Title analysis

Title AnalysisKelsie Barrett

Grave Encounters

The first title in the trailer for Grave Encounters is the production logo for ‘DARCLIGHT’. This title fits with the conventions of a horror as it is surrounded by a dark screen and the text is the only visual element on screen. The logo disappears in a ghostly mist which also fits the conventions as all unexplained happenings (such as ghosts) are formally known to be featured in a horror.

The opening title which first appears in the trailer itself also conforms to the conventions of a horror as it is dark and mysterious. The font is bold, white and surrounded by darkness suggesting that it isn’t scared to stand alone and face challenges; maybe symbolic for the film. The white writing symbolises purity and innocence. Adding to this, when the image is moving the font appears to be coming towards the viewer, away from the psychiatric hospital; perhaps asking for help and forgiveness. The background image which surrounds the text is also the establishing shot for this trailer as it shows the location.

This title follows from the last, adding further hints as to what the narrative will entail. It explains to the viewer that this building is a one of a kind, standing out from the rest as being the ‘most haunted building in North America’.

The style of the lettering stays the same, adding unity and making this title link to the last.

The lettering again, links to the last tying the events together.

The background in this title is different from the last. At first glance it looks like the hospital from a different angle, a low angle. This makes the building look dominant and powerful. Nothing can over power this building.

The text attempts to explain why this hasn’t been heard of before expressing verisimilitude/making us believe the narrative is real; another convention of a horror.

There is then a black background which makes the titles become more serious and focused on the words.

The white lettering stands bold from the black background which could suggest a binary opposition in the film which is most likely included in the horror genre.

The bold capitals enables the text to stand out above anything else on screen as it is a way of directly communicating to the audience and telling them exactly what you want to.

‘UNTIL NOW’; when this is mixed with the last title, the audience gather that this will be an attempt to find evidence of hauntings making this become a turning point for scientists.

This title is similar from the last however, it explains to the audience that this is ‘hidden’ footage and is in a different font.

The font looks like an old typewriter style, becoming old fashioned and dated further reinforcing that the footage has been hidden. The typewriter style suggests that the person who edited the film, doesn’t have much experience and therefore, couldn’t have possibly added in special effects…

The font and lettering in this title is the same as the last and therefore, sharing the same effect.

However, the text is different. This title claims that ‘what they captured on camera cannot be explained’ suggesting that whatever has happened is unknown and therefore, opens the audience’s minds to believing in the paranormal.


However, the text differs. ‘Experience the terrifying footage’, this suggests that the footage included is different from anything else any horror fan has seen before and is therefore, ‘terrifying’.


However, again, this text is different from the last. ‘RAW AND UN-CUT’ further supports my point earlier stated that the footage has not been tampered with, making it as real as possible (Verisimilitude).


Keeping with their theme of repetition. This title also exaggerates the shocking scenes showed in the film.


Declaring that this is the ‘shows final episode’ suggests that something tragic happens at the end and perhaps they don’t get out alive; making the audience even more intrigued to watch.


This is the title screen towards the end of the trailer, revealing the title of the full-length film; ‘GRAVE ENCOUNTERS’.


This screen reveals who has made the film and who has produced it. In my opinion, this ruins the Verisimilitude effect which was desired by the director. This challenges conventions for a horror as usually, the director would prefer to remove industrial details from the trailer and get the audience to focus on the ‘fact’ it’s based upon real life and real footage.

The credit block still stays with the themes of the rest of the trailer by keeping to the black and white colouring. The lettering is small as the text isn’t overly important in the trailer and this screen would not have been shown for a long amount of time.

Insidious

The insidious trailer begins with the production logo. The red background symbolises danger and anger whilst the black, bold writing portrays the image as strong and undefeatable. The spacing of the letters give them impression of being surrounded as they are spaced out individually. These features fit the conventions of a horror as it makes the audience feel tense and scared with the image it portrays.

The first title in the trailer introduces the film as ‘insidious’. The title is mysterious as the audience can see a slight hint of red in the background while the font presents the title of the trailer. ‘Insidious’ means to proceed in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects; opening the audience imagination to the narrative.

The white writing on the black background suggests a possible binary opposition.

This screen again suggests a possible binary opposition. The black background represents darkness and the unknown, whereas the white writing suggests innocence and purity.

The font stands out clearly showing that it is strong and isn’t scared.

‘PARANORMAL ACTIVITY’ and ‘SAW’ stand out the most as the makers have purposely let the audience know what other films they have made in the horror genre to further advertise their film and previous work.

This proves Gledhill’s Star Theory as it shows that film makers will use this feature to promote their work.

The next title is similar to the first in being mysterious and increases the audience’s imagination.

The white writing on the black background again, suggests a possible binary opposition.

The next title is similar to the last in being mysterious and increases the audience’s imagination.

The white writing on the black background again, suggests a possible binary opposition whilst the font size creates tension. As the text has become bigger and closer to the screen, the audience will feel like they are being threatened and begin to feel uncomfortable; another convention of a horror.

The this title is similar to the last in being mysterious and increases the audience’s imagination.

