Film Poster Analysis

Film Poster Analysis

Blade Runner

In this poster for the film 'Blade Runner,' what's initially identifiable is its generic conventions which pertain to that of the sci-fi genre. With the presence of what appears to be a form of spacecraft, a shining star in the background in addition to what appears to be a futuristic pistol prop in the hands of the (supposed) protagonist, it's suggested that this film takes place in if not outer space, then a futuristic rendition of the Earth. Things such as the back light behind Harrison Ford from what appears to be a star not only add to the idea of the film belonging in the sci-fi genre, but also help present him as somewhat of a saviour in regards to whatever predicament he may be facing as suggested by the tagline in the top right corner which says: 'MAN HAS MADE HIS MATCH ...NOW IT'S HIS PROBLEM.' Also with him 'making his match,' the concept of the creation of an android/robot or clone is brought about, adding to this idea that the film takes place in a futuristic setting. Adjacent to Ford, is also a woman with a cigarette in her hand placed in front of a black backdrop which has connotations of a femme fatale character synonymous with the film noir genre. With this it can be assumed that she may act as almost a temptation to the protagonist as the film progresses, similarly to other films in the genre. This said, the film appears to be in that of a hybrid genre of film noir and sci-fi, perhaps appealing more towards an urban, middle-class arthouse audience due to its more abstract nature through things such as its fusion of genres.

                              

                                                               Scary Movie 2                                                     

In the 'Scary Movie 2' poster, what's immediately apparent is that the film appears to a parody of films in the horror genre. With one actor in the poster wearing a poster with the statement 'I LOVE DEAD PEOPLE' and a critic regarding the film as 'Absolutely Hilarious,' it's apparent that this film isn't the 'scary movie' that its title suggests it to be and actually, the movie directly makes fun of other actual horror movies. This is further suggested by the tagline 'More merciless. More shameless,' showing that rather the film be focused on pure scares alone, its intention is to also make it viewers laugh repeatedly who would also tend to be people of a more younger demographic (young adults and/or teenagers) suggested by the actors in the poster. With this said, this film can be considered to be more of a comedy than a horror film with it being a parody of horror adaptations and so might also be considered to be a hybrid genre of comedy and horror.

                                  

       Uzak

The poster for 'Uzak' is slightly less clearer than the previous two posters in regards to what the film is actually about. The lone individual in the foreground of the image who appears to act as the central character for the film appears as if he's going on a quest or has something he needs to fulfill, as he looks overlooks what looks like a Turkish skyline. Also the coat that he's wearing in the poster connotes that he's not exactly a rich man by any means and that he's looking for an avenue of opportunity, which is quite reminiscent of the concept of the 'American dream.' Additionally, elements such as the snow, dark body of water and nebulous sky all contribute to a sombre and stagnant atmosphere which may represent the fact that his goal, whatever it may be, will be difficult to achieve as he faces obstacles throughout his journey. Overall, it appears that this film is likely to be in the drama genre for its darker tones and also be targeted to a more older demographic who perhaps go to independent cinemas (arthouses) and have an interest in international films which can be inferred by the title of the film, which clearly isn't English.

                                   

                                                                   I'm Not Scared

This poster for 'I'm Not Scared,' is less vague than the one for 'Uzak' in terms of what the film is about. One thing to comment on immediately is the look of despair on the boy's face as conveyed with the low-angle shot. As he looks into whatever is in the hole, he seems scared of what he has discovered. The shadow cast over his face adds to this idea of him being shocked by what he has seen and for this, it can be assumed that the film is a thriller. However, another thing to note is the contrast present in this poster with the boy's seemingly worried expression and the blue sky behind him perhaps representing the fact that other people in the vicinity of the hole are in the dark about what it actually holds. Either that, or the hole is for the most part hidden from most [people]. The target audience of this film can be assumed to be again, those that frequent independent cinemas due to it being an international film indicated by the text in another language below the title.

                                             

                                                                    Sin City

'Sin City' appears to be a film that borrows generic conventions from the film noir genre. This is firstly apparent by the use of the black and white colour scheme in the poster. The black-and-white visuals is something that is often associated with the film noir genre so this was already a telltale sign of it. Not only this, but the presence of a gun-toting male in the forefront of the poster, suggesting he's a central character for the film, alongside a blonde, to some extent scantily clad woman all tick the boxes of a production in the film noir genre. The low-angle shot presents all 5 of the characters on the poster as quite menacing, and this is further aided by their brandishing of firearms. For these explanations, this film will predominantly be watched by a more adult audience due to the violence and sexual content present in this genre of film.

                                    

                                     Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' virtually immediately strikes as an action-adventure film. As the very title suggests, the film stars buccaneers who quite conventionally in regards to pirate films, go on a search for treasure. The mise-en-scene in the poster further supports this with one of the actors branding a bandanna and flintlock pistol prop in his hand, along with the ship in the centre of the poster. These all help contribute to this idea of piracy, and with the determined looks on the faces of the three (main) actors on the poster as if they're driven to obtain this referred to treasure, it's not wrong to assume that this film is in the action-adventure genre based around pirates. The target audience for a film like this is likely teenagers up to adults simply as a result of the fact that the film is likely to contain slightly more violent scenes as apparent with props such as the pistol in the hand of Johnny Depp.    

                                

                                                            Bride & Prejudice

The poster for 'Bride & Prejudice' presents the film as being a parody of 'Pride and Prejudice.' The tagline suggests that the film is a romantic comedy where the two actors in the forefront of the poster are supposed to get married. In the background, celebration is visible with confetti and a congregation of people most likely directed at the bride and groom to be, and also the temple in the background suggests that the film is set in India. Also, the blue sky in the background of the poster conveys the idea that this film will be generally happy like the tagline suggests and not be contrasted/juxtaposed by anything whatsoever. With the film seemingly taking place in India, the target audience is most definitely going to be those with Asian heritage across all age groups due to its overall relatability and the more comedic nature of the movie.

                                            

                                                           Million Dollar Baby

'Million Dollar Baby' isn't completely clear in what exactly its plot may entail. From what can be seen from the poster, it's apparent that the central actor will be heavily involved in sports with what she's wearing. The dark shadows cast over the three actors suggest that the film will be one where difficulty is abound perhaps as she progresses throughout her sporting career, with both of the actors on either side of the poster sporting expressions of distress and worry, perhaps suggesting the film is a drama. People watching this film are likely to be adults with one indication of this being the shadows, maybe connoting that the film will have a more darker and serious tone in the entirety of the film and not ease to allow younger viewers to have to chance to fully enjoy (and comprehend) it.