'You're next' poster analysis

Colour

There isn't a lot of colour used within this poster; the most popular colours are black and red, with a little bit of white.

Black - This colour is usually associated with death, mystery and evil. In this image death is suggested with the phallic symbol the individual has in his hand, which is a knife. This creates a sense of fear because we don't know why this person has a weapon. This adds enigma also because we want to find out why he has this weapon.

Red - This is the colour of death, which could be foreshadowing a gory death, as the colour is associated with danger. So this hints to the audience the genre of the film because of the use of red, we automatically think danger when we see the colour red. Red is also considered to be a stimulant colour, which means quick decisions, and in horror films at the prime point of danger it is very face paced and scary. This colour is eye catching which probably why it is being used for the masthead.

White - Throughout the image there is gradually bits of white within the image, white represents purity and safety. This could suggest that there is a possibility of redemption, a way to escape almost. The colour white is a contrast with black; they are completely the opposite of each other.

Text

The font is very large and when you look at it you feel like it is targeting you, this grips you in because you’re interested to know what it means and who it is really targeting. Also the masthead is in red and capitals which make it instantly stand out and catch your eye, this is the first step to drawing you in. It almost looks like it has been written in blood, which means that someone is targeting another individual.

Image

The image is mainly covered in black darkness which creates mystery. What's lurking in those shadows? This image is a long shot of an individual’s full body, this way you get to see everything. This has been done purposely to show the phallic symbol (knife) to the audience. As this creates a sense of distress because we don't know what it’s for and that's why we want to watch to find out the reasons this person is carrying a weapon.

Costume

The costume for this character is very basic as the individual is wearing all black, again black connotes death and mystery. And the mystery aspect of the costume is continued because the characters identity is hidden by the pig mask. This whole outfit creates mystery because we don't know who it is. But it also adds enigma because we want to find out who or what it is. Part of the costume is the knife (phallic symbol) which creates fear because knifes are usually used for violent acts within horror films.