Horror Film Poster Analysis

This is the film poster for scream 4. When looking at the poster we are drawn into looking at the main image held in the center of the poster. It presents an image of a mask which is featured throughout the scream films, so the audience can make a direct link as to what the film is without looking at the title. The mask is a dull grey which contrasts with the black background, black symbolises death and mystery. We can also say that the black has been used to emphasise the fear of the unknown.  Looking back at the mask we can make a connection between the expression on the masks face and the title of the film, scream. The mask is a conventional feature on the poster as masks are commonly used in horror films. They are very effective as they hide the identity of the villains, leaving a sense of mystery. Also if you take a closer look at the mask you’ll notice that gradually from top to bottom the mask slowly merges from the mask to a knife. Iconography is used again relating to the knife. Knifes are frequently used in horrors, it suggests to the audience that violence and death will occur within the film. At the top of the poster we see some text which reads ‘New Decade. New Rules.’ This is used to engage the audience’s attention and to inform them that things are going to change. Suggesting that this scream film may be different compared to the previous ones, which means you’ll have to watch it to find out. Looking at the movie title on the poster, it is very simple yet effective. The ‘A’ in scream has been replaced with a 4 to symbolise it’s the forth film. The text is a similar colour to the mask to match, however the 4 is red. We associate the colour red with blood, danger and violence which links into the genre of the film. Also if you look carefully at the release date you’ll see that they have smartly used the red four again. Another smart feature you can see within the title is the ‘M’. The centre of the M points down, which looks like a dagger.