Whilst I was doing research into spoof trailers the thing I
found most fascinating was how media texts can be twisted and manipulated in
order to provide an entirely different meaning. With that in mind I have
decided to choice a spoof trailer and analise it’s features and ultimately
discover why I find them so fascinating.
‘Hogwarts Express’ is one I have decided to focus upon as it
is fairly new (uploaded 14th March 2012) but also because I am
familiar with both the film franchises in question; The only film footage used in the trailer
is that from the ‘Harry Potter’ films but as the video name suggests, the
trailers purpose is to mimic ‘Pineapple Express’. It successfully does this by referencing the
films plot throughout the trailer and also copying the red font and headline
style at the end of the trailer which can be found on the 'Pineapple Express' film poster.
The plot of ‘Pineapple Express’ focuses on three ‘stoners’
who have accidently witnessed a murder, however the film remains within the genre
of comedy, despite its crime and thriller elements. This is mimicked through the
‘Harry Potter’ footage by manipulating film footage to create the illusion of
Harry taking drugs and witnessing a murder. The music used in the background is
very upbeat and playful which cements the trailer in belonging to the comedy
genre.
This is further reinforced by characters being shown acting
in comedic ways throughout the trailer, for example Hagrid enthusiastically exclaiming
“I once had a fish!” whilst sitting next to a wine bottle suggesting that he is
both drunk and high. The upbeat tone of the trainer connotes that we are meant
to laugh at these parts and find them amusing.
I feel that spoof trailers say a lot about conventions
within society. I think one of the main reasons I find them so interesting is
that all it takes is an upbeat backing track and a few shots of some plants
that are meant to symbolise drugs and the ‘Harry Potter’ films suddenly
transforms from being a children’s adventure story and into a stoner comedy
that Seth Rogen would be proud of.
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