Nightmare on Elm Street analysis

Georgia Jones

Typography-The use of sans-serif red typography links to the conventions of the horror genre as the use of red has the connotation of blood and gore which are also typical conventions of the horror genre. The use of the tagline ‘HE KNOWS WHERE YOU SLEEP’ introduces a sense of vulnerability for the audience as it has connotations of darkness and isolation. The use of the pronoun ‘he’ suggests an evil figure/presence which links to the themes of death and murder, this also links to the figure shown in the poster.

Rule of thirds-The characters are presented in the centre third of the shot, which suggests that the characters are strong as they are the focus of the image. However, one character is presented as having more power than the other, the male is stood over the female suggesting that he has the most power between them, this also suggests that he is the evil presence/ monster within the media text, as the female below him seems as if she is being influenced by his power and controlled by him.

Mise en scene-The setting seems as if they are situated in a long hallway in darkness, hence the use of low-key lighting, which suggests that the female has been running along the hallway away from the evil figure. Additionally, the use of low key lighting suggests a evil presence within the frame and links to the idea of darkness and death. The setting suggests that the film is often based in an isolated area, which complies to the typical conventions of the horror genre, as isolated areas are linked to the idea of being alone and vulnerable.

Iconography-The figure in the background fits the profile of the villain as they are represented as being a male, suggesting that he has more power than the female shown below him and that therefore she is vulnerable. Also, he is shown to be wearing a hat which makes him appear mysterious and makes him stand out against others. His hands are shown to be his weaponry linking to knives, this suggests that his strength is enough to create fear for his victims. It may also trigger the idea for the audience that he is the obvious serial killer due to the fact he has created a weapon that is uncommon, suggesting he is cunning and intelligent.

Technical codes-The use of the long shot allows the audience to view both characters body language. The male is represented as being strong and powerful due to his stance and the props that accompany his profile highlight him as being the villain, despite the fact that his facial expression is hidden, which creates an enigma code surrounding the individual. Whereas, the female is represented by her facial expression, which appears to be blank suggesting she is unfazed by her attacker and is willing to fight in order to regain power or equally that she is too young/innocent to understand his intentions.

Themes-The themes that are suggested to the audience by this poster is the theory of good vs evil in the form of villain vs victim. Additionally, the ideas of a power struggle between the two characters which could potentially be due to various factors, including the idea of power struggles between genders as the male is presented as having more authority or equally due to a power struggle between ages as the female is presented as being young, which links to the idea of innocence.