Textual Analysis
The strangers is a modern American Horror film released in 2008. The films plot is about a couple in their vacation home, who are invaded by three people wearing masks. The covering of their faces creates a curiosity in the audience, which is obtained in the trailer. The trailer uses narrative credits to engage the viewer, and explain the plot. The eery music throughout gives an uneasy atmosphere, and builds tension. The trailer uses typical conventions up until the middle, where country music is played. This is an unusual convention of horror films in which the opposites seem strange to the viewer.
One scene in the trailer shows a long-shot of the woman standing making a drink, while the man in the mask watches her from behind. The audience sees this thought as unsettling, because it we have a common fear of the unknown.
Genre
The film is a thriller and this is shown through the way the film builds tension throughout, using both music and lighting for this.
Audience
As much of the horror/thriller genre is targeted at a younger audience, the target market for this film would be 15-25. Like many thriller films the movie was rated 15, because of the use of tension instead of gore.
Context
The film gained mixed reviews because of it’s great suspense but weak plot. However it was successful at the box office earning $20,997,985 in it’s opening weekend, and with a gross profit of $82,391,145.
Style
The style of the film and trailer is quite unique, mainly focusing on suspense and tension. The simple idea of being raided by strangers is frightening to the audience.
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