(Please read in trailer voice)
This January…
Get ready…
To change your brain…
From the creators of “Know Shit! Issue Six”…
Comes a daring new entry in the Know Shit! Cinematic Universe (KSCU)…
Know Shit! Issue Seven.
OUT NOW (you’re already reading it).
BONUS QUESTION:
Throughout the quiz are stills from the trailers of TEN different films. Name them! (one bonus point per correct film guessed).
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Trailers BETTER than the movie…
Trailers are a tool used mostly by cooperations to advertise their upcoming product to the masses in hopes of taking their hard earned money. BUT. Can some trailers go beyond their cynical origins to become a piece of art themselves? Can they shine so bright they eclipse the film itself? I think the answer is yes and here are some of my favourite examples.
Possessor
Possessor is a nasty horror/thriller about corporate assassins who use sci fi technology to take control of other peoples bodies. The trailer, with such a short amount of time does a lot to communicate this concept in some really subtle ways without giving away any specifics or plot details. The trailer is structured around a countdown as the main character inhabits their target. It works as a great tension builder and propels the trailer forward, letting us hear the character’s voice change as they transfer their consciousness. We get a hauntingly catchy extraterrestrial score propelling the teaser which blends perfectly with the striking visual imagery, conveying the tone of the film perfectly. This is what a good trailer looks like!
X
The trend of “take an old song that has some sort of obvious thematic link to the film within the lyrics, deconstruct it, slow it down a bit, add some strings and cinematic droning sounds” has become thoroughly overused in modern trailers. Among standout examples like the “Us” or “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation” trailers, the “X” trailer sits on top.
This trailer has a dense sound design and precise editing that keeps delivering enough twists and turns to keep you drawn in until the end where they hit you with the needle drop which goes incredibly hard. The trailer promises a lot, for me the film didn’t really build on what you see here and ended up playing it pretty safe. You’re better off just watching the trailer.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Quick. Cuts. Every. Second. Fast. Paced. No. Dialogue. Just. Imagery. Good. Song. Great. Tagline. Captures. The. Adrenaline. Rush. Of. The. Highest. Points. Of. The. Film. Unfortunately. The. Film. Itself. Didn’t. Fully. Live. Up. To. The. Frantic. Pace. Shown. In. This. Trailer. Not. To. Say. I. Didn’t. Like. The. Movie. I. Just. Think. The. Trailer. Is. Better.
Answers
Breadcrumbs.
Sonic (2019).
As a result of the redesign, the film was delayed three months but fans were generally more positive on the updated look.
The belly button.
Condensation trail.
D. It’s 7 hour and 20 minute runtime.
The full runtime of the film is supposedly 720 hours (30 days) making it the second longest film ever made. The idea was for the film to be shown in 2020 and then destroyed. However, the film was never actually screened. Now the trailers are the only way to experience the film.
Check it out here, it’s a THRILLING watch.
If for some reason this trailer is too long for you, DON’T WORRY. The filmmaker Anders Weberg also released a brisk 72 minute teaser.
Ana de Armas.
The false advertising lawsuit was finally settled in April of this year after two years in the courts. The two fans allegedly rented “yesterday” with the intention of seeing Ana de Armas but claim that when she didn’t appear in the film as she did in the trailer, they were cheated out of their $3.99. The ensuing legal battle cost the fans $126,705 in legal fees.
B. They were originally shown after the film.
Tina is trailing the sailors and Taylor is trailing Trina.
Truck Nuts.
A bizarre and petty rivalry has spawned from this stupid accessory, it’s too long and detailed to write here so watch this video detailing the insane feud, you won’t regret it…
In space no one can hear you scream.
BONUS POINTS:
The ten films throughout the quiz are (in order) Psycho, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Shining, Labyrinth, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged me, 9, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Get Out, Longlegs and Barbie.
