Film Poster Research
I intend to research several film posters; noting the techniques and conventions observed. I will then list the techniques & conventions I intend to use for my own poster.
The above poster if for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
The film is third in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy; so all of the characters viewers will be familiar with are shown, as are familiar settings such as the 'Eye of Mordor' and 'Mount Doom'.
Phallic symbols (such as staffs and swords) are shown to give these characters an air of power and authority; which will give the 'reader' ('reader' as opposed to 'viewer'; as this is print media) respect for the characters; and thus a raised opinion of the film as a whole.
Male and female characters are shown. This is so that the film seems appealing to both men and women. This is particularly important as the cinema is a stereotypical 'dating' location, and a film appealing to men and women will be the most obvious choice for this group of people; as opposed to a 'chick flick' or an action film (appealing almost exclusively to men).
The title of the film is shown in gold, to give it status (gold connoting wealth, power, importance) and so increase the status of the film in the mind of the reader.
Names of famous actors and directors are shown at the bottom of the poster, in order to attract those who are fans of those people.
Tagline 'The Journey Ends' at the bottom of the page, in order to create a sense of enigma; as readers will then be curious as to how 'The Journey' will end. This also draws upon Frodo's 'Journey' to Mordor; creating a sense of continuity and appealing to those who have seen the previous Lord of the Rings films.
This poster for Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is interesting because it does not use photo-realism; as most other science-fiction posters do. 'Photo-realism'; the portrayal of images as they are seen; is often sought to the highest degree in science-fiction so as to make the abstract ideas seem more 'real', however this poster uses a 'hand-painted' style instead; to create a sense of nostalgia towards the posters of the original Star Wars films (shown above). Creating a closer bond with the original trilogy (as opposed to the two films of the new trilogy) would be beneficial due primarily to the critique given to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. This film featured on Entertainment Weekly magazine's '25 Worst Sequels Ever Made' list, so it is clear to see why the designers of the poster would rather draw upon the massive popularity of the 1980's trilogy.
The lightsabers are the prime pallic symbol used in this poster; phallic symbols inferring power and authority. This gives the characters a position of respect; which will in turn make the reader 'respect' the film. The lightsaber is also a major visual motif which runs throughtout all of the Star Wars films; therefore creating nostalgia amongst fans of previous Star Wars films.
Another visual motif is the helmet of Darth Vader. As can be seen on the other Star ars posters shown, this motif runs throughout the film series (creating nostalgia). This nostalgia, however, is not just limited to Star Wars fans: It can be recognised as one of the most iconic film images of the 20th Century by the general public.
The genre of Science-Fiction is represented not just by the lightsabers and the ominous image of Darth Vader; but also by other smaller images such as aliens (Yoda) and spaceships. Also, the stars in the background in the top-right corner anchor reference the film title 'Star Wars'; and also establish the concept that events are occuring in space. The artificial 'lense flare' coming from these stars helps maintain a degree of verisimilitude; as a camera pointed at a source of light is likely to be affected adversely.
The male and female characters depicted help the film appeal to both male and female readers.
Clear title; as the purpose of the film poster is to advertise said film this is an essential feature.
Eye contact created between reader and protagonist (Anakin Skywalker). Creates a 'bond' of sorts, an interpersonal relationship which makes the reader familiar with the character to some extent; and more likely to watch the film as a result.
Gold lettering gives the title status; as the colour gold connotes wealth and power.
Names of famous actors appeal to people who may not have seen the film, but will have certainly heard of such people as Ewan Macgregor and Samuel L Jackson.
This poster is for the 2005 film Serenity; a sequel to a television series named Firefly.
'From the creators of Buffy & Angel' appeals to fans of popular TV programs.
Barren landscape in background draws attention to characters.
Phallic symbols of guns and swords give status to characters.
Female in foreground dressed in revealing clothing draws the male gaze; and appeals to their sexual attraction. Her making eye contact further enhances her seductive ability; yet more appealing.
Black title stands out against white background; unusual considering the typical 'light on dark' trend. This gives it a unique appeal.
Names of famous actors and directors, to appeal to those who aren't fans of 'Firefly'.
'They aim to misbehave'. Creates sense of rebellion; as the connotations of misbehaviour are generally troublemaking, excitement and danger. This also links back to the protagonists line in the trailer "I aim to misbehave"; strenghtening the 'brand identity' of the Serenity franchise.
The lightsabers are the prime pallic symbol used in this poster; phallic symbols inferring power and authority. This gives the characters a position of respect; which will in turn make the reader 'respect' the film. The lightsaber is also a major visual motif which runs throughtout all of the Star Wars films; therefore creating nostalgia amongst fans of previous Star Wars films.
Another visual motif is the helmet of Darth Vader. As can be seen on the other Star ars posters shown, this motif runs throughout the film series (creating nostalgia). This nostalgia, however, is not just limited to Star Wars fans: It can be recognised as one of the most iconic film images of the 20th Century by the general public.
The genre of Science-Fiction is represented not just by the lightsabers and the ominous image of Darth Vader; but also by other smaller images such as aliens (Yoda) and spaceships. Also, the stars in the background in the top-right corner anchor reference the film title 'Star Wars'; and also establish the concept that events are occuring in space. The artificial 'lense flare' coming from these stars helps maintain a degree of verisimilitude; as a camera pointed at a source of light is likely to be affected adversely.
The male and female characters depicted help the film appeal to both male and female readers.
Clear title; as the purpose of the film poster is to advertise said film this is an essential feature.
Eye contact created between reader and protagonist (Anakin Skywalker). Creates a 'bond' of sorts, an interpersonal relationship which makes the reader familiar with the character to some extent; and more likely to watch the film as a result.
Gold lettering gives the title status; as the colour gold connotes wealth and power.
Names of famous actors appeal to people who may not have seen the film, but will have certainly heard of such people as Ewan Macgregor and Samuel L Jackson.
This poster is for the 2005 film Serenity; a sequel to a television series named Firefly.
'From the creators of Buffy & Angel' appeals to fans of popular TV programs.
Barren landscape in background draws attention to characters.
Phallic symbols of guns and swords give status to characters.
Female in foreground dressed in revealing clothing draws the male gaze; and appeals to their sexual attraction. Her making eye contact further enhances her seductive ability; yet more appealing.
Black title stands out against white background; unusual considering the typical 'light on dark' trend. This gives it a unique appeal.
Names of famous actors and directors, to appeal to those who aren't fans of 'Firefly'.
'They aim to misbehave'. Creates sense of rebellion; as the connotations of misbehaviour are generally troublemaking, excitement and danger. This also links back to the protagonists line in the trailer "I aim to misbehave"; strenghtening the 'brand identity' of the Serenity franchise.
Film Poster Plan
I intend to use the following observed conventions in my poster;
Male and female characters will be shown; in order to appeal to readers of both genders
Phallic symbols will be featured, to give readers respect for the characters' power conferred by these.
The film title will be clearly shown; as the prime purpose of the poster is for the advertisement of this film.
A 'tag-line' should be shown; in order to intrigue the reader and thus make them curious about the film.The actors' names should be printed beneath the title; as this will give readers respect for the film if they recognise the names of people appearing within it.
One of the settings in the film must be used as a background; in order to contextualise the actions of the characters within the image.
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