Donnie Darko: Inspirational Movie

Donnie Darko Theatrical Release Poster

The theatrical release poster for Donnie Darko is simple yet strikingly effective. I think that the way the images are all placed into the shape of a bunny - the 'evil' creature in the film is a very effective tool in which to show many pictures from the film but in one overall way. The blue colourisation of the images presents the idea of sci fi - as it resembles a lazor. I definately think this film would attract its target audience because it does not give any of the story away in the trailer and yet still manages to look very intriguing. The small writing does not take much focus away from the images which is a very successful presentational device.

Donnie Darko Magazine Front Cover

The magazine front cover I think meets the conventions of a typical magazine front cover because it features one image in the centre of the page, but unlike the magazine covers below it does not feature scary or terrifying images in an attempt to shock the reader. The white, black and red colour scheme is simple yet effective and foreshadows but contrasts to the storyline which is complex.

Donnie Darko Trailer

The teaser trailer for 'Donnie Darko' is a very effective and gripping trailer. Through the quickened pace and fast take the images almost flash and therfore shows how action packed and thrilling the film is. The use of an electric blue and black colour scheme adds to the sci fi element of the piece, and the non diegetic music adds an edge to the trailer, as it is not something typically done to this type of film.

Team Meeting and First Draft Teaser Trailer

Collectively as a group we decided to create a 'Horror' teaser trailer. We chose this genre because we felt that this particular type of movie is easy to replicate successfully and also because we all watch this typeof movie and are interested in this genre. We appointed each member of our team a role within our first draft of our teaser trailer so that each person would be taking part equally. Our story was based upon a serial killer stalking a teacher at school, and spying on her until finally chasing her in an attempt to murder her. I felt that the filming was satisfactory, but clearly there are areas which need to be improved upon and some parts need to be edited out. To improve on our teaser trailer we would need to organise each scene step by step by including aspects of mis en scene, camera shots and angles and think each area through.

First Draft from Annie Byrne on Vimeo.

Pan's Labyrnith: Inspirational Horror Movie

Pan's Labyrnith Magazine Front Cover

I think this magazine poster again subverts the typical movie magazine front cover because it displays rather a graphic and potentially offensive image. The dark hue of colours used is again a convention typical of the genre. Again I would say that this front cover appeals to the target audience - fans of the film, especially because the cover is part of a '500 Greatest Movie' covers whereby you can select your favourite film and order it. I think the front cover does indeed link in to the other two devices - the trailer and the movie poster, because they all contain a frightening and dark tone to them, particularly because the still image used above is contained in the movie trailer.

Pans Labyrnith Theatrical Poster

This poster is very effective and portrays the fantasy, mysterious qualities that are included in the film. The poster is very detailed and has fairytale, mythical undertones which are only magnified in the film, yet it contrasts with the typical fairytale as they are joyous and typically for children. The dark colour scheme reflects the movie's storyline. Pan's Labyrnith is very dark and has a 15 age certificate, meaning this subverts the typical fairytale. Even the dark colouring used on this poster reflects the evil that occurs in the film. What the poster does not say is that the film is actually Spanish and has Spanish subtitles, which could potentially be misleading for the audience. The film may not be your 'typical' slasher or teen horror movie yet is more thrilling and horrifying than many of those films. I think the way the film subverts the 'horror' genre is very interesting, but then again I agree that the movie poster is typical of the thriller genre.

Pan's Labyrnith Trailer

This trailer is particularly effective because it combines action, drama and tension all in one. The music adds an eerie quality to the trailer and adds drama until the climax of the trailer - the music is built up to tell the story and keep the audience interested and 'on the edge of their seat.'

The Shining: Insiprational Horror Movie

The Shining Theatrical Release Poster

There is great contrast between the simplicity and rather dullness of the theatrical release poster in comparison to the actual film itself. Perhaps this was done on purpose, to create a simple, bland poster and shock the audience when the film actually opens, but another reason could be at the time of release - 1980, the photograph editing software would be very inferior to what is in place today, hence all of the polished posters that are now implemented. The colours of yellow and black used are rather an odd choice but has most likely been used because they contrast one another. I would say that the poster subverts the typical movie poster because they are usually supposed to attract customers by using dramatic images which show excitement to intice people, and this poster does probably the opposite. The simple

black and white image of a shocked face is rather creepy and the tag line 'a masterpiece of modern horror' may intrigue and stir curiousity in the viewer, and would perhaps even evoke the reader to check out the film and see what the hype is all about.

The Shining Trailer

This trailer has been very sucessfully made because the music, camera angles and shots pull together to create a shocking and fast paced atmosphere, thus meaning that the trailer also enstills fear and horror in the audience. Other reason why this particular trailer is well made is because it gives an overview of what happens in the film but does not give the whole plot line away, and does this through including some of the most terrifying parts of the movie, but cutting off just in time so as not to give the audience the whole story.

The Shining Magazine Cover

This particular still from the movie has been chosen as a front cover for 'Empire' magazine because this image is very iconic and is almost always used when there is reference to 'The Shining' as it is associated with the fear and terror dealt with in the film. I would say that the magazine cover appeals to the target audience - fans of the film since it features the most memorable part of the movie. This magazine cover actually subverts the norm for a magazine cover since they are usually meant to attract and invite customers, not scare them away. The fact that the film is being featured as a limited edition front cover of 'The 500 Greatest Films of All Time' shows that the film is seen to be horrifying and iconic. As the image is so domineering and has a great impact on the audience, it is clear to see why this image has been used solely for the front cover. The red colour used contrasts with the colouring of the image, and could also represent 'danger' or 'blood' - in fitting with the horror film theme. The quote used 'I'm not gonna hurt ya... I'm just gonna bash your brains in!' is in fitting with the violence portrayed in the film, and warns the reader that the film is not to be taken lightly.