The document analyzes and compares two movie posters for the films "The Stepfather" and "When a Stranger Calls". Both posters use dark backgrounds and red titles to signal the thriller/horror genre. They also prominently feature a central image of a hand/arm holding an object related to the plot. The posters are similar in layout but differ in how the hands are depicted - one is clean signaling a more familiar villain, while the other is dirty distancing the audience. The document examines how visual design choices in the posters work to provide context and intrigue audiences for these thriller films.

1. POSTER DESIGNS
RESEARCH
Leah Blundell

2. The Stepfather (2009)
Features a dark
background.This
directs the audiences
focus onto the fists
with the tie. Adds a
sinister feel to the
poster.
One central image of
clenched fists.
Indicates
anger/violence.Tie is
pulled tightly and
shows tension.
Reveals genre of the
film – thriller/horror.
Tagline reveals little about plot, but still
entices audience.
Conventional font used.
Capitalised, red and appears like
it is dripping. Makes the
audience think of blood/murder.
Creates a chilling feeling in
audience.
Institutional
information
Age rating
Website
Release month –
October release is
appropriate for a
thriller/horror due to
the celebrations of
Halloween.
Billing

3. When a Stranger Calls (2006)
Dark background alludes to
mystery and draws focus to
arm.
Male hand, presumably the
villain. Nails and skin looks
dirty –dirt is viewed as
disgusting in society and
therefore audience are
positioned against character. Prop of phone reveals that
phone may be central to
narrative of film.
Attractive female victim in
distress on phone screen.
Indicates person holding the
phone has taken her and
audience can understand he
is the villain.
Use of capitalised red
font. Connotes danger.
Suggests thriller/horror.
Institutional
information
Billing
Age rating
Release date
Website

4. Comparison of Poster Designs
■ Both posters make use of the common genre conventions for a thriller/horror movies.
Including the dark background and a red capitalised title.
■ The layout of both posters is also very similar.All text is located at the bottom of the
poster and the image in the centre. In terms of images, both posters use a hand/arm
holding an object that is central to the narrative. A male hand/arm is used as it is
symbolises power and authority. However, the looks of the hands are very different, in
The Stepfather the hand is very clean, nails trimmed and a wedding ring is featured.
This is scary for the audience as it hits closer to home – a recognisable and relatable
character is the villain.When a Stranger Calls uses a dirty hand to distance the
audience from their villain.
■ When a Stranger Calls does not use a tagline on their movie poster.

5. Image URL’S
■ http://bloody-disgusting.com/images/features/bestof2009/posters/1large.jpg
■ https://trashfilmguru.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/when_a_stranger_calls_xlg.jpg