An analysis of the film poster for the horror film 'Timber Falls'. Please comment below or follow the link to my blog/ Facebook group.

1. I chose this poster to analyse because it is able to present lots of horror conventions in print form. It shows what would be a climax in the film without giving any clues away to the target audience of young adults. It is a simple poster but through the use of setting, mise-en-scene, lighting and colour choices the genre is easily portrayed and a sense of terror and intrigue is established.

2. The dark figure in the foreground is dressed all in black which connotates death. This, coupled with the fact that there is no indication of who it is, oozes mystery and fright- feelings that are passed on to the target audience. The costume of this unrecognisable figure, a long black coat, shares similarities to the ‘Grim Reaper’ which also indicate that this figure is the bringer of death.

3. By putting the weapon in the hand of this dark figure at the forefront of the poster, it becomes a main focus and perhaps a unique selling point (USP) of the poster. The weapon could be a USP because it connotates pain, torture and possibly gore which is an important horror convention to some target audiences of the horror genre. The weapon is unusual compared to the typical instruments of death, such as a gun or knife, which suggests that this film has an originality element to it. This would also be a USP as the action would hook the target audience as it would not have a predictable plot- keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

4. The girl in the poster is obviously the victim in the film which is shown through her body language and facial expression. Her facial expression is of pure terror and distress and this combined with the fact that she can see the villain but the audience can’t adds to the mystery and fear surrounding the events of the film. However, this is another hook as the origin and result of the confrontation shown in the poster can only be discovered if the target audience watch the film.

5. The costume of the female victim suggests that this is not the first time she has confronted this figure and that she has been involved in a struggle previous to events shown in the poster. This is implied through the blood and dirt on her clothing as well as the violent marks on her face. The dress is white which has connotations of purity, heaven and innocence and the harsh contrast in her costume to the villain’s highlights their different purposes. The positioning of the girl in the background in relation to the villain in the foreground hints that she is helpless and cornered. The placement of the weapon in front of her denotes that it is going to be used to kill her and suggests that the events of the film have so far led up to this moment as the weapon is the main focus of the poster. This hooks the target audience once again as they wonder what has previously happened that has led to this moment.

6. The derelict setting suggests that the victim is inevitably going to be murdered because there is no-one around to save her. An abandoned setting is a typical horror convention as there is no rescue or escape available for the victim. The deserted setting in this poster also hints at a personal vendetta towards the victim because she has been singled out and there is nothing there to stop the villain from murdering her .

7. Bad weather and pathetic fallacy is another horror convention used in this poster with the dark and stormy weather reflecting the frightful action in the film whist adding to the tension and suspense. There are only 3 main colours in this poster including white, black and different shades of blue. The limited colour scheme is a convention of the horror genre as it adds to the mystery and suspense surrounding the poster. It aids and adds to the dark atmosphere and numbness.

8. Light is used skilfully in the poster with a illuminating light on the victim and the ground while the villain and setting are surrounded by darkness. The darkness suggests that there is more for the audience to discover about these elements as currently they are not getting to see everything in its full light. The intense light is effective because it is contrasts with the dark colour palette. It implies that there could eventually be rescue for the victim or it could be a heavenly, ghostly light that signals her death. This is another hook for the audience as these are complete opposites and they can only discover the true outcome by watching the film.

9. The angle of the text is effective as it reinforces the title because it looks like it is falling. The text is in an eroded font which also looks like it has elements of blood on it with spatter and the ink dripping down. Above the title it advertises that the film is from the producers of 2 previously successful films. This encourages the target audience to watch the film because they can expect good quality film production and a captivating storyline. The credit block is present even though it is only a teaser poster. However, it is used effectively because it helps the credits reinforce the shape of a tree falling which reflects the title of the film.

10. At the bottom of the credit block is the indication that it is a teaser poster as it does not give a specific date for the films release. This means that the target audience will have to look out for more media, such as official posters and trailers, about the film to find out when it is going to show in the cinema. Also under the credit block is the official website for the film where the target audience can go to find out more about the film, such as the release date, as well as being able to view official trailers. The logos of the production companies involved in the film are also displayed under the credit block because it advertises their company as well as certifying that they will receive credit if the film is successful at the box office.