The Notebook-Trailer Analysis

The Notebook is a 2004 American romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. It's based around a young couple in which are in love during the 1940's. The story is narrated by the male character as he is reminding the female of their love in her old age. 

                                                                                                                           

The trailer opens a soft soundtrack and a high angle shot of two people in a rowing boat paddling through a river. The scene is located with pretty looking trees conforming to the romantic genre. We then have a eye view of two couples racing on bikes. The narrative states "It was a magical summer" implying the couple are in love and shared lots of memories together. We then see a contrasting shot explaining "Noah is a country boy and Ally was from the city". From this we immediately understand that they are both from two different worlds and there will be complications along the way. 

There is a medium shot showing two older people sitting in arm chairs, we see the male character reading a book aloud entitling us to see he is the narrator.

Shot reverse shot is used to show the two characters looking at each other with emotion, there is then a low angle shot of Noah hanging from the wheel making it look superior but Noah tiny and inferior. Through Ally's dialogue she shouts "I'LL GO OUT WITH YOU" demonstrating she's not that interested. The next scene is a side angle view of Ally swinging into a lake, her screams of joy suggest their relationship has progressed further. 

Shot reverse shot is used with the older characters, through her dialogue "They fell in love didn't they?" this confirms what viewers are thinking about the two and their relationship. 

There are a montage of shots showing all different activities and days out, through Ally's dialogue she  states "It's like a dream". This along with the white doves conforms to the romance genre and helps people sympathies with her as well as relating to the film. 

We are then shown Noah and Ally sitting along side many others on a white posh looking table. As a man asks Noah what his job is and how much he earns there is a close up shot of a lady shaking her head and not looking impressed. I a viewer assume she may be something to do with Ally, perhaps her mother? This shot suggests there will be impediments throughout their relationship. 

Through shot reverse shot we see Ally and Noah looking deep into each other, the narrative dialogue behind the characters is Ally's mother demanding "He's not for you!". This implies their has been a big argument about how the parents feel the two are too different and come from different places. 

Before a fade to black there is a panning shot of a car driving away, we see Noah chasing the car demonstrating the parents got in between them and their relationship is over. The fade to black makes the seen appear more emotional and helps the audience sympathise with the characters. The trailer cross cuts to a war scene with connotes the time and era in which the film is set. A slow motion medium shot shows Ally and a new man dancing together, the slow pace makes the scene seem much more intimate and powering. 

Shot reverse shot is used to show the new man asking Ally to marry him, her facial expressions show excitement and happiness, the narrative dialogue states "It's normal not to forget your first love" implying Ally still thinks about Noah and their memories. 

As the trailer dips to black we see a long shot of a impressive newly built home with Noah standing along side. A flash edit is used to portray a camera snap and placing the image into a newspaper. There is a close up shot of Noah looking surprised and emotional, the soundtrack has a slow instrumental soundtrack conforming to the genre of romance. We see Ally standing before him asking is he's "Ok?". As an audience we are confused as to why she has turned up after not seeing him for many months maybe years. 

There is them a montage of shots showing arguments, reminiscing, love and affection. A close up shot of the older women states "W   ho did she choose?". This leaves the audience in hope that she chooses Noah. 

The trailer them introduces all the characters and who they are portrayed by helping persuade the audience to see the film as they may like the famous faces in this film.

The trailer finishes with the older man explaining "I read to her, she remembers" this confirms again to the viewers that the older couple are Noah and Ally. We feel Ally is suffering from a memory illness and Noah is helping her remember their love story. 

A slow motion medium shot is used to show Noah and Ally dancing, the slow pace helps show love and intimacy. This also suggests to the audience that she chooses him.