Trailer Analysis:

The trailer starts very fast as it quickly and over the course of the trailer goes over different psychological statuses like hallucinations, claustrophobia, disorientation and more. At the same time these are being presented, they have a few shots accompanying them detailing them like disorientation has a shot where a lot of dust is covering the area and showing they don’t know where they are themselves. The trailer doesn’t depict the creatures in such a way as in there fully visible but only instead around 3 quick shots of them. This is done to mask them and shroud the plot of the film.

Poster Analysis:

The poster fully expresses the fact that it was the studio that created the hit horror films SAW and Hostel as this then raises expectations from the film. The quote about it being the best horror-thriller since Alien and it being the best horror film in years, which also raises viewer’s expectations and interests so they’re going to be more attracted to watching it. It utilises a lot of black and red because of the blood and darkness, portraying what horror films are known for but at the same time exaggerates this even more by placing Sarah in a pool of blood which at the time would be considered eye catching

because things like that has rarely been done before. It also captures suspense because it shows struggle in a serious situation.

Billboard Analysis:

This billboard for The Descent was used to advertise it. The dark and bold areas of the picture are what capture people’s eyes while the jet-black areas detail the sense of darkness, fear and help create the feel of horror too. The dust at the top left of the billboard almost creates a sort of face which makes viewers inspect even further than just Sarah’s face at the bottom. Altogether it makes it somewhat psychological to the viewers of the billboard. What impacted the billboards (advertising) was the occurrence of the 7/7 terrorist bombings. This massively damaged the marketing because of the coincidence with the bus displaying the film, which is all about being trapped in a cave system, and at the same time people were trapped underground and under debris. The 'From the director of Dog Soldiers' is presented in such a way because of Dog Soldiers becoming a cult hit.