Poster analysis for psychological thrillers. A2 Media Coursework.

1. Psychological Thriller
Poster Analysis

2. BLACK SWAN
Bold title in black font that
contrasts against the pale
skin – stands out. Colouring
links with the title
Quote from ‘Empire’ magazine
commenting on the film. Text
stands out from it’s background
as it is a contrasting colour to
the black.
Main image dominates the
poster leaving space only for
the actresses face. She is
making direct eye-contact with
the camera which attracts
attention for audience
members as they feel they are
making eye-contact also. Image
has been edited to make skin
look ‘porcelain-like’ and a crack
has been added that shatters
down the left hand side of her
face.
Even though the image
dominates the background
there is still a divide
between the actresses face
and the text. The
important parts of the
image are at the top and
the writing at the bottom.
Actors and actresses names
included in a line above the
film title. Their second names
are written in bigger font. This
is the same font as the title
used.
Usual film credits are
underneath the title in gold
text. It is in the typical font
used and it gives the
information on the directors,
producers, websites and so
on.
A black background has been used
that causes the actress’ face to
stand out. And also links to the fact
the film is a thriller. This relates
with the other black found on the
poster which doesn’t include any
bright colouring.

3. INCEPTION Name of famous actor at the top
of the poster- draws attention of
viewer as they will be intrigued
as to what their role is. The text
being in what makes It stand out
from the dark blue/black of the
background image.
Main image is a photograph taken from
the back of the actor with his head
slightly turned. This makes his
character mysterious intriguing
audiences. He is also holding a gun in
his right hand. This gives a hint that
there will be violence involved in the
film, which will excite fans of the
thriller/action genre.
The image is dark involving blues and
blacks. This follows the conventions of
thrillers as low-key lighting is
commonly used within the film so this
continues this idea.
The film title is in Red text which
means it completely contrasts and
stands out from the background
image. Synergy has been used, as
the font type is the same as that
used for the title in the trailer.
Tag line ‘Your mind is the scene of the
crime’. This is the slogan for the film
and features on all posters. It is catchy
and memorable useful for audiences
as it is something to remember when
thinking of the film. The slogan uses
direct address to the audience as it
includes the personal pronoun of
‘your’. This therefore involves the
audience more.
Film credits are conventionally used
at the bottom of the poster under
the title. It is in the traditional text
and coloured white. It is also
slightly translucent in comparison
to the white text above and below
it. This is because it isn’t as
important and needs to not stand
out as much.
Includes an indefinite release date
saying ‘Summer 2010’. However it
says ‘experience’ instead of the usual
‘watch’ or ‘released’. This gives the
audience a sense of involvement
that they won’t just simply watch the
film. This creates excitement.

4. SIDE EFFECTS Main image is different in
comparison to the other two
posters as it includes four
characters. This suggests they all
have an important involvement in
the film.
Red cross – slightly
translucent. Provides a
backdrop for the title and
credits. Also will give
audiences clues about the
themes in the film –
involves medicine.
Credits in white text. Normal
font. Includes a release date. This
is in bolder text making it more
visible to the audience.
No direct eye contact with
audience, however, eyes are
significant as each character looks
like they are looking at another.
Film slogan is captivating and
draws in an audience’s attention.
It is in the white font again but is
in larger text than the credits, and
can be found above the title.
Cast are well known so their names
are included on the poster. This will
attract audiences as they will
possibly want to see the film more
knowing these actors are in it.
Film title is in the centre of the
page in larger font than the rest
of the text on the poster. This is
so it stands out to the audience.
It is also in white, like the other
text.

5. KEY THEMES
• Main Image – The main image is unique on each poster. The Black Swan poster uses a
close up and direct eye contact, this amplifies the intensity of the film and how close ups are
used constantly throughout. The Side Effects poster also has close ups, however there are
four of them. The eyes are used differently and eye contact is made with other characters
instead. The Inception poster is different as it is an image of the character with his back
turned from the camera and audience. This creates an air of mystery and is enticing. I can
incorporate these into my poster, I will probably either used a from behind shot, or a close
up. This is because I have no need for more than one person in my poster. I will use dark
colours and lots of shadow, similar to Black Swan and Inception.
• Slogan - Two of the posters, Side Effects and Inception, include a slogan. These are
memorable and relate to the films perfectly. They are there to intrigue audiences and make
them more interested in the film. It does this by hinting at themes and events that occur in
the film. I could use this in my poster as something enticing for the audience and also
because it seems to be a convention is psychological thriller posters.
Each of the posters follow particular structures, and these are fairly similar on all. They
have conventions they need to follow and the same information needs to be given. Here is
a list of the features that are similar and how I can use them in my own work.

6. • Quote – The Black Swan poster uses a quote from Empire magazine saying ‘An
extraordinary, intoxicating experience’. These are very useful when wanting to convince
audiences to watch the film as a lot of people are influenced by the opinions of others. They
may want need some convincing that the film is worth their time, and an accredited
magazine could sway them. I will most probably use this on my poster, even though the
majority of the examples I looked at didn’t include them, I think it is a really valuable
convention to use to excite and attract an audience.
• Credits – These are used on every film poster. I researched as to why they are included and
it is a legality to include them as they give credit to the cast, crew, producers, distributors and
financers who made the film. They are a particular size and usually in the font Univers 39
Ultra Condensed. This will be a must for my film poster if I want it to look genuine and
professional.
• Release Date – These are common on film posters as it is extra information for any
viewers who would like to watch the film. On the Inception poster it says ‘Experience it
Summer 2010’. Instead of giving an exact date this builds anticipation for the films release.
The use of the noun ‘Experience’ also creates a sense of involvement for the audience and
makes it more exciting. I will include this on my poster to follow the conventions of a typical
poster.