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.