The

EDGE of

Seventeen

Trailer Analysis

Act One:
As is typical of the first act of a trailer, we are introduced to the protagonist of Nadine
who is presented in a frantic and nervous position; this has been created through the
school setting and diegetic sound of
Nadine pacing the corridor.
The clip goes straight into the narration
allowing the audience to build a
connection with the character Nadine.
Her bright colours contrast to her pace
and frantic expression creating
confusion immediately building tension. The audience are introduced to the film
through the action, according to Todorovs narrative theory, allowing the rest of the
trailer to show the disequilibrium.

On the other hand, the dark clothing

used for the teacher creates a dull
impression for his character.
His blunt tone in addition to the build
up of non-diegetic music of the
drumsticks create a ticking beat
creating a sense of sarcastic suspense.

The constant uses of the

shot-reverse-shot (13 shots) increase
the ideas of characteristics for Nadine
as it effectively shows her response
throughout the interaction.

The sudden stop of the drumsticks in addition to the whoosh introduces the
production companies reveals a sense of reputation as STX Entertainment have
produced films such as Bad Moms and The Boy, whilst H. Brothers have produced
films such as The Forbidden Kingdom.

Nadines narration effectively show a young character, as well as present a

common theme for a teen school based film.
The narration matches to images of those Nadine talks about. The pace of editing is
quite slow in order to allow the audience to simply be introduced to the characters
and their relationship to Nadine.
As this seems like the norm to Nadine, it shows the equilibrium of the film overall,
enabling something to happen.

The cymbal and crescendo in background music leads up to a

flashback of Nadine at age 13. The shots used create humor
highlighting her hardships, for example an extreme close up of
her imperfect qualities such as her spots, jump to a mid-shot of
her standing facing the
mirror, allowing the
audience to see the
imperfectness of Nadine
at age 13.
The non-diegetic sound
stops at moments of
humour allowing the
audience to react.

Act Two
The convention of music within a trailer is shown through the sudden stop for
comical effect allows a transition into the second act.
The sound bridging of Nadines voice is used over montages of her friend Krista to
help enforce the separation of the characters.
The sudden stop of the non-diegetic music allows a sense of a disequilibrium to
become apparent.

Nadines use of dark

clothing highlights her
depressed mood.
The pace of editing slows
down in order to mimic
Nadines mood.

The framing of the wide

shot shows Nadines
isolation.
Although the texture of the
music builds up, the pace
slows down reflecting on
Nadines mood

Act Three
The next act is introduced through the ending of the synchronous sound of Nadine
in her car which then tails into the beginning of a new piece of background music.
Lyrics are heard When I was younger so much younger than today reflecting the
struggles in Nadines life.

Dark lighting is used to highlight the

uncomfortable apprehension Nadine has
towards doing things outside of her comfort
zone. The dark lightning enforces the idea that
Nadine is out of place.
Conventions of a
trailer include
title screens
which in this
circumstance
convey Nadines
emotions

As typical of a trailer, a montage is used in order to show the challenges Nadine faced.

The title screens

introducing films made by
the production company
Gracie, building up a
reputation. The light colors
create a sense of optimism,
tranquility and happiness.

Bright lighting is used along with title graphics in

order to create a sense
of freedom for
Nadine, suggesting
things are getting better.
This marks a shift and
turning point of the
narrative showing
Nadine to be more
The lyrics Help me if
confident.
you can Im feeling
down match to
Nadines actions as
she sinks in her chair,
augmenting her
negative emotions.

The high angle shot as Nadine sits at the

bottom of the slide foreshadows her place
of vulnerability
This then changes to a low angle close up
making her seem superior as she says the
words she types in a confident manner
The wide shot as Nadine breaks down in the
park highlights her exposed state, rendering
her vulnerable

The title screen graphics appear a

scene before the end of the trailer
in order to highlight a ending
climax.

The trailer ends on the scene from the

beginning of the trailer creating familiarity
allowing the audience to understand why she
is now in this position with her teacher.
The non-diegetic music quietens allowing the
dialogue between the two characters to
become the focus point adding to the humour
of the scene.

The lyrics wont you please please help me

reflect Nadines pleading tone which then
ends on a cymbal sound making emphatic
the teachers last words, creating humour,
before ending again with the lyrics help me
showing nadines vulnerable state
throughout the film.
The title graphics end with the
screenwriter allowing a sense of
reputation to be created. Social media tags
have been used in order to allow the film
to trend on social media effectively
enabling reputation and building
excitement before the films release.