social Network (2010)
This combination of images, music, and dialogue is exquisitely put together in order to examine Mark Zuckerburg’s psychological state. Not only that, but we see the beginning of the film’s themes and know exactly how the film will be structured.
BecauseDavid Fincheris such a specific director with a particular vision, the trailer makes sure the viewer knows that they are in for a treat. While some trailers use music different from the final film, this one usesAtticus RossandTrent Reznor’s Oscar-winning scoreto show how well it goes with the sharp images of Fincher.
Whiplash (2014), La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s two award-winning films are all about relationships. While they do involve jazz and music, making sure the audience understands that, these trailers don’t reveal too much about the evolution of the relationship. Instead, it establishes that there will be a unique one, but you don’t have a clue where it will go.
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These trailers also give a great feel of the environment. InWhiplash,you know you’re in for a tense time and an abusive relationship, but inLa La Land,the colorful and romantic scenes provide a landscape for romance, but the dialogue that it is paired with shows just a possibility of disappointment.
This tense trailer sets upJordan Peele’s second film afterGet Outbrilliantly. In no way does it reveal that there will be a twist ending, but does set up the electrifying performances, especially fromLupita Nyong’o.
The trailer sets the horrifying tone with a score that feels like nails on a chalkboard. A classic film where avacation takes a terrible turn, the trailer also gives the viewer enough to recognize what the main conflict will be, but not the exact turns that will happen. All horror movies should take note because they can be the biggest culprits when it comes to giving away plot points in the trailer.Usdoes the exact opposite.
