Downton Abbey and Desperate Romantics- Camera Shots and Movement

In this post, I’m going to analyse how the differing camera shots and movement, used in the trailers for the two period dramas ‘Desperate Romantics’ and ‘Downton Abbey,’ construct an impression of both the characters, and the setting or location, of the two trailers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv3CHjMFmjQ

The first trailer I’m going to analyse, is ‘Desperate Romantics.’ I think a significant impression is made right from the very first shot- an extreme close up of a candle being blown out. This has many connotations as the image of a candle being blown out represents change, not only because a physical change is taking place, but also because it signifies the old being replaced, by the new.

The three young men in the trailer are clearly presented as rebellious and as having a certain loathing for the classical art world of that time. This is reflected in their facial expressions, shown by a series of close-ups of their disapproving faces. There are also a number of eye-line matches that show the characters displeased expressions, before cutting to a shot of a painting exploding, and then cutting back to a reaction shot of the character- completely unfazed by these explosions, showing their lack of concern at the paintings being destroyed.

The three men are also presented as a close group, who share similar views as we see them as a group through the many long shots, mid shots and aerial shots. Although the trailer lacks a basic storyline or narrative, it shows the threesomes intentions to bring change, and they are presented almost as heroes, which is mirrored in the soundtrack (Heroes- David Bowie) and visualised by the slow-motion effect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M3moEeErr8

The second trailer, for Downton Abbey is very different as it is a compilation of clips from the series, instead of an unrelated piece of film. It starts with a series of long shots showing different characters ‘spying’ on their family members or colleagues- that gives the impression that there is a lack of apparent trust in the household. This whole feeling of being spied on is reflected in the soundtrack, which includes the lyrics ‘Every step you take, I’ll be watching you.’ In addition to this, the only piece of dialogue in the first part of the trailer, - ‘Why are you English so curious about other people’s lives’ seems to confirm these first impressions.

The trailer suddenly changes half way through, as it becomes a series of jump cuts showing various dramatic incidents taking place such as violence, romance and tragedy. This is enhanced by the sudden increase in volume of the music. The apparent head of the household (played by Maggie Smith) is showed in a series of mid-shots or close-ups showing her worried expression; possibly indicating her lack of control over what’s going on.

So, both trailers tell us a certain amount about the characters and their situations through their variety of camera shots and editing technique. In ‘Desperate Romantics’ the three men are presented as rebellious by the use of point of view shots and eye line matches showing their distaste of the current art scene. In ‘Downton Abbey’ paranoia and espionage are the main themes, and they are brought to life by a number of long shots showing characters spying on each other.