Silent Hill Trailer Analysis

Silent Hill is a 2006 psychological horror film which is one of the few films to be based off of a video game. The focus around the film is the town of silent hill, which seems to be cut off from the existing world. The plot turns on traditional conventions of horror films as the idea of a town which is neither real yet somehow is hasn't been done by the film industry before. The genre of the film is portrayed through the graphic violence in the trailer as well as the locations and non-diegetic soundtrack bridged over the dialogue. 
The break in the equilibrium is sudden but is still conventional of horror films, as it is done 30 seconds into the trailer. The lighting and scene changes drastically, as there is now a cloak of mist and falling ash. As well as this Roses daughter is missing, which creates an enigma, as we as an audience don't know where she is or how she escaped the car accident. The question is also raised as whether the mother is actually alive, since we don't see what happens to her during the crash and how she ended up in this almost apocalyptic world. 

T the close up of her face as she wipes away ash from her eye is effective in showing the contrast of the scene before hand, as it starts to build suspense and raises questions. The camera also moves from a medium shot of Rose to a wide shot of the sign "Silent Hill" which establishes the town as an omen and sets the movie. The change in the non-diegetic soundtrack bridged with the fast paced cut scene at 53 seconds also helps build suspense and starts the break in the equilibrium. Unlike most horror trailers, there are multiple breaks in the equilibrium. This makes the trailer stand out from the others and is an effective form of promotion, as it is unique and original. The character of Rose is seen to be strong and affectionate, as she is willing to face demonic creatures to find her daughter. As well as this By switching the roles of the mother to this heroic figure shows something that is unconventional and for some creates a sense of mystery behind the females character, as the transition from the her first appearance in the trailer to this character almost seems to reflect on the modern woman as being both masculine and feminine. This breaks the stereotype of women being weak as well as being dependent on men. Another break in this stereotype is when we see a female police officer, however her costume and presentation almost makes her seem masculine. The film also portrays sadistic violence which is shown briefly in the trailer, helping to portray the genre of the film.