Trailer analysis

The genre is conveyed through the combination of Mise en Scene,

sound, editing and camera work. The lighting throughout is very dark and dull, however there is a long shot of a red book entitled The Number 23. This book stands out amongst all the other books conveying the significance this book has.

This creates quite an eerie feel. The book being red connotes danger, suggesting the danger this book will bring to the characters. Music also plays a large part in conveying the genre throughout this trailer.

 We are able to gather a general understanding of the plot

without too munch being given away. Walter Sparrow (played by Jim Carey) purchased a book called The Number 23. He then gradually becomes obsessed and starts applying the number 23 to his own life. His growing obsessesion demonstrates the shifts in time. He starts off just reading the book, then starts to notice patterns, but eventually appears psychotic to those around him.

 We are shown that Walter purchases this book entitled

The Number 23. We are also aware as an audience that he clearly becomes obsessed and starts to apply the number 23 to his own life. (E.g. he met his wife when he was 23 on the September 14th- September is the 9th month in the year, 9+14=23) However, we are not shown the consequences of his obsession or what this obsession leads to. This works well to achieve narrative enigma, making the audience want to watch the whole film.

 As the number 23 starts to control and take over

Walter Sparrows way of thinking, being and life in general the pace of the editing rapidly increases. This seems to reflect Walters fragmented state of mind. The pace of the editing also works effectively in making the audience members feel very jumpy and therefore uneasy.

 The Mise en scene is very dark and dull throughout, however, a shot of

the bright red book The Number 23 is included; showing the significance of this book. Religious stained windows- suggesting this number is related to religion Red lighting effects are used in some shots, making the scene seem dangerous When Walter and his wife, Agatha discover this book, the wife is wearing a dark red top and Walter is wearing generally dark clothing. Walter is a Sheriff, so therefore has a Sheriff uniform. This suggests that Walter as a person has self control. This makes the whole idea of him being controlled by this number even more sinister.

 Medium shot of the red book The Number 23 amongst other

red books. However this book stands out, demonstrating the significance and dominance it has. Yet again another medium shot of Walter reading this book. The book is the focal point in this shot, showing the control it gaining. Shot of the stained glass windows in a church, showing this book may somehow be linked to God or even the Devil. Long shot of Walter writing down equations on the board that equal to 23- this shows the control this number is having on him High angled shot of Walter in his kitchen reading the book. However, the entire kitchen is unlit, apart from one spotlight which is on the book- showing the dominance of the book Medium shot of Walter in front of the light meaning he appears to be a silhouette- this could represent him losing his identity.

 The order of the institute information is:

- the production company (New Line Cinema)

The typography is very regimented which could reflect how

controlling and dominant his number, and also Walter have become. The writing is also red reflecting danger The title The number 23 at the end is slightly different. The 23 looks as though it is flames beaming though a cut out of the number 23. This could connote hell.

 As the action on screen becomes more eventful, as the

editing become faster paced, the intensity of the music also increases. The music starts off to be very slow and tranquil to reflect the equilibrium state. However, as soon as Walter starts to read the book, the music becomes less tranquil, louder and more layered. Once Walter is totally obsessed with this book, the music is unrecognisable compared to the beginning. It is very loud with and inhumane. (no recognisable instruments are used)