The
Finest Hours is an upcoming movie starring Chris Pine that is about the
original US coast guard that is in charge of rescuing endangered ships. The
trailer, however dramatic is very intriguing and makes you want to see the
movie. While the trailer is relatively short, there are many appeals brought up
that encourage you to buy a ticket to see the film (does not contain time
stamps in the trailer).
For starters,
the trailer begins with the words on the screen “based on the incredible true
story”. Starting with this is an appeal to pathos as it is playing with your
emotions. You are more inclined to believe the story and have an investment in
it because it was a real event that happened in history. A little bit later in
the trailer more text appears on the screen and says “one of the most heroic
stories in American history”. While there may or may not be truth to this
statement, the audience is more likely to believe that these men were heroic
based on the fact that it is a true story and the way that the men are
portrayed. Casting Chris Pine as the lead was a smart choice by the director
because he is seen as a masculine, strong actor that typically plays the hero
in his movies. This makes him more believable for the audience in appealing to
their emotions and senses. Another text they flash on the screen is a “courageous
story that will keep you on the edge of your seat”. This is again an appeal to
emotions that has the audience anticipating to be moved by the performance on
screen. There are many more appeals to pathos, such as when the sailor says ‘those
men are gonna die out there’. This evokes emotion and sympathy from the
audience that makes them more invested in the story and hopeful for a good
ending. This same idea is also present when Chris Pine says ‘we gotta go out,
but they don’t day you gotta come back’. He says this in reference that he and
his crew needs to go out and look for this ship, however there is no guarantee
that they will all make it back safely.
The appeal
to logos is also evident in the trailer with the idea that it is a true story.
Since they trailer comes out and claims that the facts and storyline is
truthful, that is more likely to persuade the audience of the story. Another
appeal to logos is when in the trailer they say ‘we all live, and we all die’.
This shows that there is honesty within the characters and the general line of
the story.
The
directors of the movie also appeal to ethos by aligning the values of the
audience with those of the crew and the general storyline. During the preview,
one of the sailors does the sign of the cross to safeguard the crew members and
in hopes that they will return safely. This will align with the majority of the
Catholic audience, as well as those who are familiar with that symbol.
The
addition of the dramatic music, dark and harsh lighting, as well as the
screaming and crying voices in the background appeal to all senses. The
theatricality of the preview in general also intrigues audiences with the
general images that are presented. Some of these include the harsh conditions,
the dangerous looking terrain with the waves, and the fire that are coming from
the ship.
Overall,
the directors did a very good job of making the preview seem believable and
appealing to ethos, logos, and pathos.
Emily, I agree with your opinion that letting the audience know that this was a true story adds excitement and credibility to the trailer. I feel like the audience would also feel somewhat supportive and even compelled to see the movie since these characters are representative of the entire U.S. military. One could even argue that these characters are even representative of all the servicemen who died while in duty, which would definitely invoke emotion in the audience. In addition, when the trailer says, "based on the incredible true story", one could get the feeling of hope and anticipation because using the adjective 'incredible' suggests that Chris Pine does indeed save these other men, despite the tempestuous conditions. Another part of the trailer that really invokes emotion in me is that this was before all the modern technology we have today has been invented. You really have to admire the courage of the first coast guards who did not have the safety nets provided by our newer ships and technology.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that any form of "true story" used in a trailer is an instant audience grabber. I also think your addition of how the audience feels the need to 'invest' in it because it was real is a wonderful point made.
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