Poster 4.

THE ORPHAN:

-An American 2009 horror film, about a couple who decided to adopt a child, but is doesn't all go to plan as she hoped. It received mixed views.

The main part of the poster is the characters face, which even though is that of a child's, does not look innocent but looks old. The shadowing on her face for example under he eyes and around her jaws create a sinister feeling. Her eyes are black and cold with no pupil as it seems. Her hair is traditionally arranged in pick tails with ribbons which is rather old fashioned as well as her clothing which makes you wonder why she is so young yet wearing 1930's clothing, appearing emotionless. The character does not look happy her lips are pursed and her gaunt eyes look like they are staring directly at the viewer, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

The background is just a simple white, but even that has black/shadow areas. Although you can identify the characters features, something doesn't seem quite right, she doesn't look like a child should, happy. Plus the mid close up shot that has been used, makes this picture look as if it is a mug-shot. The word "ORPHAN" is the main piece of text in the lower half of the page and its style looks child like, like it has been scribbled down. The catch phrase the most important part of text in the upper region of the poster "THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH ESTHER" again highlights the fact that something is not normal, a feature used within many poster in the horror genre. The last piece of text is next to the screening/release date "can you keep a secret" this is colloquial message making it sound personal to the viewer by adding "you" although it is rhetorical as it does NOT need to be answered.

Also when thinking about an OPRHAN alone, you have a preconceived idea, that although they have experienced sad things in life, they are innocent and smiley... cute unlike the one of this poster which goes against that ideology. Unlike some posters the institutions logos have been placed in each corner in simple black and white, as therefore they do not draw away much attention, but may have to be there for legal reasons.