Jessabelle

HORROR TITLE ANALYSIS

• The film title for the horror movie ‘Jessabelle’ gives little colour, so the audience already know that it is not a happy film and automatically assume it is a horror film. The main colours, black and white, give create a dark and eerie atmosphere for the audience. The use of these contrasting colours brings out the outline of naked trees, giving the idea that the film is based in a rural, secluded area which is usually associated with horror films. This makes the audience feel slightly uneasy about the film, also suggesting that the supernatural presence in this film is very familiar with the area, having the land around reflect its feelings. The white mist that makes the title more visible fades into the background, also suggesting that the supernatural presence is connected to the title somehow (which is obviously a name).

• The title has fairly jagged edges which suggests that a character in the movie or whatever is related to the title is in a state of decay or damaged in some way. It also tells the audience that the ghostly presence has something to do with the title and has already interacted with the subject. The marshy ground suggests the area that the film is based, for example in a very cold and dead area, possibly effected by the supernatural presence again and also suggests mystery, maybe something happened here.

• The use of a simple title like ‘Jessabelle’ makes the audience think about what it is a about. The name is a very abnormal name so they automatically associate it with a supernatural presence, for example a child. Horror films with this kind of title usually use a name that is related to the subject of the movie or an event that has occurred. To the audience this leaves it very mysterious and plays on their imagination, making them think more in depth and want to know more about it, therefore keeping it in their mind until the film is advertised elsewhere or becomes available to watch.