Finally, a teaser trailer that really teases. With deceptive but compelling footage of an air attack (and billowing scarlet smoke), a glimpse at a dynamic ensemble (including David Strathairn, Bryan Cranston, Sally Hawkins and Elizabeth Olsen) and a real sense of danger and carnage, our first good look at Godzilla truly captivates. Goodbye, memories of Roland Emmerich’s poor American remake. Here is a trailer that spells promise.
The Godzilla teaser also gets creativity points for straying away from some of the conventions of trailers about similar creature-infused apocalypses (World War Z, Battle: Los Angeles). Longer takes, a haunting voice-over near the beginning, lots of the Spielbergian shot that puts a human’s look of awe or wonder into a close-up: these are all elements that hint at a more than competent final product.
The promo builds suspense, fulfilling just as much mystery as it can about the monster without spoiling too much of its look and physical dimensions. You can bet I will be giddy to see Gareth Edwards’ newest effort when it arrives next May.