textual analysis film: Wild Child

The 2008 film Wild Child uses a variety of of visual codes and audio codes that are conventional for it's genre.

Visually the sequence opens with a display of the lead's pampered lifestyle and the problems she is presented with here mimic typical first world problems; this is seen within the first few shots were she is on her phone wearing her expensive clothing asking for a friend to pick her up as in the following medium shot  it is shown that her father had removed the wheels off a luxury car.

In addition to this the narrator provides a non diegetic commentary on the current situation as the trailer progresses. He starts by saying that she 'had everything' which further reinforces the view in the audiences mind of a spoilt brat. This narrator speaks in the typical narrator voice that is common place in film to give viewers a reference point to interpret the trailer from.

the pop soundtrack, which is also a convention in mainstream comedy trailers, cuts out on occasion to give importance to the dialogue or event that is occurring; this is demonstrated at the turning point of the trailer where she is sent to England and is done to make sure this plot point, which is central to the film, sticks in the audience's mind.

Furthermore the pop soundtrack  aids in establishing the lead and atmosphere that surrounds them at any given point. Once she arrives at the boarding school the song 'toxic' by Britney Spears starts playing which mimics how she is considered by her peers there at first, like misplaced waste. This can help generate empathy with the lead as many viewers could relate to the mistreatment she faces when going to a new school.

Comedy films often include small samples of their jokes and humour within their trailers to entice them to see it. This is done as well in the trailer for Wild Child and it is often brief with a near instant payoff, as seen when the schoolgirl turns around quickly and smacks the lead with the bag she is carrying on her back.

To make these small comedic moments stand out, slapstick sound effects are used. These audio effects are unrealistic for the event they represent which creates comedy in itself and allows for connotation; when she is hit with the bag as mentioned before, a sound effect that could easily be used for a punch plays, in turn signifying the force of it and the hostile nature of the girls.

There is a contrast presented in the trailer between England and America. America seems brash, Loud and everything is clean and almost shining; meanwhile in England, things seem harsher, rougher and darker. This is best showcased in the transition from one to another where it changes from a nice, bright poolside on a sunny day to a dark, dull and raining in front of the giant school.