The document analyzes the visual elements and techniques used in movie posters for thriller films. It discusses how the use of dark colors, shadowing on characters, off-camera positioning that creates mystery, bold fonts, and stereotypical icons like knives and flames are employed to convey a sense of suspense, danger, and unease to hint at the thriller genre. Elements like isolated settings on islands also play on connotations of being trapped. Intimidating eye contact with the audience and different styled title fonts that stand out are described as typical techniques used to put viewers on edge.

1. Colours
The colours are dark with a lot of
shadowing on the centre
character, dark colours create a
sense of suspense and build up
due to dangerous connotations
associated with darkness - red fits
with the idea of this, i.e. blood.
Positioning
Patrick Bateman is looking off
camera, toward something
which we cannot see. This
creates a sense of mystery and
questioning as to what he is
looking at so sternly – suspense is
a typical feature in thriller films.
Font
The font used for the title is in
block white, this makes it stand
out from the picture; slashes in
the formal typography portray
that Patrick Bateman is a
businessman with a more sinister
side to him.
Stereotypes
The knife is a typical connotation
for danger and murder,
especially within thriller films. The
promiscuous woman placed
inside is also stereotypical for a
victim - and all these lead to hints
about the direction of the film.
Colours
The blue colouring is bright and
cold, emphasising the isolated
island; Black and shadowing is
again used with the connotation
of danger and helping to create
the sense of unease and mystery
through the film.
Positioning
Edward Daniels is set in a close
up with the titles separating him
from a wide shot of shutter island
underneath, again he is looking
off camera with a distressed look
– this is technique often used in
thriller to create question.
Font
The font itself is simple and bold,
in varied shades of off white to
contrast from the dark
background and make it stand
out. The capital lettering used is
harsh and helps to hint at the
serious notes in the thriller film.
Stereotypes
Flames are typically
characteristic of thriller films; this
on the dvd cover immediately
suggests a ‘search in the dark’
which centres throughout this film
– the island again has
connotations of being trapped.
Colours
Again, like the other covers, the
colours are dark with an
emphasis on shadow to make
the characters look more
mysterious. This runs throughout
thriller films, so the audience
know the theme from the onset.
Positioning
The characters are placed with
their heads at slight angles, but
eyes pointing directly into the
camera – this is intimidating as it
gives you the idea they are
looking at you and puts you on
edge which is typical of thriller.
Font
The font of the title is different to
that of the remaining typography
on the front cover, this makes it
stand out. The handwritten styling
also personalises the front cover –
this ‘handwriting’ is
representative of the serial killer.
Stereotypes
The faint script which covers
theimage could be stereotypical
of psychological thriller’s. The
script confuses the audience and
leads them to wonder, as well as
hinting to the background theme
of script within the film.