DVD and Release Poster Analysis

1. DVD and Release Poster Analysis Thriller films

2. RELEASE POSTER ANALYSIS Tagline – ‘killer’ signifies that there will be a typical murderer/victim scenario. Text is white so it stands out on the black background – connotes innocence Title is positioned so it looks like this hidden face is saying it, this shows he is the protagonist. Half his face is hidden to add mystery and show how his character may be concealed/hidden in the film. Black and white filter used on the main image contrasts to the orange/bright filter in the binoculars to illustrate that this is where the action/excitement is happening. Binoculars are a prop that fits the thriller genre as it signifies secrecy/mystery. Dark figure - suggests he's the villain. Masked killer with knife - typical iconography for thriller film. Disturbia – the title is a cross of the words ‘disturb’ and ‘suburbia’ which reveals to the audience where its set and implies that a disturbance will occur which fits the thriller genre. Font of title looks like its been written using a typewriter which were dated back to World War 2. This war theme suggests an aspect of the narrative where two forces are in battle: the villain and the protagonist. Binoculars pointed straight at audience – this device is used to entice their target audience.

3. RELEASE POSTER ANALYSIS 2 The movies tagline ‘someone is missing’ is used to create mystery and raise the question; who is missing? The main image is of Leonardo Dicaprio surrounded by darkness with nothing but a match for light which gives a sense he is lost in the darkness. Leonardo Dicaprio is a well known film star so is positioned in the centre of the poster to appeal to the audience as he is easily recognisable. Also shows he is the protagonist. It shows the iconography of a psychological thriller film as Leonardos face seems puzzled as if he trying to work something out. The main image is multi layered with an image of an island and a faded image of what appears to be a building. Raises the question; is this Shutter Island? Title suggests the film is about an island which implies seclusion. The word ‘shutter’ suggests something is shut away here. Red font signifies there is violence present on the island. Rain is a code to suggest it is a thriller film as most thriller/horror film climaxes are set during a storm. The red font and orange glow of the lit match contrasts against a grey/blue filter over the rest of the poster. These dull colours suggest a mysterious/dangerous atmosphere. Credits are almost unreadable which shows they are trying to advertise the film, the star, and the date (red font). Release date is October which gives implications of a thriller film as its released near Halloween.

4. DVD COVER ANALYSIS Critic quotes to show a professional opinion of the film. It is a positive opinion so more people will want to buy the film. Main actor names displayed at the top. Film title on side of case so you can see what film it is when its placed sideways on display. Main image same as poster so there’s a recurring image style – gives an idea of what theme the film is. Short description of the film to give an idea to the audience of what its about. Title on front with open space around to draw attention. Link to website to let the audience know that they can find more information here. Another quote and star rating so it will be the first thing a potential buyer sees. Production info Film barcode Same tagline as movie poster. List of special features to show to the audience that its worth buying the DVD. Format label (DVD) Age ratings to show what audience the film is suitable for. This film has a 15 age rating as its a thriller.