A2 Media Studies Trailer Analysis of: Looper, Rian Johnson, 2012

The trailer for Looper sets up the two main male characters, introducing them as the same person and setting up the context, by which is explained that time travel has been developed – “You’ve done this all already, as me”. The trailer also introduces how the film is set in a dystopian future, where time travel is used to dispose of victims, using people called Loopers, of which the main character is one. The use of the complex narrative and artistic flashbacks is interesting and unique, showing me the importance of creating an original piece.

After introducing the two main characters, or just the one main character from different timelines, it is shown that they don’t agree on something, a fight breaks out and the younger man vows to kill his older self, this establishes the premise of the film. The damsel is introduced, known to be the damsel by worried looks and dishevelled appearance – “You’re a Looper.”. This brings an element of protection for the protagonist, giving him more of a purpose to track his older self down; this is because his older self is going to kill her son.

The main character is presented with a dilemma when his victim, of whom he was supposed to kill, escapes into the past, specifically to kill a young boy – the damsel’s young boy. Even more problems arise when that victim is himself from the future and the organisation he works for seeks to kill him for letting his victim go. The amalgamation of problems within this narrative aids to the chaos that ensues, it helps the audience feel tense but also like the protagonist as he deals with these issues, in a respectable way.

When the protagonist tries to correct his mistakes the organisation tries to kill him, he attacks and traps these killers and vows to make his wrongs, right. The use of this disjointed moral compass furthers the themes of corruption and crime. The older character also aims to kill a group of young boys to save the future, however, due to his younger self, is stopped before killing the correct young boy. The younger version of him is stuck when it seems there is no way to stop his future self, as he is more experienced in combat. The use of two of the same character helps add a morally questionable theme, where the audience must decide on what they believe.

Opening: Establishes setting and introduces character.

Build up: relationships established; development of characters and their world.

Problem: a dilemma or series of complications: characters faced with an obstacle (or several) to overcome. There may be more than one ‘problem’ in the narrative.

Events: a series of events as characters try to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Further complications may arise in the process