This poster for "The Strangers" follows the typical code and conventions of a film poster with the image dominating most the page and having writing at the top and bottom. The image draws the audiences eyes straight to it and keep their focus. The image isn't to busy and shows a subtle image of someone in the background which could connect to "the stranger". Very warm tones are used to give a sense of it happening in a home and it also doesn't look to over done.
The tag line placed at the top of the page also achieves attention from the audience and is easily identified. It uses inclusive words such as were involving the audience straight away showing that in the film it will be easy for the audience to relate, possibly making it more scary. The tag line asks them questions about what it is they will fear, or what it is they were wrong about.
At the bottom of the page there is again institutional information and the website of the film. This is placed here as it is the last thing you will see, therefore taking it away with you.
Having information like this is good as it allows them to find out more that they may not have found from the poster itself however it isn't necessary as long as you know the film title.
By successfully following the codes and conventions of a film poster, it allows the film poster to be recognised as a poster, and also meets the needs and desires of the audience. This film poster uses dark tones and dark lighting to create a fear, horror theme with a figure in the background watching over to create a sense of psychological thriller. From first seeing this film poster, it was easy to identify the genre and work out for yourself what the story line could be. You can also see a sense of vulnerability by having a women standing alone in her room.
The background figure portrays many conventions of horror being masked killers, hiding their true identity, and making them seem inhuman and eerie.
The name of the film again suggests the genre as the name ‘The Strangers’ suggests an unwelcomed guest which is why it is very important that the film name must have a link to genre and to contents.
The lighting comes from within the image and within the home creating realism and adding to the sense of horror being within your home. The positioning of the characters is very effective in this poster having a women in the foreground and a masked person in the background meaning audiences may feel on edge and scared for the safety of this women already before even watching the film.
Other type on the poster includes ‘inspired by true events’adding additional fear and tension to the film and this is typically used in horrors to do so.
Overall I feel this film poster is successful at meeting conventions and portraying the intended genre and creating an automatic audience to poster link. The warm tones invite you in and your attention is automatically drawn to the picture. Interesting glowing typography is used for the title of the film drawing attention to it and giving a sense of mystery.
