Movie Trailer Review for
Lincoln F1
1) Narrative:
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This trailer revolves around the key struggles Lincoln faced during his fight to end the Civil War and pass the Fifteenth Amendment; family difficulties with his wife, as well as his rivalry with political opponents. Beginning with a quote from one of Lincoln's speeches "sets the stage" for the primary battle; the abolishment of slavery. As the trailer progresses, this primary goal is emphasized at several points, even using a moment of his wife's desperation while persuading him to stop the older son from enlisting to relate to the conflict of the Civil War.
F2. Interestingly, the conflict between Lincoln and his oldest son is omitted during the trailer, suggesting irrelevance.
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The trailer begins with a quote from one of Lincoln's speeches, and is recited by an African-American soldier to President Lincoln.
F3. Coincidentally, this is the same format the original movie follows, and reflects Lincoln prioritized method of thought. It is evident throughout the trailer and movie that his primary objective as president would be to abolish slavery, considering all other matters-including the Civil War-as secondary. Additionally, the trailer never refers to the passing of the amendment, even if viewers previously know the outcome of the vote. Scenes often show Lincoln calm and collected, and only once is an outburst evident, in which Lincoln is seen abashing criticisms that he is focusing on passing the fifteenth amendment before ending the Civil War.
F4.
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Edits mainly are created to be short clips of critical scenes; intercut by fading transitions. In the edit as well, many short shots are connected to a single piece of voiceover whose source is revealed near the end of the quote. As if in an interview, the "b-roll" equivalent is sped during voiceovers of famous quotes or other critical audio components of the movie, while long emotional scenes are extended to match the song that matches the emotion, drawing the viewer's attention to less explicit, visual detail.
F5.
See the Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/lincoln/
