Horror Poster Analysis - 28 Days Later

This is the poster for the film ’28 Days Later’. The title of the film is located in the centre of the poster in bold serif font and is the largest text on the poster as it’s an essential piece of information. ’28 Days Later’ gives the audience a clue to the narrative, it makes them wonder what will happen in twenty-eight days. The type face used for the title is cracked, this abstract font is typical of the horror genre.

The ‘billing block’ is located at the bottom of the poster. This contains key production and institution information for the film. This is located at the bottom of the poster in small font as it is not as important as the appealing title and image. However, is of interest to fans of horror films looking to find a certain director, producer, composer or costume designers name. The colour of the billing blocks keeps to the colour scheme of the poster in order to not look out of place.

Just below the billing block is a boxed piece of synergy saying ‘www.28DaysLaterDVD.com’. For the prudential interested audience this is key information and a place where they can find out more about the film. It is positioned at the bottom of the poster and is in small font as this information may not be relevant to all viewers of the poster. However, it is boxed and in font which is easy to understand so those who are interested have no confusion of where to go if they want to find out more. The box draws the attention of viewers to this highlighted piece of information in hope that it will encourage them to use the website.

Danny Boyle is the only evident of talent on this film poster. Boyle’s name appears in bold and large serif text at the text at the top of the poster in order to attract the attention of the audience. Danny Boyle is well known for directing the film Trainspotting. It has been indicated on the poster that he directed Trainspotting in case people don’t recognise his name but have seen the film. This information has been displayed in hope is will attract fans of Danny Boyles work.

The film appears to be set in central London, this is made clear from the silhouette of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament which are iconic British landmarks on the right hand side of the poster. London has been used as the setting of the film as it’s a recognisable location. Being able to relate to a horror film adds to the fear as it makes the audience feel as if the horrific events that take place in the film could happen to them.   

An extreme close up of a face has been used as the background of this poster, the glowing eyes are the only visible features. This face is red which could either signify danger of blood both of which are typical of the horror genre. The unnatural and glowing eyes could reflect supernatural events as it appears ghostly. This extreme close up has been shot from eye level and uses direct mod of address with the audience making it look as is this character is looking directly into your own eyes. The silhouetted foreground of the poster is a wide shot as there is a lot of information for the audience to take in (the iconic landmarks of London as well as the zombie like figure walking). The red and black colour scheme makes the location and characters seem dangerous and frightening.

The colour red, glowing eyes and zombie like walk are all iconographic of the horror genre. Red in particular signifies danger so is expected of a terrifying horror poster.