Film Quote by Roger Ebert
““It is a truism that Hollywood trailers advertise not the movie that has been made, but the movie that the studio wishes had been made.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Film Criticism, 1998
Hollywood trailers often market an imagined version of a film, prioritizing studio desires over the actual product.
In simple terms: Trailers sell a promise, not always reality.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate film marketing.
Themes
media
advertising
cinema
perception
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
media
observational
When to use this quote
- movie reviews
- media literacy
- studio branding
- audience analysis
- expectation management
Key Concepts
marketing strategy
consumer expectation
film production
Questions to Reflect On
- How does marketing shape film expectations?
- Do trailers affect your viewing enjoyment?
A Different Perspective
Trailers can mislead audiences.
![“Unless you've also had some experience dragging around a boat trailer, [topping off the gas tank] may not sound important. But trailer driver's know: a gas stop can be a traumatic experience. You need enough clearance on every possible side. You can't cut the turn too sharp or you'll clip the gas…” quote by Brad Alan Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/brad-alan-lewis-16353_boat_unless-you-ve-also-had-some-experience-d_153493.jpg)
![“Gene [Siskel] often mentioned something François Truffaut once told him: the most beautiful sight in a movie theater is to walk down to the front, turn around, and look at the light from the screen reflected on the upturned faces of the members of the audience.” quote by Roger Ebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d8/roger-ebert-655_audience_gene-siskel-often-mentioned-something-fr_61356.jpg)
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
