The 2009 trailer for “What Goes Up” presents a deliberately misleading facade of a lighthearted, quirky comedy about a small-town journalist. It strategically obfuscates the film’s darker themes of trauma, grief, and the psychological impact of tragedy, leading viewers to expect a far more whimsical experience than the actual movie delivers.
A Masterclass in Misdirection: Analyzing the Trailer’s Tactics
The trailer for “What Goes Up” (also known as “Safety Glass” and “High School”) is a textbook example of marketing dissonance. It showcases seemingly comedic snippets: Steve Coogan’s character, Campbell Babbitt, interacting with quirky students, awkward social situations, and moments of apparent slapstick humor. These carefully selected scenes create an impression of a coming-of-age story tinged with lighthearted awkwardness, reminiscent of indie comedies like “Napoleon Dynamite” or “Little Miss Sunshine.”
However, the actual film delves into far more complex and unsettling themes. Babbitt’s assignment is to cover the first manned space shuttle flight, a mission that tragically explodes shortly after launch. The trailer completely avoids addressing this pivotal event, choosing instead to focus on superficial elements of Babbitt’s interactions with the students. The omission is intentional, designed to attract a broader audience with the promise of a lighthearted comedy, while concealing the film’s more challenging and emotionally resonant core.
The music in the trailer further reinforces this deceptive narrative. Upbeat, optimistic tracks create an atmosphere of youthful exuberance and lightheartedness, a stark contrast to the film’s somber undertones and exploration of grief and loss. The carefully curated juxtaposition between the trailer’s presentation and the film’s reality highlights the power of marketing to shape audience expectations, even if it means sacrificing accuracy.
Thematic Deception: Concealing the Film’s True Core
The trailer effectively disguises the film’s exploration of complex moral ambiguity. Babbitt, far from being a simple, bumbling journalist, is a deeply flawed and ultimately compromised individual grappling with his own personal demons. His relationship with the students is not merely quirky or comedic; it’s fraught with ethical dilemmas and potential exploitation. The trailer completely omits any hint of this ethical complexity, presenting Babbitt as a harmless, if slightly eccentric, figure.
Furthermore, the film grapples with the psychological impact of the Challenger disaster on the small town and its inhabitants. The trailer avoids this crucial thematic element entirely, focusing instead on trivial and comedic aspects of Babbitt’s interactions with the high school students. This selective portrayal creates a fundamentally inaccurate representation of the film’s emotional landscape and thematic depth.
The Art of Selective Editing: Painting a False Picture
The trailer’s editing is a key component of its deceptive strategy. Scenes are carefully chosen and spliced together to create a narrative that bears little resemblance to the actual film’s plot and tone. For example, moments of awkwardness are presented as comedic, while scenes depicting Babbitt’s internal struggles and the community’s grief are omitted entirely. This manipulation of narrative context allows the trailer to construct a false impression of the film’s overall message and emotional impact. The pacing is also significantly faster than the film, further amplifying the sense of lightheartedness and comedic energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “What Goes Up”
Here are some commonly asked questions about “What Goes Up,” addressing the trailer’s misdirection and offering further insights into the film’s true nature.
H3 FAQ 1: Why does the “What Goes Up” trailer seem so different from the movie?
The trailer was deliberately designed to attract a wider audience by presenting the film as a lighthearted comedy. This marketing strategy, however, resulted in a significant disconnect between audience expectations and the film’s actual themes of grief, trauma, and ethical compromise.
H3 FAQ 2: What is the movie actually about?
“What Goes Up” explores the story of Campbell Babbitt, a journalist who travels to a small town to cover the first manned space shuttle flight. When the Challenger disaster occurs, the film delves into the psychological impact on the community and Babbitt’s complex relationship with a group of high school students. It’s a drama with comedic elements, not a comedy in the traditional sense.
H3 FAQ 3: Is “What Goes Up” a comedy?
While the film contains some comedic moments, it’s primarily a drama that explores serious themes. The marketing focused on these comedic elements to attract a broader audience, which led to confusion and disappointment for some viewers.
H3 FAQ 4: What is the significance of the Challenger disaster in the movie?
The Challenger disaster is a central plot point that triggers the film’s exploration of grief, loss, and the fragility of human ambition. It serves as a backdrop for the characters’ personal struggles and their attempts to cope with trauma.
H3 FAQ 5: Who is Campbell Babbitt, and what is his role in the story?
Campbell Babbitt is a flawed and morally ambiguous journalist who arrives in the small town on assignment. He becomes entangled in the lives of the high school students, leading to ethical dilemmas and personal challenges. Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Babbitt is a key element of the film’s complexity.
H3 FAQ 6: Are the high school students depicted realistically?
The portrayal of the high school students is deliberately stylized and somewhat exaggerated. They represent a range of personalities and struggles, contributing to the film’s exploration of adolescence and the search for identity.
H3 FAQ 7: What are some of the main themes explored in “What Goes Up”?
The film explores themes of grief, loss, trauma, ethical compromise, adolescence, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. It also examines the power of memory and the ways in which individuals cope with difficult experiences.
H3 FAQ 8: Why did the filmmakers choose to market the film as a comedy?
The decision to market the film as a comedy was likely driven by a desire to attract a wider audience and secure distribution deals. However, this strategy ultimately backfired, leading to negative reviews and audience disappointment.
H3 FAQ 9: How does the movie handle the sensitive subject matter of the Challenger disaster?
The film treats the Challenger disaster with a degree of sensitivity, focusing on the human impact of the tragedy rather than sensationalizing the event itself. However, some viewers may find the film’s exploration of grief and loss to be emotionally challenging.
H3 FAQ 10: What is the film’s overall message?
“What Goes Up” doesn’t offer easy answers or simple resolutions. Instead, it presents a complex and nuanced exploration of human fallibility, the enduring power of hope, and the importance of connection in the face of adversity.
H3 FAQ 11: Is “What Goes Up” worth watching, despite the misleading trailer?
Despite the misleading marketing, “What Goes Up” is a thought-provoking and well-acted film that may appeal to viewers who appreciate independent dramas with complex characters and challenging themes. However, it’s important to be aware of the film’s true nature and manage expectations accordingly.
H3 FAQ 12: Where can I watch “What Goes Up”?
“What Goes Up” is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred platform for availability in your region.
Beyond the Deception: Appreciating the Film for What It Is
While the trailer for “What Goes Up” is undeniably misleading, the film itself offers a valuable exploration of complex themes and flawed characters. By understanding the marketing strategy and managing expectations, viewers can appreciate the film for its nuanced portrayal of grief, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The initial disappointment stemming from the trailer’s false promise can be overcome by recognizing the film’s deeper thematic resonance and appreciating the performances of its cast. The film, ultimately, invites introspection on how we cope with tragedy and the ethical quandaries we face in its aftermath.