FILM POSTER ANALYSISBy Lindsey Dilger

What to expect to find on a film poster?• Film Title – Usually the largest piece of text on the poster in order to grab people’s

attention, as it informs the reader what film the poster is advertising. Sometime extremely well-known film series can get away with not including a film title, as other aspects of their film are easily recognisable, however this is very risky and therefore rarely done.

• Image – Generally the main focus of the poster, so it tends to be eye-catching and somewhat memorable. Mise en scene is particularly important within the images used for film posters as the end result should be able to suggest certain information to the audience, such as the film’s genre or the relationship between certain characters in the movie.

• Tagline – This is usually a quote from the film or a small phrase which is connected to the plot of the movie.

• Date of Release – Particular date of release or ‘Coming Soon’ will help to inform the audience when the film will be available to watch.

• Rating/Review – This aspect is more likely to be found within the film trailer itself, however sometimes can be included on the film poster to show other people’s opinions of the film, and therefore make others want to go and see it.

• Cast and Crew – Names of directors, the production company and certain cast members are usually included on film posters, particularly if they are well-known and popular, to try and help the film appeal even more.

Film Title -• Colour of font contrasts clearly from

background image, helping the text to stand out and grab the audience’s attention.

• Font used can be compared to a child’s handwriting, which links to the plot of the film.

• Largest piece of text on the page, conventional design which relates to the importance of this particular feature.

Image –• Blurred, plain background so all focus is on

the single character pictured.• As she is the only character on the poster,

this suggest her importance and lead role within the film.

• Mise en scene has been used to help suggest specific aspects. For example, her clothing and hair emphasises her young age. Her facial expression is blank, which gives nothing away to the audience and leaves them guessing, creating a sense of mystery. The lighting in the photo is also bright and mainly focused on her face to ensure her facial expression is clear

Release Date –• Informs audience when the film will be

available to watch

Tagline –• Questions the audience directly which

makes them think more, therefore the poster has more of an impact on its audience.

• Red font can be linked to danger and blood, which hints at the film’s scary storyline and horror genre

• Red font also stands out clearly from the background image, grabbing the audience’s attention and helping to make the text clear and easy to read.

• Positioned underneath the film title so the audience instantly relates the tagline with the film.

Additional Tagline –• Name shown instantly linked to the

character in the image, hints more about the storyline of the movie, but still leaves audience guessing, making them want to see the film more.

Production Company Logo and other Production Information –• Informs the audience who made the film,

which may make the movie appeal to them further as it is a well-known production company, Warner Brothers.

• Takes up very little room as one of the less important features.

• No specific actors or actresses that star within the film have been mentioned.

• No reviews or ratings are shown on the poster.

Image –• Features one character who is played by a

well-known actor, which may make the film appeal to certain people who have enjoyed his work in the past.

• The setting has also been pictured from afar, giving the audience more information about the storyline but still not fully informing them, which may make them want to see the movie more as it leaves them wondering.

• Mise en scene hasn’t been used much due to the close-shot on the character, however the dark lighting creates a sense of danger, hinting at the film’s spooky plot and genre. The cloudy sky and rough sea also create an unsettled look which can be linked to the film’s type of storyline and genre once again. A match has been used a prop, to illustrate the character searching for something in the dark, which creates a sense of unknown and mystery. His facial expression are also very clear due to the close-up shot, which allows the audience to clearly see his focused and stern expression, which leaves the audience wondering why he looks/feels that way.

Film Title –• Bright, bold font used with a slight

textured effect to help make the film title stand out against the dark background so it grabs the reader’s attention.

• Largest piece of text on the poster, which emphasises the importance of the film title.

Actor’s Name –• Popular, well-known actor who features

in the film has been named, which may make the film appeal to people who are fond of him and his previous work.

Tagline –• Gold, bright font used again to create a

clear pattern across the poster, makes it appear structured and professional.

• Short, blunt tagline to create a dramatic effect, links to action within the film.

Production Information –• Informs the audience who participated in

the making the film, which may make the movie appeal to them further as it is a some names mentioned could be well-known for their previous work in the film industry.

• Takes up very little room as one of the less important features.

• No reviews or ratings are shown on the poster.

• No release date has been mentioned.