Requiem For a Dream Teaser Trailer Deconstruction (Camera Work)

The very first shot in this teaser trailer is an off centre still shot of the television, from behind the sofa, the mise en scene in this shot initially appears to be depicting normality, as an average living room setting is displayed, with a comfortable sofa, a table lamp and tea cups, which all connote comfort. However, the low-key lighting of the room creates an eerie feel, which is harshly contrasted by the bright colours on the television screen. The vivid colouring of the TV causes this the become the central focus of the shot, even though it is not central on the screen. This depicts the significance of the media, and television throughout the narrative of the film. This significant is also presented throughout the trailer though various other shots: 

Such as this 'We got a winner' shot, which displays a television presenter and an audience to a TV show, as the bold typography mirrors that to one that would pop up on a game show. Additionally, the non-dietetic voice over of the character saying 'I'm going to be on television', reiterates this importance of the media and specifically the television.

The next shot is a central still shot of a dimly lit fridge. Similarly to the previous living room shot, upon an initial glance one may analyse this shot to connote comfort and an average life, do to the family photos, fridge magnets, and untidy side counters. This shot depicts normality through the mise en scene. However, the low key lighting changes this, as the room is very dark all apart from the white fridge, which stands out in the shot, becoming the pivotal factor. This demonstrates an aspect of the narrative, as the fridge is displayed as somewhat daunting, this is because of the character's anorexia, as within the plot she develops a fear of the fridge as it will tempt her to eat.

One of the main factors to the plot of this film is the use of drugs, this is depicted all the way through the trailer. One effective way in which this is done is through the use of extreme close ups, such as:

Extreme close-up shots of the characters' eyes, which convey the physical effects that drugs have on their bodies; as the shot displays their pupils dilating.









Various extreme close up shots of drugs, such as a syringe, a lighter, and pills. These illustrate to the audience that the characters are using a dangerous amount of different drugs; it depicts how their lives are arguably drug-orientated, due to the sheer amount of it all.

Love is an theme which is displayed throughout this teaser trailer, it is depicted through various different shots:



A sexual love is conveyed through this elevator shot of the two characters kissing. Simultaneously, there is a non-diegetic voice over of the female character whispering 'I love you', which adds to this theme of love.
This shot has a post-effect over it which causes it to appear as if it is footage from the elevator camera, this could suggest that the characters are willing to express their love no matter who is watching.

Furthermore, the same sexual love is presented though this extreme close up of the characters kissing, the kissing effect mirrors this at the same time. The indiscreet nature of the shot is very apparent, as it is straight in the audience face and leaves them nowhere else to look, and the sound effect also makes this shot very explicit.
Similarly to the previously discussed shot this suggests that the characters do not care about hiding their love, but want to express it regardless of the audience.

Familial love is also portrayed through this trailer, as it explores the love between the mother and son. This is conveyed through this close up of the two characters embracing. This is an important aspect of the narrative as their relationship is weakened as they are both caught up in drugs and addiction. The contrast between the bond they have prior to the drug use and their isolation after the drugs have taken their toll really emphasise the negative effects of drugs.

This shot depicts a romantic love between these two characters. Here they are displayed to be running together, holding hands, through a bright, sunny park. The high-key lighting of this shot connotes their happiness together, and contrasts the low-key nature of the rest of the drug-filled trailer. This suggests their happiness before their drug troubles.





These shots are contrasted against the shots that are displayed in the later part of the trailer, which depict the very negative effects of addiction

This is close up shot is very low-key and presents the female character in a negative light. Her make-up is smudged, she is sweating, and looks very exhausted. This displays the character craving the drugs she is addicted to. Money is another theme that is a apparent through the trailer, which is depicted through various close up shots of money. From this it can be suggested that the character has run out of money and is therefore suffering from withdrawal symptoms. This is also displays through the blue lighting on half of her face, which causes her to appear sickly.