Bohemian Cinema By Jonathan Pacheco

Trailer Park ‘07

Tags: Trailer Park, Beatles, Horror

In the spirit of a post long ago, I’ve taken three trailers I find interesting, and will comment upon them, analyzing how they were made, and predicting what the film will actually be like.

(When I contemplated this post months ago, I had originally chosen three very easy trailers: Grindhouse, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and 300).

Click each image to view the trailer.

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Across the Universe

A “Beatles Musical” of sorts. Everything in this trailer feels like it’s trying to recreate the success of Moulin Rouge, from the art direction to the main actor’s voice (tell me that doesn’t sound like Ewan McGregor). Unfortunately, most of it feels contrived (the guy’s name is Jude, I wonder why!). The trailer itself is also trying too hard, first of all showing too much of the film, then attempting to jam in every recognizable Beatles song to lure in everyone.

The way it’s structured, the trailer feels like it’s about to end when it’s only halfway through; funny, because I think it should have ran half as long. I’m a gigantic Beatles fan and I take my music seriously, but I do like some of the choices in here, particularly “Helter Skelter” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” The film looks like it has some trippy sequences, which are always a plus, but I feel like they can’t get a good hold of the grand scheme that they were going for.

Prediction: An episodic film with too long of a running time, a lack of charismatic performances, but a couple of really great musical sequences.

The Hills Have Eyes 2

I must say, this is the most surprising trailers I’ve seen in quite some time. Short, intriguing, disturbing, and has an awesome song. It almost, almost convinced me to see the film. Had this been a completely original film with no history, I’d be first in line at the box office. Unfortunately, it’s a sequel to a not-so-great film, and everyone knows it. A shame.

Prediction: The film will never live up to its smart, edgy trailer.

The Host

As the trailer starts, it’s a little confusing, but I quickly realized that this was a funny-horror film. Or was it? Halfway through, there are little touches that make me wonder if I’m supposed to take it seriously. Then I’m convinced that I’m not. Near the end, it focuses solely on the action element, with driving percussion, implying serious action. So what is this film supposed to be? After seeing it several times, I have a grasp on what the film really is (a horror film with lots of gore and special effects, but with a comic edge), but should it take that many viewings to perceive that?

Gripes aside, the moment it ended, I knew I had to see the film. The moment we get a glimpse of the monster, I knew I had to see it.

Prediction: A little overhyped, but still a very good-to-great film that will develop some sort of cult. Great effects and a knowledge of the genre will help this film immensely.