Misleading Trailers for Great Movies
Trailers play a crucial role in promoting movies, but sometimes they can be misleading, giving audiences a different impression of the movie than what it actually delivers. Let's take a look at some great movies that were done a disservice by their misleading trailers.
A Haunting Romance: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Official Trailer #1 - Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet Movie (2004) HD
In 2004, the indie dramedy \
Clementine holds a coffee cup and looks sad while Joel lies down and sleeps in bed in bed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind\
Tom Wilkinson looking up in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
surprised audiences with its deeply moving storyline and poignant performances. However, the trailer portrayed it as a wild rom-com, setting up unrealistic expectations for viewers. It's no wonder that the film's touching moments came as a shock to those who were misled by the promotional material.
Mark Ruffalo in eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
Return to Meta Horror-Comedy: Return to Horror High
Seven Psychopaths Official Trailer #1 (2012) - Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell Movie HD
The 1986 horror-comedy \
George Clooney shortly before getting killed in 'Return to Horror High (1987)
Return to Horror High\
was far different from what its trailer implied. Instead of a supernatural horror movie, audiences were treated to a standalone meta horror-comedy that satirically dissected the horror genre. The misleading advertising may have contributed to the film's lack of recognition, as it failed to convey the true essence of the movie to potential viewers.
A Thoughtful Thriller: Seven Psychopaths
Better Watch Out Trailer 1 (2017) | Movieclips Indie
Martin McDonagh's 2012 thriller \
Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, and Sam Rockwell in the desert in Seven Psychopaths
Seven Psychopaths\
was marketed as an action comedy, but it delivered a much more thoughtful and introspective narrative. The trailer's focus on explosive action beats misled audiences about the true nature of the film, which delved into the complexities of violence and vengeance. This mismatch between expectations and reality left many viewers surprised by the film's depth and introspection.
The Darker Side of Christmas: Better Watch Out
Hereditary | Official Trailer HD | A24
Despite being hailed as one of the best Christmas horror movies, 2016's \
Luke Lerner standing outside in Better Watch Out
Better Watch Out\
was misrepresented by its promotional materials. The trailer heavily implied a home invasion horror-comedy, leading audiences to expect a bloodier, R-rated version of \
Home Alone\
. However, the film took a much darker turn, exploring the disturbing story of a sociopathic child holding his babysitter hostage. The misleading advertising failed to capture the true chilling nature of the movie, leaving viewers with unexpected and unsettling surprises.
An Unsettling Fantasy: Pan's Labyrinth
Mysterious Skin - Official Trailer
Guillermo del Toro's 2006 hit \
Ofelia at the entrance to the Labyrinth in Pan's Labyrinth Poster
Pan's Labyrinth\
was inaccurately sold as a family-friendly children's fantasy, concealing its darker and unsuitable elements. The trailers downplayed the movie's fascist backdrop and scarier scenes, leading to a mismatch between the audience's expectations and the film's haunting and mature themes. The misleading marketing failed to convey the true depth and complexity of the movie, leaving many viewers with a different experience than they anticipated.
