Poster Analysis - Annabelle
- 1. Poster Analysis “Annabelle” The poster above promotes a horror filmthat belongs to the supernatural sub-genre. We consider this poster an inspiration as our horror trailer will also be part of this sub-genre and it is based on a true story. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for me to analyse this poster. The image dominates the frame and gives the audience a visual clue of the film’s narrative. The image is dark as the main colours used are black, red and brown. This is typical for horror films as they suggest terror. The use of direct address, with the doll staring at the audience, will create a scary feeling that will attract the audience. The fact that only half of the doll’s face is shown can perhaps suggests there are two sides to it, the innocent doll that is shown at the beginning of the film is connected to evil. Also, the fact that only half of its face is shown creates mystery and it suggests there is more to the story. The poster is at an eye level angle, this way the doll seems to be staring directly at the audience. The fact that it is positioned in a single spot light shows how little innocence there is left. This is ironic as dolls are often seen as innocent as they are associated with children and purity. However, in horror films, it is typical to see toys and children presented as conduits of evil as it is more likely to scare the audience. The fact that darkness predominates this image suggests the fact that evil is predominant in the film. The colour scheme is typical to horror films, the use of black and red suggests darkness, death and evil and the lack of white shows the lack of hope and innocence.
- 2. The facial expression of the doll seems happy and sweet as it is smiling and has rosy cheeks. However, this is disrupted by the blood tear drop, which suggests we will not be presented with a happy story. Blood connotes danger and death, also its face is shadowed, enabling the audience to focus on the eye and the blood rather than the smile. The title is red and bold; the colour again denotes blood and death and links to the horror genre. “The Conjuring” is mentioned in order to attract the audience and also give them an idea of the narrative. The fans of “The Conjuring” will be excited and are likely to watch it and also enjoy it. This link between the two films draws in the same kind of audience. The font size of “The Conjuring” is bigger than the rest of the text, in order for the audience to notice it, but not as big as the title, therefore it is not stealing the spotlight. The fact that the film came out on October 3rd is also a typical convention as horror films are more likely to come out during autumn as this is linked to Halloween. In conclusion, the poster for “Annabelle” is effective in attracting its audience as it uses typical conventions and features for horror films, without giving away too much information about the narrative.