The trailer that I chose to analyze is The Finest Hours. One of the main actors is Chris Pine who stars in
several other movies as well. This movie is based off of a true story with the
US Coast Guard and a massive storm splits ship into two. Terrible tragedies
occur and a rescue mission is put into place.
Right from
the start the trailer had me intrigued with the music playing in the
background. One of the first pictures displayed was of the ship during the
storm and it did not look safe at all. This is a pathetic appeal because it
really gets your heart racing on what is going to happen. The screen then
displayed the words “Based on the incredible true story” (0:44). That is also
another way the author is using pathos letting us know this story actually
occurred. The main actor says with fear “We have maybe 3 hours, then we sink”
(0:43). Pathetic appeals deal with emotions and death is definitely an
emotional topic.
When it
comes to logical appeals, mentioning earlier how they displayed it was a true
story falls under logos as well. After reading the Texas A & M website
about rhetorical analysis, I understand that logos relies on evidence and
proof. Being a true story and all, there is evidence as well as proof that
members of the US Coast Guard went through this tragedy. Since this is based
off of a true story, the movie will seem more realistic to the audience.
From watching
the trailer several times, I picked up on an ethical appeal that I did not see
at first. A man does the sign of the cross after being informed there is not
much time left to live (0:40). This is an ethical appeal because it is showing
morality. In this case it is representing the man’s values and will be
noticeable by most Catholics along with some other religions.
The main
character, Chris Pine, was a good choice in my opinion. He shows dominance in
everything he does. For example, at 1:08 he starts telling his men what they
have to do in order for them all to live. In addition, everything starts
getting worse and breaking down, but Chris Pine still tries his hardest to
survive (1:23).
Back to
pathetic appeals, the phrase “The most daring rescue mission is U.S. Coast
Guard History” is put on the screen. This gets the audience thinking on how
scary this mission must have been. It can make the audience sit on the edge of
their seats wondering what the outcome will be and who will survive. The trailer
did a good job of showing action parts of the movie. It makes the movie seem like
it’s non-stop action, which audiences enjoy since there wouldn’t be any dull
moments.
On an
overall appearance of the trailer, the pictures and scenes were very realistic.
Having the movie be about a storm while on a ship, the trailer was very dark and
flashing here and there with lightning. It didn’t have happy music playing in
the background, it had dramatic music playing along with terrified
screams. The authors got their message
across and the plot is very clear.
I also analyzed this trailer, and it had me hooked. The choice of scenes and music chosen by the director was on point and made you feel some of the emotions that the characters were also feeling. There were many appeals with pathos throughout the trailer, but I especially thought the text on the screen made the audience more intrigued and interested to find out what would happen next.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I've seen the trailer for this movie, and it's really made me feel compelled to watch it! I also think Chris Pine was an excellent choice since he is handsome and strong, just like everyone expects when they think of the military. In addition, I agree that adding the fact that this is based off a true story adds credibility and awe that this really happened. For me, just knowing that people had to go through a situation like this brings more excitement and fear to the movie-watching experience.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, I thought you did really well at quoting the trailer/using time stamps appropriately. Yes, any movie based on a true story has strong appeals to pathos and ethos, which you mentioned. The only thing I would suggest is revising your conclusion a little bit but other than that great post!
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