28 Days Later Poster

This is the film poster of 28 Days Later it is a 2002 British post-apocalyptic science fiction and horror film directed by Danny Boyle, it is a Set in Great Britain, the story portrays the breakdown of society following the unintentional release of a highly contagious virus. The poster follows a red colour scheme. This has connotations with death, danger, hell and blood. On closer inspection the poster looks like it has been scratched making it look somewhat worn out, adding to the whole theme of the movie.

There is an image across the center which is clearly London; with one silhouette of a figure this represents the loneliness of being one of few survivors, during a national or global epidemic. The film is generally set in the busy parts of London such as Westminster Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Horse Guards Parade and Oxford Street. This is clearly represented in the middle image. The poster also has an image of two eyes at the top these are evil looking almost of a supernatural creature, it gives the effect of the poster as a face, giving it an eerie and mysterious feel. The title is in the center it is in white therefore standing out on the red background, and the use of the numerical ‘28’ makes it more eye catching. The title is placed on top of a black symbol. At the bottom of the poster there is the release date along with a slogan, ‘your days are numbered’ it is a successful line relating into a kind of countdown up to the release day .It could also have another message linking to death.

Up the top of the poster there is a quote ‘from the director of Train spotting and the beach’ this gives the film credibility, by showing directors previous work. Just under that there is a critics opinion therefore adding reliability and making it seem more of a must see, the ending sticks with the audience ‘scary as hell’ because it relates to the codes and conventions of a horror/thriller. It is clear it is with the horror with sci-fi theme due to the mention of ‘zombie horror’ which is not something that is not generally excepted or believed in society this is a key feature of what science fiction films contain. They are often used to provide social commentary on political or social issues, and to explore philosophical issues, as 28 days later does .The layout of the poster is effective at creating this eerie and spooky feeling ,and adds to the overall effect of the medium.