Poster Analysis

CANDYMAN

This poster does not conform to the stereotypical conventions of a horror film poster. This is seen by the mostly white poster, where the high key bright lighting has connotations of innocence and purity. Something which creates a sinister atmosphere as we know that this is a horror film and therefore makes us think that the victim of this film is pure and innocent.

This idea of the victim being  innocent suggests that it is a child, which is very fitting as candy is often associated with children, this therefore further emphasizes this sinister atmosphere created. 

As well as this, the mostly white poster could also suggest that the victim is dead and that they are seeing the bright white light, before they go to heaven. Consequently creating many questions for the audience, wanting them to find out the answers by watching the film.

Following on from this, the idea of the person in the photo being dead can further be seen as there is a fly on the person’s eye. This suggests that it is a corpse as flies are attracted to dead bodies. However, in this instance it is not a fly but a wasp/bee, this has connotations of honey and therefore candy, which is very fitting for this film. As well as this, wasps are notorious for their angry personality and stinging anyone in their way, causing their victims pain, which could reflect that his is the Candy man’s intention. 

Unlike the other posters I have analysed, this ‘Candyman’ poster features a sell to promote the film. This allows the audience to know what type of horror film it is going to be and therefore brings in a greater audience, as those who have enjoyed ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ will also enjoy this film.

The extreme close up shot of the eye creates a sinister atmosphere, as the eye features no emotion, suggesting either death or that they have been possessed/taken over by the man, which can further be seen as the eye is red. This idea can be supported as there is the man in pupil of the eye, showing that he is controlling them or that is reflecting what they can see. Both of which create an uncomfortable frame for the audience.

The title on the poster features a red drop glow, this being the same colour used for the pupil, suggesting that he is the one who is possessing the character, creating a chilling atmosphere.