1. Trailer Analysis:
The trailer starts very fast as it quickly and over the course of the trailer goes over
different psychological statuses like hallucinations, claustrophobia, disorientation
and more. At the same time these are being presented, they have a few shots
accompanying them detailing them like disorientation has a shot where a lot of
dust is covering the area and showing they don’t know where they are themselves.
The trailer doesn’t depict the creatures in such a way as in there fully visible but
only instead around 3 quick shots of them. This is done to mask them and shroud
the plot of the film.
Poster Analysis:
The poster fully expresses the fact that it was the studio that created the hit
horror films SAW and Hostel as this then raises expectations from the film. The
quote about it being the best horror-thriller since Alien and it being the best
horror film in years, which also raises viewer’s expectations and interests so
they’re going to be more attracted to watching it. It utilises a lot of black and red
because of the blood and darkness, portraying what horror films are known for
but at the same time exaggerates this even more by placing Sarah in a pool of
blood which at the time would be considered eye catching because things like that
has rarely been done before. It also captures suspense because it shows struggle
in a serious situation.
Billboard Analysis:
2. This billboard for The Descent was used to advertise it. The dark and bold areas
of the picture are what capture people’s eyes while the jet-black areas detail the
sense of darkness, fear and help create the feel of horror too. The dust at the top
left of the billboard almost creates a sort of face which makes viewers inspect
even further than just Sarah’s face at the bottom. Altogether it makes it somewhat
psychological to the viewers of the billboard. What impacted the billboards
(advertising) was the occurrence of the 7/7 terrorist bombings. This massively
damaged the marketing because of the coincidence with the bus displaying the
film, which is all about being trapped in a cave system, and at the same time
people were trapped underground and under debris. The 'From the director of
Dog Soldiers' is presented in such a way because of Dog Soldiers becoming a cult
hit.
