Poster Analysis Evaluation

After looking at numerous horror posters and analysing the poster for 'Prom Night' and 'The Last House on the Left', I have noticed a number of similar conventions used to portray the horror genre:

• The colour red used against a dark background looks effective and stands out- red signifies danger and hints that the plot will include this
• An image that hints at the plot but does not give too much away- this lets the audience use their imagination and want to know more, ending in them wanting to watch the film
• A catchy slogan- this often hints at the plot and misleads or interests the audience. The 'Prom Night' poster uses a clever twist on words 'a night to die for', which has a double meaning in this case. 
• A release date to give the audience information on when they can see the film.