Dystopian Trailer Homework

Our script for the dystopian trailer is going well. We have easily incorporated dystopian elements such as the use of propaganda and conformity into our script. The only element we have had trouble with is the illusion to the citizens that they live in a utopian society. All of our audio is dialogue and music, but we have text slides to better explain certain elements that the audience may not be able to understand from the trailer. Our trailer follows the basic beginning, middle, and end structure. Another problem we are having is the ending. We are not sure how to end the trailer.

I found two sound clips that we could use in our trailer. One of them is Scary Scapes, which we could use at the beginning of our trailer to introduce the hazy mood of the trailer. The other sound clip is Dronetail, which we could loop somewhere in the middle of the trailer when Matt, our protagonist, becomes flustered and helpless.

Here are two sound clips:

Dystopian Trailer Critique: Minority Report

Minority Report . Steven Spielberg . PG-13 . 2002

In the near future, the government is able to stop crimes before they happen and arrest those who are suspected of almost committing those crimes. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) believes in the system until the government predicts that he will murder someone in 36 hours, but he doesn't even know the victim's name. The movie follows Anderton as he attempts to prove his innocence.

Minority Report Trailer

This trailer incorporates both text and dialogue in order to give the audience information about the premise. From the trailer, the audience can learn that the government is constantly monitoring citizens and society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world. The music is dramatic, which keeps the watchers on edge and filled with suspense. The catalyst is clearly identified in the trailer and so is the protagonist. The supporting characters can be inferred, but one cannot be completely sure. Overall, the audience is able to get the gist of the plot and the dystopian characteristics featured in the trailer.

I can use several of these techniques in my trailer. I can use the text to explain parts of the premise that I may not be able to portray through dialogue and acting. I can also use music to ultimately control the way the audience feels about the trailer.