Burbanked

9-1-1 operators in Pittsburgh were told to expect an increase in calls related to gunshots and explosions in the film’s production. (x)

And now…

For the Greatest Teaser Trailer of All Time…

The One for James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgement Day…

Which was released in the Summer of 1991, 25 years ago, back when I was just born…

“I’ll Be Back,” Ahnold Da Governator (or Arnold Schwarzenegger) would say…

THE HITCHER (1986)

Now I saw this long, long ago, so I hope I’m not remembering it incorrectly - but I think this shot happens right after C. Thomas Howell makes a dangerous escape from Rutger Hauer. As he comes across this location, the camera moves right to left across the sign: E, then F, then A...

The implication is that the word being revealed is “SAFE”, even though that makes no sense whatsoever that there would be a big sign in the middle of nowhere that says “SAFE”.

But being inside the character’s head as we are here, this quiet moment gives us a subconscious sense of relief, of hope that he’s escaped danger. He’s safe.

Then the camera angle changes before the sign is fully revealed. In the new angle, the sign (now rather obviously) says “CAFE”.

It’s a cafe. It’s not safe.

And C. Thomas Howell learns that rather quickly.

Visual misdirection, just under our perception. Pacing, rhythm, and the use of sound and pictures.