Researching Horror Film Posters

Below I have looked at some of the different types of posters used to advertise the one film for 'The Strangers'. Each one gives the connotations such as the genre of the film and the basic information needed to create the same hype needed for audiences to want to know more about this film.

Here this poster has used a simple but very effective image of the victim and the killer within one shot. The killer in the background is wearing a mask and is seen within each poster that they are featured in. The dark lighting gives the impression of fear and unease, and the unsuspecting victim not knowing where the killer is, becomes truly terrifying. The title is small compared to the image and subtle the eerie way in which the text is blurred purposely makes the audience concentrate more on what the title is and so remember it more.

Again this is a very simple shot of Liv Tyler the leading actress with in 'The Strangers'. This head and shoulder shot give a great representation of the character and the role that she plays with in the film. The panicked look on her face and the blood trickling down from her ear sends the connotations of horror and fear to the audience. Again dark lighting is used to make the poster look foreboding and dark. The same text is used in the same style giving the idea of continuity between each of the posters.

This image includes the entire cast and their roles. The changing heights suggest the status of the killers (in masks) and victims. The fade to black gives the impression of the situation being bleak for the outcome of the victims, and also suggests the dark nature of the film. Once again the same style and text are used with the leading actors. The one thing that caught my eye was the caption 'Because you were home' This is an extremely terrifying line that becomes the catch-phrase for the film and this is extremely personal to the audience as 1.) they are being talked to directly and 2.) this statement could easily apply to them, making the film that bit more real.

In conclusion I found these posters very relevant to attracting the audience and mood that we would want for our teaser trailer. Hopefully I can take some of the inspiration from these ideas and put them into my own groups product of our poster for our teaser trailer.