Hitch (2005): Trailer Analysis

The trailer begins with a voice-over type narrative. The audience are introduced to 'Hitch', the main character, played by Will Smith. The equilibrium shows that his character is a 'date doctor', and the close-ups of his character throughout gives him prevalence in the trailer. The establishing shot of New York City allows the audience to see exactly where the film is set and start to relate to the lives of the characters in the film. Throughout the trailer there are comedy-type swipes to cut to the next scene. This is a genre indicator for the film and encourages a more fun-loving outlook on the film. The music in the beginning is upbeat and relatable to the audience. This is effective as it inspires the target audience to be interested in watching the trailer. The music changes to become more hopeful when the audience are introduced to the other man, whom they can also assume is one of the main characters in the story. There are parts where the music stops, which is effective in showing the comedic points in the trailer, also encouraging the audience to go and see the film. 

The disruption begins when Hitch meets the woman, played by Eva Mendes, who he ends up falling in love with. The music here gets happy and exciting, showing the audience that the film is also a romantic film as well as a comedy. The cross-cutting between Hitch and the woman is significant in showing their growing relationship and hints at parts of the plot, which will entice the audience. 

The recognition phase is hinted at when he realises that he is messing everything up and doing everything wrong. The repair phase is slightly hinted at when he says "trying to make a good impression" but this is the only moment where it is mentioned. This is unusual in a trailer as it only shows the good parts of the film and will surprise the audience when a problem occurs in the film. As a comedy, it is effective to only show the good and funny parts of the film as it makes the audience want to go and see it. 

The trailer makes the audience ask man questions. For example, they are left asking if Hitch and the woman, and the other man and the woman he wants to be his girlfriend, end up together, but also does his job affect the way Eva Mendes' character feels towards him and are there any issues with it, as this is not hinted at in the trailer. These questions make the audience want to go and see the film as it will answer their questions. Another part of the trailer that will entice the audience are the unique selling points of the actors involved. Will Smith and Eva Mendes are popular actors and so this will make the audience want to see how their story unfolds.