Film Trailer Research: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Objective:
To identify the codes and conventions commonly used in teaser trailers which promote films within the genres of thriller and action.

Case Study:
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Trailer (2003) Directed by Jan De Bont



We decided to look at this film trailer although it is seven years older than the rest as we wanted to look at the representations of female lead characters in opposition to male leads, in action thrillers and thought that this was a perfect example where a female lead character has to take on masculine traits to be considered excepted as a strong and individual characer. Firstly the dress codes used create a strong and determined character as well as creating a very masculine appearance. Croft's hair is slicked back and her outfits almost military like with utility and gadget belts to store her weapons.

However she maintains a very curvascious and femine look in terms of her body's physical attributes, wearing low cut strappy tops which connotate the images of pin up girls from magazines, indicating that her only real femine traits that are left is her female body and its objectification for men. The props themselves are also very masculine, with her interests being portrayed as shooting, guns, martial arts and various other vigorous sports that require commitment and strength. The actor Angelina Jolie is also a very well known Hollywood actress, again with actor association drawing in the audience to the film. She is seen in society as a head strong woman which adds to the traits of the character Lara Croft even more.

In many films it is the male characters that have to save or in some way rescue the female characters, like the stereotypical 'damsal in distress'; depicting females as the weaker sex, making them both physically and emotionally unable to cope with the fast moving action. This film however contradicts this giving Croft the power and control in situations and making it evident to the audience that she can look after herself. However the fact that they have had to portray her with masculine traits shows that the ideology that women are weak is still very dominant in our society as if it were thought that females could look after themselves then Croft could be shown femininely without the need to take on a masculine role.

Much like the other three trailers that we have looked at, the codes and convetions on the porduciton and creation of the film trailer itself are similar if not the same. The trailer allows the story line to build up then goes into fast moving shots of action packed sequences where enigma and excitement is built up to a climax just before the trailer ends, leaving the audience wanting more, hence the name teaser trailer. The music is also fast paced with heavy drums and guitars to mirror the fast moving shot sequences of action and add to the overall mood of the film.