Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977): Trailer Analysis

The trailer opens with text reading "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...". This is iconic for Star Wars, and highlights the yet-to-be franchise of the first film in 1977. The establishing shot of fighter space shuttles following the test is effective in instantly introducing the film's concept. This shows the equilibrium of interspace travel and tense relations throughout the galaxy. The fast paced editing, and tense orchestral music shows the upbeat and adventurous nature of the film. The music features many bass notes, suggesting that something dangerous might happen. The cuts to inside the shuttle begins introducing some of the characters, for example, the audience get a glimpse of R2-D2 and C3PO, who are considered to be pivotal characters throughout the franchise. The use of laser guns and robotic-looking characters suggests that the film is in the future. This acts as a form of escapism for the audience at the time as it is completely different from their reality. 

The disruption begins when the long shot and then, after a shot-reverse-shot, close-ups of Darth Vader. As well as other characters, he is shown to be one of the main characters in the film. The low, fearful music suggests that he is the villain of the film. His black clothing, in contrast to the white clothing of Princess Leia during the shot-reverse-shot, also suggest that he is of a dark nature, where Princess Leia is the opposite. It shows her to be fighting against Darth Vader, which suggests that she is one of the heroes in the film. The use of the phrase "not like your planet" is effective as it presents the escapism of the film as a selling point. 

During the recognition phase, when they try to go and rescue Princess Leia, the audience are introduced to even more of the main characters in the film. During the recognition and repair phases, where they try to defeat Vader, the music gets even more intense and adds to the suspense felt by the audience. This encourages them to go and see the film as they will want to know what happens after watching the trailer on the edge of their seats. The continued placement of the title, with the video playing inside the letters, is effective as it ensures that the audience knows exactly what the film is and remembers the name. The use of the phrase "light-years ahead of its time" is effective as it plays on the space theme and further encourages the feeling of escapism for the audience. 

The trailer is longer than modern trailers, however, it makes sure it doesn't give everything about the story away. The audience are still left asking many questions, for example, do they survive and do they defeat Darth Vader in the end. These enigmas encourage the audience to go and see the film as it will allow them to answer their questions and find out exactly what happens in the end.