Trailer Found Here

The first image we are presented with in the trailer for The Happening is a long shot of a large train passing by along with loud, abrupt digetic sound to instantly create a dramatic effect. When the scene cuts to inside of the train, reaction shots are used to portray the emotions and confusion of the passengers and create a mysterious atmosphere to begin the trailer, which is stereotypical in the thriller genre. At this moment in time, all of the sounds are digetic and as the shot involves both the main characters and extras; this makes the audience feel as if they are in the scene, experiencing the alarm and concern at the same time as the actors. With the use of a sound bridge when Zooey Deschanel asks ‘where we supposed to stop here?’ along with a rapid cut to a full screen of darkness, the audience are entirely focused on her question which fits into the genre as it emphasises the tense situation as well as intriguing audiences along with characters in the scene. To further build tension, a shot/reverse shot is used when the main character is questioning those who are controlling the train, this is effective as it shows both of their emotions and builds suspense as we become aware that neither passengers, nor people in power are informed as to what is happening along with the non-digetic ringing, eerie music creating further effect.

The continuous use of cutting to a completely dark screen increases tension as it suggests death; this idea is supported as the following scene shows a cut to darkness, and once the darkness has been removed, we discover that the policeman from the scene has been killed by an unknown force. The non-digetic whisper which has been added to the trailer suggests something paranormal, or inhuman which is a common feature in thriller films. When reaction shots are again used to see characters response to the word 'attack' again adds mystery and leaves the audience questioning what is going to happen, this is a stereotypical feature within the thriller genre. 

A typical feature within thriller films, is a helpless blonde character and within this trailer we can see this as two blonde females are the first examples of the freak occurrence taking place. The digetic narration, alongside the non digetic sounds such as the bells chiming cause a dramatic feel to the trailer.  As the trailer shows a large amount of rapid cuts between shots, and the music begins to build, tension and suspense builds upon the audience as well as the non-digetic heartbeat making us able to experience the characters emotions at the same time.

However, in we see the characters throwing themselves from a roof at a worms eye view, this could be viewed as unconventional in the genre as there seems to be no clear hero or way of overcoming the problem and this idea is shown further throughout the trailer. On the other hand, this clip alongside the montage of negative images which is shown could be stereotypical because it connotes the idea of mass disaster and a suspenseful 'thrill' to be shown throughout the actual movie. When we are able to see the characters viewpoint as they watch the TV, we can easily understand the narrative and it shows this is dramatic as it is a global issue which creates drama as we become aware this is not a small event which will be easy to overcome. 

This entire trailer overall has many key conventions which you would expect to find within a thriller from shots used to show reactions, to dramatic music used throughout. It successfully builds suspense and thrills the audience along with building fear, tension and adrenaline within audiences.