Scott Pilgrim Vs.

The World
Trailer Breakdown
The trailer starts with an inclusive, long shot with a deep focus that does not particularly pick out any specific
character or narrative but does introduce with the slight pan of this shot the kind of neighbourhood and time
setting of the film. Evidently the film is set relatively modern to when it was shot and the setting appears to be
a predominantly white neighbourhood from the likes of the UK or North America with stereotyped western
party icons like red cups and casual wear. This refers to Roland Barthes Cultural Codes that assume the
audience can relate to what they see without it necessarily being explained.
Following this a close up of one character evidently suggests that this person is very important to the narrative
and likely to be the main character. His expression is confused and awkward which also displays the nature of
this character throughout the film. His introduction like this establishes the A of Todorovs narrative theory,
allowing audiences to understand his role in the film already.
This close up then becomes a split screen between the original shot of the main character and a newly
introduced female that is displayed from a mid-shot, displaying her figure as well as her isolation in this party.
The split screen also helps to indicate that there is a connection between these two characters in the narrative
which is the main focus of the plot.
When the shot eventually becomes a two shot of both characters the romantic interest that controls the plot
of the film becomes even more clear. The girl therefore becomes the B in the narrative. This is similar to most
Romantic Comedies and is also established like this in their trailers.
Following this, the editing pace picks up with shot-reverse shots and two shots introducing secondary
characters and the name of the girl that the film is all about. This provides necessary information to thicken
the plot of Scotts pursuit of the girl. This helps to create enigma codes for the girl, making the audience want
to know more about the questions that are being raised in the film according to Barthes theory.
Then, this shot reverse shot of a conversation between the two main characters which is backed by an up-
tempo punk rock build up that references the musical side of the film. On top of this, there is subtly a high
angle shot of the male and a low angle shot of the female that connotes that she is dominant and sought
after whereas the male is inferior and awkward which contributes to a lot of the comedy within the film.
After a short montage that includes video game referencing visual effects and cartoon-like transitions the
first major plot point is revealed by several close-up, crab and mid-shots of the first evil character to be
introduced. The lack of dedicated screen time given to his dialogue and the quick inclusion of a fast
paced action sequence alludes to the fact that there is not just one evil character in the film which is
again a huge theme in the plot. The longer emphasis that this particular trailer has on its explanation of
its build up contrasts slightly to other trailers, yet it is seemingly necessary in making sure the audience
understands what the main narrative actually is.
Following this there is a long montage sequence that essentially lasts throughout the rest of the trailer with
slowed down sequences that feature comedic, plot thickening and or excitement heavy dialogue that
confirms the themes of the film as a fast paced action-comedy that also acts as a romance genre parody.
During the montage visually impressive and plot referencing titles are shown like this that inform viewers of
what the film may be like due to the director and their previous works.
Finally, the theme of overcoming awkwardness and becoming confident that is essentially the message of
the film is introduced as the last serious plot point from the trailer signifying the story arc that viewers are
familiar with appealing to Neales theory of repetition and difference.