Genre Poster Analysis - 1 Insidious

The poster for 'Insidious' uses many techniques and conventions that are associated with the horror genre. These include:

• Reference to other horror films including 'Saw' and 'Paranormal Activity'.
• Low key lighting/muted colours.
• Isolated setting/haunted house.
• A sinister shadow in one of the windows suggesting a ghostly presence.
• The central image is dominated by a child/a typical character type within the genre.
• The review uses language associated with the horror genre, such as 'scary', 'whimpering' and 'sheer terror'.
• The name of the movie suggests horror/ it means deceitful, cunning and crafty and has negative connotations. 
• The font used on the title is defaced or scratched, typical of the genre.
• The tagline makes reference to the genre through the use of the word haunted.
• the 15 certificate and it's advisory content are typical of films of the horror genre.
• The film's director James Wan has made a number of films from the genre including 'Saw', 'Dead Silence' and 'The Conjuring 2'