Before I go to Sleep Trailer Analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQdnOYpyBCo

The trailer opens with an extreme close-up of a bloodshot eye, the

shaking of the camera and the non-diegetic drone sound give the

impression of tension therefore creating an immediate build-up of

suspense.A fast paced succession of notes, possibly on a guitar, builds on

this whilst a montage of the producer’s logos appears. This

suspense is broken sharply by a cut to a woman waking up with a gasp

appearing very startled.

The following short, fast cuts establish the two main characters Christine and Ben,

played by Nicole kIdman and Colin Firth - both high profile british actors - During

these shots Nicole Kidman’s character is always shown behind Colin firth, depicting her as vulnerable. This is also evident in the medium-long shot showing her from behind and naked. During this a sound bridge using Colin Firth’s dialogue gives

context to the characters; they are married, she suffered a bad accident and has amnesia, however the continuation of

the short, sharp non-diegetic music suggests this may not be entirely as it

seems.

A long shot with a shallow focus is used to draw focus to a ringing phone. A sound

bridge is again used to introduce the third main character Dr. Nash (Mark Strong)

The character is depicted in several close up shots and one long tracking shot with

low key lighting, so as not to show his face in its entirety, this casts doubt in the audience's mind as to which characters can be trusted, a theme that is explored

as the trailer continues. Fades are used in between the shots to resemble blinking

creating a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” suspense to the trailer, making the viewer feel on-edge and excited about the film.

An extreme close up of a newspaper clipping states

“woman found after horrific…” with the last word out of shot, again this creates an idea of

mystery and intrigue about the film. The camera shifts focus erratically as if to resemble

Christine’s confused state of mind, again this reiterates her

vulnerability, caused by her psychological disorder, leading the viewer to sympathise with

her.

A shot/reverse shot captures the dialogue between Christine and Dr. Nash, Christine asks “who tried to kill me?” a cutaway is used to show a close up shot of a door,

possibly in a hotel, numbered 3050. A fast paced dolly shot reverses down a corridor and disorientates the viewer, as if they are

in Christine's confused mind as she remembers the possible scene of the

crime. Dr. Nash replies “no one knows, no one but you” This dramatic statement is followed by a rising drone noise as a car speeds through a tunnel, this build up of suspense is captured in a fade to white

and a bang sound.

Fast editing and shot/reverse shots are used to emphasise Christine and the camera, as these appear integral to the story. The cuts are accompanied by a non-diegetic screeching sound, reminiscent of the

famous psychological thriller, Psycho. This sound is used again during an over-the-shoulder shot where christine turns over a polaroid photo of a woman,

“Claire” is written on the other side. A long shot again depicts Christine as vulnerable and alone. A loose frame

clearly shows Canary Wharf in the background, again emphasising the British values of the film. Claire and Christine's interaction is broken up by flashbacks -

believe to be Christine’s memories - shown in black and white, these flashbacks are dark and shaky suggesting

they, like Christine, are damaged. The audience is led to believe that Christine’s attack happened following an

affair, showing she may not be entirely innocent.

A non-diegetic ringing noise is used and somewhat disorientates and discomforts the viewer as a white backdrop is displayed with

bold black text “from the worldwide best selling novel” therefore creating cross-media synergy;

the book advertises the film and vice-versa. Following this a series of jump cuts following

Christine running down the same corridor depicted before, this reiterates the importance of this setting to the story. The same text font appears this time showing “academy award

winner Nicole Kidman” This is also shown later on in “academy award winner Colin Firth” and

“Mark Strong” Therefore promoting the film based on its high profile, award winning, British

actors and actress.

The speed of the cuts increases with the repetition of the Psycho screeching sound as Christine is shown to be close to both

Ben and Dr. Nash, these two shots suggest an element of changing trusts and loyalties during the film that are

exciting to the audience. This is reiterated with the hand held camera shots from Christine’s video diary, Christine says “don’t trust anyone” the camera jumps

from a close up shot to an extreme close up with each word. This is used to

increase the intensity of the film and the importance of trust in the overall storyline.

The trailer opens with an extreme close-up of a bloodshot eye, the

shaking of the camera and the non-diegetic drone sound give the

impression of tension therefore creating an immediate build-up of

suspense.A fast paced succession of notes, possibly on a guitar, builds on

this whilst a montage of the producer’s logos appears. This

suspense is broken sharply by a cut to a woman waking up with a gasp

appearing very startled.