Poster Analysis

Rebecca Paterson

Typography – “welcome to your nightmare” is the tag line, it is ironic as it is welcoming you to something that people are afraid of you could apply binary opposites to this. The title “Nightmare on Elm Street” is in Red, this can be associated with horror and danger. All the text is at the bottom of the poster so that it does not intrude on the image which is the main focus.The billing block is underneath and out of the way, but it is relevant for any one who is searching for information about the movie. The text is in a plain simple format and the use of red and white makes it easy to read.

The colour scheme is important as the earthy and red colours can be associated with fire, danger, dirty, and gives the poster a burnt look. The red text anchors the link between the poster and the genre of horror. As this film is a remake of an older film, iconography such as the hat, jumper and claws can be linked with the franchise of Fredi in the film “A Nightmare on Elm Street”.His claws are his iconic weapon and can be associated with this franchise it can also hint at the type of violence and sub genre of slasher.

The image itself is of the villain, we can see this because of the use of weapons. It’s a character poster, but it teases the audience as you can not see what he looks like as his hat hides his face. The use of lighting behind also can be associated with him being the villain as it is lit behind he is blocking out the light and brining darkness instead. The light highlights features of his hat his claws and the side of his face just enough so that you can see burn marks.

Images of eyes in horror movie posters are common. I researched how they were used and how I could use them in my poser effectively. I think they are effective because it becomes very personal and quite intrusive towards the viewer which is effective when advertising horror movies.

I found the white and black with the hint of colour most effective because they feel quite cold and fearful. The hint of colour red, blue or green can be associated with horror.

The eye is looking straight out at the viewer. You can only see the part of the face or just the eye. Because you cant see any other features on the face it makes it more imposing and intrusive on the viewer which is effective in advertising horror.

Black, white and Red is a common colour scheme, Red being associated with horror is usually used as the colour of the title. I think this colour scheme is effective because the black and white photo looks cold and the red associated with horror, danger and blood.

Image is the main focus of the poster. Eye is looking forwards, straight out to the viewer.

Title, biggest text on the page. Sometimes there is a tag line or in this case any well-known actors or actresses.

The billing block includes information that relates to the film. (actors, actresses, producers, directors)Date, websites, Facebook,

Twitter sites, might also include icons of the producer and distributor company underneath the billing block.

Another example of the same film different layout for the poster including tag line.