The first trailer I would like to discuss is the 1990 Zeffirelli trailer. Zeffirelli's film is full of star power. It stars Mel Gibson as Hamlet, Glen Close as Gertrude and Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia. When the trailer begins, very upbeat and happy music is used to perk the viewers interest in the film. As it gradually goes on, the music changes from happy and upbeat to more dramatic. The switch between the dramatic and the upbeat music happens when the narrator of the trailer begins to describe the premise of the movie. This technique of using both upbeat and happy music as well as more dramatic music is used to appeal to all sorts of different viewers. It gives the film more of a universal feeling in that it appeals to different demographics. You can see the trailer below:
The second trailer I would like to discuss is for the 2000 Almereyda movie. Unlike Zeffirelli who did a more classical interpretation of the work, Almereyda's film takes place in the year 2000 in New York City and uses contemporary situations and themes to portray Shakespeare's play. The music used in the trailer is very contemporary. The first song used is techno style showing from the start that this is not your typical Shakespearean film. The second song used is a cover of David Bowie's song, "Heroes." The use of this song suggests the film is meant to show the heroic nature in the characters. You can see the trailer below:
Now I would like the reader to give me some input on the two trailers. What different feelings do both trailers evoke? How does the music used in the trailers determine our perception of both movies? Do you think the modern music used in Almereyda's trailer works with Shakespeare?
Give me your thoughts!!!
