Dear John Trailer Analysis

Dear John Trailer Analysis

The trailer for Dear John is a classic representation of a movie in the romance genre. As the movie is branded to come from the author of ‘The Notebook’, Nicholas Sparks, audiences will have pre conceived expectations of the dramatic tension and passionate romance that is present in ‘The Notebook’, as well as other films adapted from his books. The initial setting of a beach town, creates a very romantic setting for the two main characters to begin their love story, while also giving the movie an almost dream like situation as people are not used to the idea of living in a constant holiday location; this fact makes their love story even more romantic. The non-diegetic soundtrack used sets a very melancholy and heart-breaking tone for the overall movie and the use of a Snow Patrol song, contains lyrics that reflect the overall plot of the movie.

The theme of love at first sight is extremely present throughout the entire trailer. The initial action code of her bag getting knocked into the water causes there to be an instant connection between the two leads due to the main female protagonist taking on a damsel in distress type of persona and John, being the chivalrous man he is, jumping in to save it. The fact that he is in the war enforcement is quickly acknowledged in the trailer. Not only because of the man, who is a stock character of her male friend who has unintentionally been friend-zoned, identifying that he is on leave. But also, because many shots are shown that included clear iconography such as; uniforms, planes and weapons that establish he is involved the army. The fact that he is involved in such a dangerous line of work instantly institutes an enigma code that has the audience wondering if something will go wrong in the war that could cause a tide in their relationship.

Soon after he saves her bag, the trailer shows us a montage style compilation of their 2 weeks together, which displays their obvious connection and love towards each other in a short period of time. Throughout the entire trailer the shot types are often close ups on the two leads, which not only brings the audience closer to the character so there is a larger connection built, but also truly portrays the passion and over powering love that these two feel for each other. The close up shots shows that these two are almost trapped by their feelings for each other, they are so overpowering that they cannot ignore it.

Despite, their obvious love connection John decides to not end his time in the war but extend it, in order to remain loyal to his platoon. This instantly brings up the binary opposition of not just personal life vs. work life, but also the comparison of thinking with your head or your heart. John has an obligating to both his country and his girlfriend but must make a decision of what is best for everyone. This would cause the audience to really consider the sacrifices that the war enforcement takes in order to provide safety to the country. This action code, truly sets of the entire arc for the plot of the entire movie as well as reinforces the enigma code in the audiences mind that has them questioning if this young couple will end up together or not get their happy ending.

The theme of long distance relationships is introduced into the trailer and when he tells her that he is not staying, the shot types allows them to appear very separated like a forge has been made in their relationship. The couple being to write letters to each other In order to stay connected. The way in which his name is John represents the fact that this is not a one time situation and that loved ones are constantly being torn apart by war. The constant referencing to the moon throughout the trailer, not only gives the main couple a sense of connection when they are apart but also further establishes there insignificance in the grand scheme of things as they are simply a small entity in the world.  As the trailer nears the end we see complications real begin to build and during a scene when she drives away in the car, the camera pans back to look at him representing the longing that she feels to be with him but that she cannot have, she must let it go.

The use of his father in the trailer, adds a much large dynamic to the plot, as there are obvious tensions and lack of connection between him and his son. Near the end of the trailer we see his father lying in a hospital bed and looking very ill. The makes audience not only wonder if he will survive but also makes them ask if there relationship has been mended. The fact that the main female protagonist is introduced to his father early on insinuates that she will be an important factor in the development of their relationship.