The trailer begins with the establishing shot of the Hotel and nature surrounding

it. This quickly shows the grand nature of the hotel, as well as its isolated setting.
This sense of isolation is made unsettling, by the non-diegetic sound of both the
narration describing a tragedy from the past, and the ominous strange noises in
the background. The noises in the background specifically give a slightly
supernatural flavour to the whole establishment of setting and tone.

This next shot cuts to a close up of the main character and lead actor; Jack
Nicholson. By 1980, Nicholson had made a strong name for himself. This casting
of this actor is one that would interest many of the audience who may already be
familiar with his work. The narration goes on the describe the tragedy within the
hotel, and in many ways the plot of the whole film.

The next few shots show Jack Nicholson walking through the hotel in a
dishevelled manner. This shot specifically is made especially punchy as it is
shown between to cuts to black. Cutting to black, especially in modern times, is a
strong convention of almost any kind of trailer.
The scenes shown in the trailer clearly show that the story being told by the
narrator applies to the character that Jack Nicholson plays. This story arc fits
Todorovs narrative theory. This theory details of a three stage narration:
beginning with equilibrium, progression into disruption, and then the
establishment of a new equilibrium. While the trailer seems to cover both the
first and second stages, the audience are still left wondering as to the resolution
at the end of the film. This is what may be the crux of the trailer that is what
helps to reel an audience in.

The title card that appears around 35 seconds in is one that tells the audience
about the company behind the production. Warner Bros is a very well-known and

respected company, thus portraying the movie and trailer with a professional
standard. A similar title card is seen later in the trailer, linking the movie to the
bestselling author Stephen King. King is known for his horror and talent for
creating tension, and this in turn gives another impression as to how the film will
be.

After more aerial, tracking, and establishing shots, the portrayal of isolation is
addressed directly within the trailer. The non-diegetic narration mentions it as
being a problem, while the shots cut closer and closer to Jack Nicholsons face.
This then fades to black. Non-diegetic thuds accompany these cuts to add
emphasis to them. This firmly establishes Nicholsons character as a source of
disruption (when applying the trailer to Todorovs theory). This would portray the
threat of an internal monster; one of madness and insanity. However, shots that
follow are coupled with the narration describing something bad within the
hotel. This then raises questions as to the true nature of the disruption, which
then entices the audience to go on to watch the film.

After the aforementioned title card mentioning Stephen King, the pace of editing
picks up quickly. A third title card appears, informing the audience of the director.
This is important as Kubrick is known for an unusual approach to films, and so
the synergy of Kubrick and King could make for a very interesting film. Both
Kings and Kubricks title cards appear with the non-diegetic sound of a bell
ringing. This helps to push the pace of the trailer, when in combination of the
faster cuts and shots seen in the later part of the trailer.
Drums can also be heard during this section, yet again pushing the pace of the
trailer further to build tension and intrigue from the audience.

After the final title card announcing the name of the film, a post-credit shot
appears. This is one of Jack Nicholson making direct and intense eye contact with
the audience. By this point the drums and fast editing has ceased, which only
helps add to the unexpectedness that this shot enters with. It cuts to one last
shot of an axe smashing through a door, accompanied with a non-diegetic sound
of a punctual brass thud. Ending the trailer in this fashion helps to make it more
memorable, as it ties it off with a dramatic ending, leaving the audience wanting
more.