Matrix Trailer Analysis

The trailer opens with the Warner Bros. logo, but instead of the gold WB and blue sky, its a dark green WB and dark clouds. Instantly giving the film a dark gritty tone to it and also setting it up as a sci-fi based film. The binary text also enforces the sci-fi feel also. Then it cuts to the New York City skyline showing the tops of sky-scrapers and the sky showing that the film is an urban / inner city based film. Also the text "in an ordinary world" foreshadows the fact that there are alternate universes in the film but also re-enforces the psychological aspect of the film. And this scene is followed by our protagonist Neo sitting in his dark office, alone. Again re-enforcing the psychological aspect. But the most important thing I noticed was the green tint on everything, the text and in every scene, it is either green or has a green tint. That goes with the sci-fi genre but is also the colour of the Matrix.

The scene were Neo is alone also presents him as a loner, who is isolated from the outside world. Presenting him as vulnerable in the 'ordinary' world. And by having an isolated, lonely protagonist the audience is given a chosen / holy one, a common character in sic-fi based films where one individual is seen as the key to success and victory. They are usually an everyday person who has some sort of special ability they are un-aware of. The repetition of the constant dull, bleak, urban surroundings allows us to see things through Neo's eyes. Then the two other protagonists are introduced, the mentor and the sidekick / love interest. Again the psychological aspect of the film is exposed, when Neo's mentor tells him he is a slave in the real world. Then the main dilemma is revealed, an evil mutant agent who is described as 'unstoppable' and no-one has ever beaten. The middle section of the trailer is heavily juxtaposed with the first segment. In the first part it shows everyday boring life, pretty basic. But then it goes onto describe the Matrix with bending spoons, martial arts and things defying the natural order. This juxtaposition of sequences is very effective in capturing the audience who are intrigued by the camerawork and graphics.

Towards the end of the trailer more action scenes are included, showing the infamous 'bullet time' camera-work. This is where shots are fired at Neo and he breaks the laws of physics by bending backwards in slow motion to avoid them. This now enforces the action sub-genre aspect of the film for it is a combination of sic-fi and action, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.