Week 3_01/29/2016_Western Enticement

The film Jane Got a Gun, starring Natalie Portman and Joel Edgerton, depicts a woman hell-bent protecting her estate from a gang of outlaws known as the Bishop Boys. The film is set in Western times and portrays something unique to the cinema, a woman starring in a sort of gun slinging fiasco.  The trailer runs for just over two minutes, but leaves viewers with many unanswered questions. As the cinematic trailer is analyzed, it may appear intentional.

As the trailer begins, a hoarse voice is heard saying “Boys we got another one dead”, (:10). Who is this statement referring to? Shortly after this segment, another voice enters the trailer and says “People are saying a woman was seen fleeing town. The girl fit the description of our old friend Jane”, (:15). As we begin to have a slight idea of what is beginning to unfold, the viewer can make the connection that a series of a “bad” men are attempting to do hard to this seemingly “innocent” woman named Jane.  As we focus on its content, we begin to see the plot unfold within the first few moments of the trailer.  At the moment when an unknown gentlemen states “turn over every rock until that snake slithers out into sight, and when she does you bring me her head”, (:34),  I am intrigued. Using the element of pathos, dramatic effect begins to take place and I am left with excitement. As the trailer plays on, old lever action rifles are being fired, and the dramatic music is playing in the background. As the music continues, it almost gets louder as the trailer gets more climactic. In terms of ethos, it is noted that a well-known and credible actor plays the leader role. Natalie Portman is a recognized name throughout Hollywood due to her previous works with other “A-list” celebrities. The director most likely casted her not only for her ability to act, but her household name. While the text plays across the screen, scenes of foreshadowing and flashbacks are seen. As the plot thickens Portman states “there is only one way in, one way out”, (1:03), in reference to Edgerton’s question about entrance points.  My curiosity is still getting the best of me at this point in time.

What makes a movie trailer look so enticing? Is it the well-known cast, the famous director, or the plot itself? Maybe in some way it is about the movies perception and how the art of persuasion was inserted into that two minute movie clip. Even though I watched the trailer for Jane Got a Gun over ten times, I still have many questions left unanswered about the movie’s plot. Is it a movie I am going to see? More than likely I will endure its ninety-eight minute run time. While the movie itself may not be Oscar worthy, I have been persuaded to see it in theaters. I believe that the movie trailer focuses heavily on the emotional appeal.

I will let each of you know how the movie was come Tuesday.