My questionnaire was completed by 10 people in total.

I divided my questionnaire into 5 male and 5 females to get an even view on whether there is an apparent gender divide.

This image shows my analysis of a current thriller poster. Taken from Public Enemies (2009) it is a different version of the Public Enemies' original poster.

I have chosen to analyse this version as it represents a different side to the same film.

I have commented on the iconography - setting the scene, representation and the hidden messages, images and the introduction of main characters, colour connotations, lighting and persuasive techniques which are easily seen in this poster.

Thriller posters –

`From Hell`. (2001)

From the posters I have put together, you can see that almost all of them follow the certain conventions allocated to a thriller film.

Each poster uses certain colours which represent the different aspects of the film and the storyline involved, usually being black or other dark colours to present mystery, secrets and a mask of lies mixed with the truth. As well as colour representation each poster focuses on the main character/s – this is usually the only person/s in the poster either being a close up or long shot to portray their emotion through body language or facial expression.

For example, `From Hell` poster (Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, 2001) immediately establishes the main character and an obvious love interest. This poses the usual conventional characters of lead role and `helpless female`. The small image of a figure at the bottom also represents a villain, this is shown through the use of silhouetting with a hidden identity, as well as this, the small size of this image also represents his type of character.

Facial expression on both of the characters gives us a small insight into the plot of the film. The female role is looking away from the camera with a slight look of fear about her, also as her image is behind the male shows a sense of protection, fear and helplessness. However, the male character is slightly in front showing an aura of power and importance. His eyes, as opposed to hers, are looking directly into the camera to give the impression he is looking at the audience – to involve them in the story. The serious expression on his face, as well as his direct look may be intending he is sharing a secret with the audience, something that he isn’t telling the female.

In this image, of the protagonists, black is the main colour, as his face is becoming more shadowed – this also indicates he may have a `darker side` or that he is keeping something hidden, this may be an identity or a secret of some kind.

This image shows a few promotional posters of current and past successful thriller films.

These all help me create my own ideas and how to put

them into a poster format.

Examples:

The Devil's Tomb

Public Enemies

Vantage Point

Body of Lies

The Taking of Pelham 123

Perfect Sleep

The International

This is my brain storm of ideas.

It shows how I have considered genres, locations, lighting, sound, time and much more in order to create a successful film trailer and magazine promotional front cover.

I have modified ideas from other films I have taken an interest in and applied my creativity to them to produce an eye catching film genre and storyline.

This image shows 4 different magazine front covers and the release of new films.

They are from 4 genres of film magazine which shows how different films are represented and the connotations which best represent that particular film.

i.e - Pirates of the Caribbean `The Scene` shows a faded figure, covered in fog. This is well used as it represents the genre as well as the mysterious characters in this film.

3 out of the 4 pictures all have the main image covering part of the title, this shows how the magazines are very well known and don't have to have the full title like `filmstar` on show to be able to become recognised.

For my teaser trailer, I have decided to try and create a thriller film trailer...
Here is some of the research I have done on Thriller trailers to get me focussed on the usual conventions and storylines..

Thriller trailers and conventions..

Thriller –
The usual conventions in thrillers are essentially about the battle of justice vs. injustice where often there is a price to be paid for the conclusion of the story.
A thriller is a film of suspense with a plot structure that reinforces the elements of gamesmanship and the chase. Thrillers can be spy based, tales of geopolitical crisis, legal thrillers, medical thrillers, techno thrillers or domestic thrillers. Commonly, thrillers progress with a growing sense of threat or danger and the excitement of pursuit.

Narrative –
Thriller films are normally shown from two character points of view. The first being that of the protagonist (central character), which involves the audience more in events and creates empathy for the character. Or the story is occasionally told from the view of the villain, which can lead to empathy for the villain also at their twisted understanding or perhaps disturbing past that has led to the present. Although it can also create a sense of guilt. Lastly, the story can also be told from the point of view of an onlooker, detaching the audience from events so they perhaps are more observant.
Events in the storyline enable the film to progress, and allow the audience to second guess what will happen next. In many films this perception of events will be wrong, so adds to suspense. The dialogue in thrillers never contains a complete explanation of events or plot, to give it pace, and maintain the mystery, which is essential in building up suspense.

Characters –
Dress codes commonly appears smart and well dressed with dark colours, such as in spy based thrillers like James Bond. However, dress codes can differ depending on the context of the plot.
Examples:
1. Running Scared - (spy thriller) – protagonist Joey Gazelle – is not smartly dressed but wears casual clothes. This is similar to an action thriller, therefore breaking the usual conventions of such thrillers.
2. Die Hard – (action thriller) – protagonist Bruce Willis – wears casual, masculine clothes which helps empower his character.
3. The Godfather – (gangster thriller) – protagonist Al Pacino - almost always wears sharp, smart suits.

Character Roles -
Often in thriller films, there is one character that plays the role of a helpless innocent female in need of rescue who does however become brave when her help is needed and often aids or saves the male hero/protagonist.
There is therefore normally a male hero who battles the injustice and ultimately aims to defeat the residing evil of the situation to allow good to prosper. The residing evil in thriller films can be a vast majority of characters from a monster to a twisted neighbour next door.
There is however some common characteristics which include solitariness, revenge, anger, or a skewed view on events, as well as distorted social skills and understanding.

Iconography - Setting: Can be urban, isolated suburban settings, cities or quiet country villages.

Mise-en-scene: Normally dim lighting hiding parts to a character, large threatening weapons for props e.g. large knives, guns etc. Camera shots are normally point of view shots, frames within frames (to involve the audience), or close ups. Often there is also a lot of camera movement. Colours are also used to signify different emotions like red connotates blood or danger, blue - cold mystery or death.