The text size is intimidating and confusing as it is distorted. There is a slight red colouring in the background suggesting danger and anger; could this represent the feelings in the film?

This screen shows the word ‘insidious’ become increasingly threatening.

The background is white whilst the writing is black contrasting the earlier screens. This could perhaps suggest that the darkness is taking over purity and innocence.

This screen is similar from the last as the lettering is still overcrowding the screen making it impossible for the viewer to ignore. This makes it threatening and adds tension through being unknown. The blue colouring is also an unknown feature of this screen. Blue symbolises coldness and water. Maybe this screen could show the vast amount of isolation featured in the film itself.

The title is different from the last however, still shares themes of mystery and anticipation. It does this by stating ‘insidious is’. The audience wonder what comes next. The colouring looks like fire symbolising death and destruction.

The letters are again, big and bold showing that it isn’t scared to stand out and surprise the audience; another convention of a horror.

The title is the same from the last sharing themes of mystery and anticipation. It does this by stating ‘insidious is’. The audience wonder what comes next. The colouring looks like fire symbolising death and destruction.

The letters are again, big and bold showing that it isn’t scared to stand out and surprise the audience; another convention of a horror.

This time, the words are closer to the screen becoming increasingly intimidating and dangerous to the audience.

This screen shows the plain, simple title in its usual lettering. However, the background is tinted red, symbolising blood and anger making the audience think about whether or not these are connotations for the film itself.

The viewer can also see objects in the background however, they are unclear. This adds to the mystery effect discussed earlier; keeping the audience guessing.

This title again, adds mystery. The audience can see the background which seems to be a low angle of several light bulbs. What is their significance?

The writing is bigger than before, covering the whole screen and becoming more intimidating.

The dark colouring in the writing shows danger and darkness; convention of a horror.

This screen shows the plain, simple title in it’s usual lettering. However, the background is again tinted red, symbolising blood and anger making the audience think about whether or not these are connotations for the film itself.

The viewer can also see objects in the background however, they are unclear. This adds to the mystery effect discussed earlier; keeping the audience guessing.

The writing is smaller than it was when we previously saw this screen perhaps suggesting that the antagonist is backing off.. Or waiting till we fall back into our comfort zone to scare us even more.

This screen is similar from the last as it shows the dark, red background previously seen.

However, the text is different.

‘Everywhere April 1’ suggests that wherever you are, you will be affected by this creature, adding mystery and making the audience feel tense as though it is coming to get them; another convention.

The Devil Inside

This screen is the first shot of the trailer and introduces the basic narrative needed to understand the film.

The black background implies darkness and danger whilst the white writing based on top could suggest a binary opposition of good vs. evil.

The size of the writing isn’t confrontational but is still intense as we understand it is a horror and will make us jump at anytime.

This title again, isn’t confrontational as it isn’t taking up the screen and isn’t too big in lettering.

However, this title makes the audience feel tense as they understand that this is in the horror genre and will therefore, lure us into a fake comfort zone just to scare us even more!

This is also the first title which makes us feel uncomfortable due to the words. This title explains that three people are dead; opening mystery and making us wince.

This slide is identical to the last in text size and lettering.

However, the words are different. We understand that Maria Rossi is the murder of the three people however, as the dispatcher cannot get hold of her anymore we ask ourselves what has happened to her. Has she ran from this crime or is she now in greater danger from an unknown source?

This title conforms to the themes of the last title and therefore, doesn’t surprise us. Again, this black and white theme may represent a binary opposition.

The logo itself doesn’t seem to conform to the conventions of horror, making us think that this production company doesn’t always make horrors. Is this a good thing or bad thing?

This title presents the release date. This is shown early on in the trailer, challenging conventions of typical horrors.

The background looks as though it is supposed to symbolise skin. The dull colouring of this stands out to the audience as it looks limp and lifeless; making us think of death and dullness.

However, this dull colouring also makes the blood red crosses stand out so that we notice them although they are not the biggest thing on screen. The audience know understand that the film is religion related; a convention of horror.

The size of the writing isn’t as big as it usually would be in a horror, making it non-confrontational and easy to read.

The background is the same as the last; dull and symbolic of death. As stated before, this dull colouring also makes the blood red crosses stand out so that we notice them although they are not the biggest thing on screen.

The size of the writing again, isn’t as big as it usually would be in a horror, making it non-confrontational and easy to read.

The words are different in this trailer as they reveal a binary opposition; science vs. religion. These two factors have always been challenging one another and therefore, people may watch to see who wins.



The wording, similar to the last, also reveals a binary opposition; Hope vs. Fear. The audience may watch it due to this reason to witness what wins when tested.



This title states that ‘NO SOUL IS SAFE’ challenging the audience to watch the film and to threaten them, make them feel insecure and as though they have no chance when faced with the devil.



The words reveal the title of the film; ‘The Devil Inside’. The ‘D’ is faced backwards to reinforce the idea of the Devil being backwards in everything he does eg, morals and representation of the cross (shown in the background).



This title reveals that no exact date is given however, from the earlier title ‘THIS JANUARY’ we are given a rough idea of when this will happen.

What have I learnt from Title Analysis

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Title analysis