2. Introduction.
Film posters are essential marketing tools that communicate
the essence of a movie to potential audiences.
I will analyze two film posters from different genres and styles
to understand the conventions that make psychological thriller
posters unique.
This presentation is on film poster design codes and conventions,
with a particular focus on thriller posters as my classmate and I
have decided to make a psychological thriller short film for our A
Level exam.
3. Film Poster Basics
Before diving into psychological thriller posters, let's
establish some fundamental film poster design
elements:
Title: The film's title is prominently displayed.
Imagery: Visual elements that hint at the film's
content.
Tagline: A brief, compelling phrase that adds
intrigue.
Credits: Names of key cast and crew members.
Release Date: Information about when the film will
be in theaters.
4. Psychological Thriller Poster Codes
and Conventions
Psychological thriller posters often employ specific codes and
conventions to convey tension, mystery, and psychological
intrigue:
Dark Color Palette: Use of deep, moody colors like
blacks, blues, and grays.
Intriguing Imagery: Ambiguous or unsettling visuals that
pique curiosity.
Minimalist Design: A clean and uncluttered layout to
maintain focus.
Enigmatic Taglines: Phrases that provoke thought and
unease.
Portraits of Key Characters: Close-ups to emphasize
emotional turmoil.
5. "Black Swan" is a psychological thriller with elements of
horror.
Poster Analysis:
Dark Color Palette: Dominated by black and white,
evoking a sense of dread.
Imagery: Natalie Portman's face is split, portraying her
dual personality.
Minimalist Design: Clean layout with subtle feather motifs.
Enigmatic Tagline: "I just want to be perfect" hints at
obsession.
Portraits: Close-up of Natalie Portman's face shows her
descent into madness.
Film Poster Analysis - "Black
Swan" (2010)
6. "Se7en" is a psychological crime thriller.
Poster Analysis:
Dark Color Palette: Grim, urban environment.
Imagery: Disturbing crime scene photos hint at the
film's dark themes.
Minimalist Design: Simple, stark, and unsettling.
Enigmatic Tagline: "Seven deadly sins. Seven ways to
die." is ominous.
Portraits: Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman's intense
expressions create intrigue.
Film Poster Analysis
- "Se7en" (1995)
7. Contrasting Genres
Romantic Comedy
Bright colors, playful
imagery, and smiling
faces.
Sci-Fi
Futuristic visuals, vibrant
colors, and technological
elements.
Horror
Dark and intense imagery
with eerie fonts and
gruesome visuals.
Let's briefly contrast the psychological thriller posters we've analyzed with other genres.
8. Role of Genre in Poster
Design
The genre plays a pivotal role in determining a
poster's design elements.
Psychological thrillers rely on tension,
ambiguity, and psychological distress in their
posters.
These elements set the tone for what the
audience can expect from the film.
9. In conclusion, film poster design is a strategic blend
of codes and conventions tailored to the genre.
Psychological thriller posters embrace dark color
palettes, enigmatic taglines, and minimalist designs
to create intrigue and unease.
The chosen imagery and style aim to provoke an
emotional response and draw the audience into the
film's psychological world.
Conclusion
