#magicoffamily

The trailer of use: https://youtu.be/FLzfXQSPBOg 

Logos was not used in the movie trailer as it did not present any particular ratings from credible critiques, nor did it highlight specific awards the film should be nominated for. Ethos was used as it acknowledged “the creators of Tangled,” and the voice actors of the characters are contributed to the audience turn up, as the parents may have been fans. The main persuasive technique used was Pathos as seen through the narrator and the beginning perspective shot, the music, specific dialogue, action-packed scenes, and the colorful humor and animation. 

The trailer used the traditional three-act structure; beginning with a narrator explaining the basis for the storyline and characters, the middle diving further into the climax and emotional turmoil of the plot, and the ending combining multiple strong points of the film in quick clips with the music from the soundtrack providing more edge and emotion. 

Immediately after the viewer’s discretion card, the audience is snatched by suspense. We are welcomed to the far-away kingdom of Arendelle by a thunderous base of music and a deep and foreboding narrator who introduces us to a main character by rhyme. Like much of pop culture today, the character is seen as “not normal” or “too special” to herself as she decides to hide her identity away to make sure she is accepted in her society, and the audience is meant to take pity on her loneliness and fear of being different. Abruptly, the audience is thrown into the whirlwind of emotion as her hidden powers are discovered by others and she is seen as an outcast. They ridicule her and she, swarming with uncertainty and desperation, flees her home, indefinitely. The climax of the movie is centered around her rash decision. With her emotions being the strength of her powers, the lack of control over them ultimately affects the world around because of the force of her magic. Unknowingly, she creates a storm in her wake, and this leads to the adventure of the center plot of the story, the introduction of her sister, who is determined to fix the situation, and the reason why this movie was a great film at Thanksgiving. 

Based on the action-packed scenes, the music, the humorful characters, the dynamic between the sisters, and the overall moral of the movie, the genre for the film is an animated family comedy adventure. The animation style is warm and allows the viewer to feel a sense of friendliness that is usually associated with Disney animated characters. There is noticeable humor in a lot of the more intense scenes to keep the audience entertained and not focus on the heavy topics suggested in the movie. As the main theme is the power of family and comfort, there are many scenes dedicated to Anna and Elsa interacting and understanding the strength of their relationship. The adventure is the momentous journey to find Elsa, and through the eyes of Anna, we meet many characters, understand her story, and delve deeper into the mystery of Elsa’s power. 

As mentioned before, because this is an animated movie, the characters are all voiced by actors, and although they are not seen, their skills and personalities can be seen in their portrayals. Kristen Bell is a known actor that often takes on the innocent, gullible character roles. Josh Gad is seen as a great comedian, and his skills are presented well as he voices Olaf. The title song for the movie and the main “villain” of the movie are elegantly brought to life by Idina Menzel, a Broadway actor. The message for the movie and the characters relatable personalities are only connected to the audience because of the people behind the scenes. 

Considering the genre of the movie and the intended audience, the movie trailer does incorporate a significant number of action scenes. A movie trailer’s goal is to draw the viewer’s attention and leave an impact strong enough for the person to want to see the movie. The Frozen trailer did just that in numerous scenes. For example, Kristoff running into the eye of the storm, Elsa’s defeat and her cry of the people staying away from her, or Anna’s determination to bring back Elsa because she knows Elsa, her sister, would never hurt her. The scene where Anna and Kristoff fight the wolves on a racing sled, and when Anna explains to Olaf and Kristoff, “That’s no blizzard. That’s my sister,” are great heart-racers. Another is the golden ice scene, and the audience sees Elsa attacking. Finally, the crashing boat scene where Anna and Kristoff show the beautiful skills they learned at Prometheus School of Running Away From Things.  

The most impactful scene is short but to the point. Elsa is in a dark room with a man who pleads sincerely, no malice in his voice, “Stop the winter.” The look she gives him in response and her words, “Don’t you see...I can’t,” are what really make the audience raise a brow. It is clear from the beginning that she doesn’t have control over her powers, but after Anna’s declare of bringing back her sister to fix the weather, the audience is misled to believe that the continued drama of the movie is because of Elsa’s unwilling selfishness to return. This scene asks the question if she does return, will she, can she stop the storm in time to save her home. Is the solution even in her hands to begin with if her emotions remain unstable? Does this means she finds a way to control her power? All those questions swarm the mind of the viewer, effectively making him or her want to purchase a ticket to have his or her questions answered. 

There were more subtle appeals to emotion as well. The use of the words “eternal snow” and “sorcery” write Elsa out as a villain from the beginning. Olaf’s declaration that “some people are worth melting for,” although humorful because he is a snowman, brings up a question of how far are you, a viewer, willing to go for a loved one. The conviction and faith Anna has in her own abilities to help her sister frame her as the heroine of the story, and it shifts the attention of who the audience will be following and rooting for throughout the movie. Again, this makes Elsa seem like an antagonist, rather than someone who is suffering equally as much as the town falling under frostbite. One final noted piece of persuasion was the music from the movie as the trailer begins to come to a close. The song playing continues to promote the idea “for the first time in forever.” It’s Anna singing about love, but in the context of the trailer and how it is presented with the images of what will happen in the movie, it gives a sentiment of “maybe, just maybe,” as though this person is invincible. The audience might assume it is referring to Elsa taking control of her powers and no longer hiding behind a facade. It could be a cluing fact to others in the movie accepting something they’ve never seen before as not a possible threat, but rather a new beginning. The music is intense but whimsical, like a dream. If you reach far enough, try hard enough, something amazing will happen. 

Overall, the trailer was effective in establishing an interest in the movie. Music, animation, characters, story plot, and all the rhetorical devices actively make the film seem entertaining and a worthy place to take a family on Thanksgiving.