The Wrong Trousers Analysis

 

One way The Wrong Trousers engages its audience is through action codes seen in the chases scene. For example, when Gromit is chasing McGraw on the train it is fast paced and constant. More specifically, the background is constantly moving, which creates suspense and keeps the audience engaged with the scene because their is something always going on and reduces the chances of them being bored. Another reason the chase scene works as an action scene is the music and sound design. For example. the scene has score comprised of wind and string instruments. More specifically the use of violins creates a high pitched, shrieking sound to the scene, which gives the scene a tense tone and, by proxy, grips the audience. Furthermore, the scene cuts the music when McGraw flies off the tracks and goes back and forth between McGraw in the air and Gromit placing the tracks, which is fast and constant. This is done emphasise the suspense to see if they can stop McGraw, which is payed off when they do.

Another way The Wrong Trousers engages its audience is it simplistic narrative, which allows the audience to follow the film easily without being confused. More specifically it can be applied to Todorov's narrative theory. For example, the Equilibrium of The Wrong Trousers is displayed in the opening, we are shown Wallace & Gromit's day to day life, undisturbed and ordinary. The normality of their lives are demonstrated through the use of Mise-En-Scen; the domestic familiarity of British family home, with the kitchen and living room being at the centre of attention at the beginning, allows the audience to relate to them and somewhat ordinary lives. Furthermore, the disruption can seen when Feather McGraw moves in to the house and starts to take Gromit's place (e.g. moving into his room, getting along with Wallace, e.t.c.). McGraw disrupts their repetitive lifestyles and creates a rift between Wallace and Gromit, causing Gromit to move out. The scene where he does creates a depressing atmosphere, being set at night with dark, moody lighting being interrupted by warmth of the inside of the house emitted from the window, symbolising the luxuries that McGraw has taken from Gromit and how McGraw has placed a wall between the two. Also having it raining in the scene, creates the feeling that Gromit is sad and thus allowing to sympathise with Gromit.