Film Poster Analysis Part 1

One of our assignments approaching will be to create a film poster of a created film which will be created using the Photoshop software. Prior to this, I researched into some film posters that have been released to promote horror movies, as this is the genre I want to explore.
I first looked at two blockbuster films, as these were the most famous posters, and then looked at two independent films, so I could compare the way both are represented in different ways.
I chose to look at the two blockbuster hits: the Strangers and Saw 6.

[1]

The Strangers (2008)

This film poster captivates the audience with the image of a scene, and allows the audience to see the emotion of the two contrasting characters. One character looks worried and has a blank expression, showing a scared side, whilst the other is in the shadows with a mask on, showing a mysterious side.
The statement, ‘We tell ourselves there’s nothing to fear, but sometimes we’re wrong’ entices the audience and using first person allows them to relate to the situation the figures are in. The top and the bottom of the poster and the title’s font have a shadow to it, which enhances the idea that it is a horror film. There is also only mention of two names, which are the two main characters, the other characters are not seen and to keep a mysterious approach they do not mention their names on the poster. Finally, at the bottom of the poster, it says: ‘Inspired by true events’ which is an attempt by the production team to scare the audience before they’ve seen the film, and also make them believe that the film is true.

[2]

Saw VI (2009)

This poster is very gripping and is a good example of a typical horror film poster. The background is black to create an eerie atmosphere, and in view is an image of two hands with an appearance like that of gloves. The image sells itself because the only words used on the poster (bar the credits/film name) are: ‘Trust in him.’ and there is nothing else to try and attempt to gain an audience. This also supports the idea that it must be a film franchise, as people would not need to look at the film poster for possible storylines, and may already have expectations. There is no actors name’s, which doing this means that people may feel more scared as the actors have ‘no extra baggage’.


In my next post, I will look at the two independent films: Blair Witch Project and The Cellar Door.


[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Strangersposter.jpg
[2] http://www.collider.com/wp-content/image-base/Movies/S/Saw_6/Saw%20VI%20Saw%206%20movie%20poster%20%281%29.jpg