"Matilda" Trailer

 As film enthusiasts, we know that trailers are more than just a preview, they are a promise of the experience to come. The 1996 trailer for “Matilda”, based on Roald Dahl’s book, sets out to attract audiences with a glimpse of the whimsical and magical world of a young girl who grows up feeling alone and not apart of her twisted family. Her father sells used cars for a higher price and her mother runs off to play bingo every chance she gets. Matilda is ultimately ignored but what they don't know is the power that she holds inside. But does it achieve its purpose? Let’s break down a couple of key choices the trailer makes: its use of color and the overall tone.  

Before diving into the trailer’s choices, let’s establish the rhetorical situation. The trailer for “Matilda” aims to attract a broad audience, including children who can relate to Matilda’s story of feeling left out yet magical. Its purpose is to generate excitement and curiosity about the film, promising a mix of whimsy, magic, and a heartwarming tale of overcoming adversity. The tone needs to balance the magical elements with the darker aspects of Matilda’s life, creating a faithful representation of the story.  

The Matilda trailer bursts with vibrant colors, immediately drawing the viewer into its universe. From the bright, inviting school scenes to the exaggerated, almost cartoonish portrayal of Miss Trunchbull, the color choice is both rich and diverse. This choice effectively mirrors the whimsical nature of Dahl’s writing, giving life to the characters and settings that fans of the book will instantly recognize. Although, the colors do capture attention and convey the films playful spirit, there’s a risk of it feeling slightly too chaotic. Some scenes appear almost overwhelming with the saturation. For example, one part often noted for its over-saturation is the scene where Matilda is using her powers. The colors are intense, particularly when the objects are moving around the house. The challenge here is striking a balance between maintaining visual interest and not overstimulating the audience.  

The trailer opens with an upbeat, almost whimsical sound that immediately sets a highlighted and magical tone. This is complemented by scenes showcasing Matilda’s creative intelligence, and her small acts of rebellion against her oppressive family. The choice of music and these initial scenes effectively convey the sense of wonder and empowerment that defines Matilda’s character. Although, as the trailer progresses, it struggles to maintain this balance just as before with the color. This transition to the darker aspects of Matilda’s life, such as her mistreatment by her parents and Miss Trunchbull’s rules, is somewhat abrupt. The upbeat music continues even through these scenes, creating a harshness that undermines the emotional weight of Matilda’s struggles. A more suspenseful tone during these moments could have better conveyed the entirety of Matilda’s world.  

Although this trailer provides details of the film, it is as if it provides too much. One of the primary flaws in the “Matilda” trailer is the narrative confusion it creates. Trailers are meant to provide a glimpse into the story, highlighting key plot points without giving too much away. However, this trailer struggles with this balance. It tries to cover too many aspects of the plot, from Matilda’s dysfunctional family life to her discovery of powers and her battle against Miss Trunchbull. The result is a jumbled narrative that may leave viewers unsure of what the film is truly about. The trailer also struggles with the focus it places on certain characters. While Matilda is the main character, the trailer often shifts its attention to other secondary characters like Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda’s parents) and Miss Trunchbull. While these characters are relevant to the story, their appearance in the trailer overshadows Matilda’s journey. The trailer can benefit from showcasing more of Matilda’s perspective, intelligence, and magical abilities, which is the heart of the story.  

For fellow film fans, this trailer serves as an example of the delicate balance required in crafting a compelling preview. It provides whimsical music, vibrant colors, and scenes of magic and rebellion, this trailer sets the tone for the film. While it succeeds in many areas, it falls short in others, offering valuable lessons for both creators and critics of film trailers.  Such as there may be too much saturation and detail in certain areas that could possibly distract and confusion viewers. All in all this film provides great visual of what the film would be about.