The theory of uses and gratifications, as conceived by Katz and Blumler
during the early ‘70s, can be applied to the theatrical trailer for our film Eraze. The theory, which states that audiences consume different media for one of five reason which are; To be informed, To identify with characters, To be entertained, for social interaction and to excape mundane day to day activities.
The reason that is the highest would be Escapism and Entertainment. The fiction side of the zombie world with radical events would be the key aspect to draw in audiences that wish to escape mundane lives. the entertainment aspect would be fulfilled with the action scees and comedic lines that cause the audience to feel for the characters and the situations they are in.
Due to the fact that this is a fictional film the other aspects of the gratification theory would not apply for example there is nothing to education or inform the audience. the aspect for social interaction could apply though because its only a trailer that would not really apply finally to be able to identify with characters there needs to be character emotion shown and that is minimal in this trailer.
Another audience perception theory that could be applied to our film is that of the male gaze theory. The main love interest of our protagonist is good looking in order to cause the audience to see her in a male perspective. This theory if applied to a film will objectify women and in our case is was one that is weak and need a man to help survive through life. This is not a reflection on the mindset that me and Matthew have but more of a interesting objection for our film. The plot never explores her story in much detail, so she is left as a
two-dimensional character. The film as a whole appeals to a male audience, as
it is high in action and thrills, features that a stereotypicaly male audience
would enjoy.
