As the title for this ToM suggests, yes this may be a bit lazy, but considering the time of year, it is the best I got and something I wanted to get off my chest (as much as I am sick of lists right now).
Basic idea is I'll post my five favorite trailers I saw last year. The most effective, exciting, spine tingling, tear jerking, laugh inducing ones. Doesn't even matter if I saw the film or if the film was even ultimately good. This is all about trailers.
And please, dear readers, suggest away. I think we could get a nice list compiled with all the varied tastes around here.
Basic idea is I'll post my five favorite trailers I saw last year. The most effective, exciting, spine tingling, tear jerking, laugh inducing ones. Doesn't even matter if I saw the film or if the film was even ultimately good. This is all about trailers.
And please, dear readers, suggest away. I think we could get a nice list compiled with all the varied tastes around here.
5.) ROBOGEISHA - One of the biggest hits around these parts last year, the trailer for Noburo Iguchi's film is all kinds of wonderful weird. Possibly a bit too long, but such an anomaly and totally effective with that "holy cow!?" factor
4.) HIERRO - I've heard that the final film is very uneven but the trailer is a fine example of stunning visuals spurred on by solid music with no dialogue. It is very clear in its panic and unease.
3.) A SERIOUS MAN - I have no idea why I have yet to see this latest offering from the Coen Bros. If the trailer is any indication of the final film, then wow, wow, wow. The repetition and rhythm of the cutting ups the tension till meltdown. And BOOM. And wow.
2.) WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE - A lot of people loved this one, many despised it for the music choice apparently. To me its all about singing in pictures. Here is a trailer that is a solid representation of what the film is but doesn't spoil it, and a beautifully cut piece all its own.
1.) THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL - I'm one of a few people I know that ended up liking the trailer more than the film. Not that the film is bad... far from it. Kind of the "greatest hits", it is just so simple and satisfying. There is something primal and evocative that really gets the blood going.
I must confess that the trailer for "Inception" has gotten me more curious about its movie than anything else I've seen in 2009...
A great recent example of an excellent trailer for a terrible movie was the remake of THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL - even after suffering through that film, the trailer still works wonderfully - Keanu's "You should let me go" line is terrifyingly ominous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ16Rzi-lfA&feature=fvw
I believe I'm more of a teaser fan. I've seen some of these trailers in theater this year and purposely had to close my eyes as not to spoil myself (Where The Wild Things Are). Trailers are nice for films I've never heard of before, and even then I usually switch it off halfway through.
Best one for me: Enter The Void (Gaspar Noé). Short, mysterious, gripping ... all I needed to know about the film.
I agree with you on the WTWTA trailer - sends a shiver down my spine, but maybe that's just the Arcade Fire tune. Anyhow, suits the material perfectly.
Park Chan-ok's Paju has a beautifully atmospheric trailer.
As does Toyoda's The Blood of Rebirth.
The teaser for Matsumoto's Symbol, just for the sheer WTF?ness
of it.
The gorgeous looking Van Diemen's Land trailer.
And, erm, Birdemic.
I find it funny I failed to mention I'm becoming less and less of a trailer watcher, mainly for mainstream offerings such as UP. I steered clear of pretty much and trailer or promotional material, synopsis and review.
Some nice additions, gang. Inception I think intrigued me more because of the idea on ideas it presented more than any image or mood set in the trailer. Symbol was great for the WTF factor. Enter the Void's teaser is much more what I am preferring these days. As O says; short, mysterious and gripping.
One of my favorite overall examples from the last few years was the German teaser for Tykwer's Perfume. It got the mood right, sold the premise well, and without really giving anything away.
Agree with the WTWTA. Great trailer. Few other picks off the top of my head.
Bronson - Watched this trailer million times, love it
Inglorious Bastards (The first trailer released) - Still gives me the chills every time.
Run! Bitch! Run! - Cmon, maybe the best of the year!
and I dont care about the film, those Terminator trailers were dam sweet.
I won't single out a specific film trailer, but I'll single out a specific company for unusual marketing competence: Magnolia/Magnet Films. Hats off to the only people in the United States who can cut a trailer for an Asian film and not make that film look like the worst thing ever.
I am floored by the FUTURE X-COPS trailer! Most happily ridiculous thing I've seen in a while! Though I can't say it makes me want to see the film...