The Dilemma of Movie Trailers: Revealing Too Much or Not Enough?

Have you ever watched a movie trailer and felt like it revealed too much of the movie? I encountered a similar situation when I watched M3GAN, where a trailer for Searching 2 before it basically gave away the entire plot. While this might save your money and time in the short term, it ultimately hurts the film, especially if it's supposed to be a mystery or a thriller. Knowing the twists and turns beforehand negates the enjoyment of piecing everything together alongside the characters.

Striking the Right Balance

Even though trailers need to reveal enough to pique the audience's interest, they must also avoid giving away too many plot elements to keep the viewers guessing. This is a fine line that trailers often struggle to walk. For instance, in the iconic film Titanic, audiences knew right from the start that the ship was going to sink. In Pearl Harbor, it was clear from the beginning that the Japanese would attack. For most romance films, it's virtually guaranteed that the main characters will be together by the end.

According to film critic Roger Ebert, the main attraction of a movie is the "how" rather than the "what." Even though we know the characters will end up together, the writers often create thrilling and emotional journeys that lead them there. After some twists and turns and moments of separation or danger, the eventual reunion feels even more satisfying. The journey itself is the true heart of the film. Knowing the end from the start doesn't diminish the movie because it's the journey that counts.

Comedy and Horror Trailers: A Perfect Storm

When it comes to comedy and horror films, trailers often end with a big laugh or a big scary moment to leave a lasting impression. However, sometimes these moments turn out to be the peak of the film's humor or scares, making the rest of the movie lackluster. This can happen due to various reasons, such as the trailer editor being backed into a corner by the producer's requirements to sell the film in a certain way. In many cases, the only scenes available might be the ones that already delivered a big punch.

For example, if a comedy trailer ends with a hilarious scene, but the rest of the film doesn't have any more substantial laughs, this can leave the audience feeling disappointed. Similarly, a horror film trailer might feature a comical or frightening scene, only to deliver less in other areas. Despite these shortcomings, the trailer editors and producers stick to their assigned genres to maintain the film's tone, knowing that audiences usually only get a limited number of moments to captivate them.

Conclusion

Movie trailers play a crucial role in deciding whether audiences will watch a film. However, the issue of revealing too much can be a double-edged sword. While it might seem like a convenience for viewers, it can rob the experience of its excitement and suspense. Striking that balance between intrigue and mystery is essential for trailers to serve their purpose. Whether a movie is a comedy, a thriller, or a romance, the trailer should pique your interest without giving away the plot. Understanding the "how" is just as important as the "what."