Textual Analysis – Slum dog Millionaire

1. Media Forms:
What techniques does the trailer use to persuade its audience to see the film?

This trailer wasn’t based so much on the scenes but the reviews. Certain words which reflect power are written in bold to make them attractive to the audience and so that they focus on the purpose. One of the first reviews was “winner of the people’s choice”, immediately the public vote suggests that Slum Dog Millionaire is a good film. As a result the audience who haven’t yet seen the film feel encouraged to go as it’s seen as a mainstream movie. The second review mentioned the famous cite of Toronto, at this point the advert is most appealing to the people who live there as they feel that this film is close to home.

During the course of the advert, the audience is informed about what this film is based upon (giving a brief of the story through the introduction of questions). Audiences can relate to this as its abit like the show deal or no deal. The producers have used the style of questioning very cleverly as they ask the audience what is it that gets Jamal malik his 20million rupees. During this period a countdown begins in the background and the audience feel they have to answer this question as it’s directed at them because the protagonist isn’t in the scene. At this point the audience feel encouraged to go and watch the movie as its challenging the audience and making them think.

Notice that there are quick-cuts and the pace of the advert fasten towards the end. The purpose of this is to engage the audience by switching their attention from one subject to another. This also builds the excitement within the audience as they’re impatient to know about the following scene.

2. Media Representation:
How is ethnicity represented in this trailer?

The typical stereotype of assuming that people living in India are poor because it’s a non-industrialised country hence LEDC (shown throughout the scenes of the shanty towns). However this stereotype has been challenged as a “slum dog” wins 20million rupees yet they can’t accept defeat therefore they question his ability.

Based upon the history white people are given more importance, therefore the language used in this advert is English although it’s based upon a life of an Indian. At this point white ethnic groups are shown superior to any other ones.

3. Media Audiences:
Who is target audience and how does the advert attempt to persuade this audience to watch the film?

Unlike most mainstream film this film features unknown actors/characters which make the advert appealing to commoners as they feel equal. On the other hand people who are unaware of what it’s like living in Slums (mainly the upper class or people living in foreign countries) are being informed of their lifestyle- films based on personal experiences therefore we could argue that it’s a documentary rather than movie for entertainment.

The protagonist is a young adult who’s presenting his talent on screen. This suggests that people around his age will be encouraged to watch the film as they feel inspired which will not only motivate the audience to do well in life and move from being a slum dog to a millionaire.  Not forgetting that Jamal’s childhood memories are shown in the advert which will be appealing to children as their childhood was much privileged than Jamal’s which will persuade them to view another lifestyle of the audiences age.

4. Media Institutions:
What is communicated about the institution?

At the beginning of the trailer we are introduced to four different institutions. This suggests that the film has great Hollywood values as well as being a high budget film who can afford to present themselves in four well known institutions.