Terri Lucas

Film Poster Analysis

The strapline evokes a revengeful stance. With

two contrasting words “vengeance” and

“beautiful.” The effect this is that it suggests a enjoyable and purposely inflicted punishment or

retaliation. This gives the audience an idea of

the personality of the main character in the centre of the poster. The position of the female

actor directly in the centre makes sure than she is the

main focus of the poster. This automatically

reinforces her role as the main character to the audience showing her

importance Having the strapline overlap the image

allows the audience to make a direct link. The

simplicity and style of her clothing connotes a “tom

boy” look and does not depict your average

feminine female.

The incorporation of the city represents a part of the character. It is evident that there is two representations

of two very different societies. One looking very

high in the social class with high rise and prestige

buildings, and the other side looking unprivileged

with a vast range of favelas. The fact that there has been two contrasting

communities placed at different ends suggest that she is apart of a double life. However, the favelas have been

blended into her body which suggests that the unprivileged community is apart of who she is.

of link with the character . This is not your average name so the audience I left unaware what the meaning of this title actually is, working as a persuasive technique to draw the audience in. Keeping with the colour scheme the shade of the font is similar the rest of the colour in the poster, continuing the enigma code.

Props being a vital aspect is expressed in this poster, as the use of the gun helps to reinforce the genre of action. The position of the gun is made centre with the character and placed very close to her face, suggesting a intimacy and closeness with this weapon. Her facial expression is very calm and mellow, portray that she is at peace and in a serene place when with her gun. The effect of a bond and attachment is shown by the way she is clutching the gun with both hands. This suggest the violent nature of this character

The title of the film is place directly below the main image which suggest a kind

The saturated colour of yellow and black creates a misty colour. The black connotes an enigma , strength, and authority. In relation to the effects created by the body language of the character , and the poverty aspect, the black can also connote grief. The use of the yellow is very contradictory as yellow is normally used to connote joy and happiness. However in this case, it adds to the disturbing effect of poster.

Target Audience & Representationo The intended audience for this movie has the potential to be

quite broad included both men and women. The female aspect is appealed to through the choice of main character who portrays a slight female personality with curled hair and long eyelashes. However the use of the very prominent weapon will appeal to the male audience who enjoy violence.

o In regards to age, the age of the character could reflect the age of the intended audience. Looking quite young (mid 20’s) the target audience could range between late teen s to early 30’s, as action is a genre that mainly appeals to the younger mid generations.

o In regard to socio-economic status, those from a working class or even struggling background may find this film appealing and may have been the intended audience for producers as it can act as a reflection of their experiences or their day –to- day life, or even help them to shape and describe their personal identity Audiences members may even be from a upper class background but find the movie appealing because it can give the insight to a different side of life.

o In terms of nationality, favelas are normally homes that are found within urban areas of South America, this is a perfect example of the type of people that the film could relate to, with reference to their lifestyle.

o Lastly, personality type, is a key factor in determine the intended audience.. The likely personality type that producers are targeting are those with a edge, drama, violent streak, and a slight darkness/mystery about them.

The representation made through the background image does reflect a typical social assumption , as it would if it was just the weapon, favelas and a male character in the frame. However, the use of a female, a weapon and aspects of the higher and wealthier people of society (high rise buildings) develops a counter stereotype. This counter stereotype has not always existed, but saw a growth in the 21st century. The snapshot on the right highlights how the favelas have been incorporated in the body of the character. This suggest a form of love that she may hold for that community, and that community has a special significance to her.

The majority of the poster is covered with black, with the only other colour being apart of the main characters face. This predominant black has the function to portray a number of things including power, death, evil, mystery, strength and authority. However, contrary to this it can also connote elegance, prestige , elegance and formality. This suggest gives the spectator a range of ideas on what type of movie this will be and how characters will be portrayed.

The use of the dark makeup around the characters eye,

links and continues the black colour scheme of the poster.

They has the ability to attract the eyes of the spectator and

portrays a fierce and dangerous edge. Suggesting

something about her personality and her role within the film. The full fringe hair cut

restricts the audience from seeing her full face, connoting

that some of her identity is hidden, linking to the strap line

Being that this a close-up that takes up the most of the

poster, facial expression is very important is connecting with the audiences response.

In terms of this particular poster her facial expression is very minimal with neither

a smile or a frown, but simply emotionless. This could possibly symbolise

that her character is cold-hearted and emotionless.

The intensity that is being portrayed through her eyes suggests a deep focus and

concentration, which suggest something about her work ethic and ability to get

things done

The type of font chosen is very clear and bold, eye- catching to

the spectator but resembles a font found on computer devices. This shows the

modernity of the film and the relation to technological

aspect. This connotes that the character may be intelligent,

and knows her way around modern technological devices.

The strap line uses a question which tells the audience a bit of what they can expect from the movie. This could include doubt, investigation or the revealing of something.. This leads them to automatically question the identity of the main icon. This reinforces the idea of mystery which is created by the extensive use of the colour black “Salt’” being a type of food seasoning can create confusion amongst the audience members as it is used with the possessive pronoun “who” which usually used to describe a human. This forces the audience to think , and possibly act as a persuasive technique to draw the public in and test their ideas against who Salt actually is.,

A typical convention of a film poster is the date of release. The release date of this movie is at a time when the film industry is at one of its peaks, in regard to the releasing on films.. Summer being an exciting time of year ad the best part of the year for some, gives the audience something else to look forward to.

Target Audience & Representationo The intended audience for this movie, has the potential to be

quite broad included both men and women. The female aspect is made prominent and appealed to through the choice of main character who portrays a slight female personality with the use of eye make-up.

o In regards to age, the age of the character could reflect the age of the intended audience. Looking quite young (mid 20’s – 30;s) the target audience could range between late teen s to early 30’s, as action is a genre that mainly appeals to the younger mid generations.

o Lastly, personality type, is a key factor in determining the intended audience. The likely personality type that producers are targeting are those with an attraction to the personality reflected through the main icon. This could be daring, secretive, sneaky and fierce..

The representation made through the close-up is against the social assumption of the female gender . It has been overturned, purely as the result of use of dark make-up and effective facial expression. Typical social assumption about the female gender are that they are calm, caring , sensitive, nurturing, and live by t he male ideology of being passive and subordinate, to males. However, in the main image, the female portrays a controlling, self-reliant and powerful character. This goes against what the audience would typically expect from an action movie including a woman.

The use of the dark blue of the sky could represents darkness

that the audience could expect from the film.

The use of this colour throughout the poster.

gives it a masculine feel according to

studies, it is highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated

with depth, expertise, and stability, along

with power, integrity and seriousness. This

suggest that the film is associated with the

unveiling of the truth which is to be taken

seriously. The only other use of colour is the use of

the red strike through the title.

This is usually associated with the

horror genre as it relates to blood and

death. However, in this case it could

relate to

the danger within the film. However, it could show

passion, desire and love as there are both males and

female character positioned on the poster. The red could

also could be used to purposely contrast against

the blue, a masculine colour, whereas the red being

associated with women dangerous and deviant

women. This could relate to the female characters.

The setting of the film is made evident in the poster. Iconic and popular buildings are shown in the background including the London Eye , and house of Parliament. This instantly gives the audience insight to where the characters will be from and the type of movie it will be, meaning it is likely to be a young and urban movie instead of your regular American teen-flick.

The six different characters all portray a different persona through their clothing. In regards to the females, one is barely dress which suggests a provocative and sexual nature. This suggests a very brave and ‘out there’ personality, whereas the other girl is clothed in a dress and boots with curly hair. This suggest a very feminine and ‘girly’ personality. The body language connotes maybe that she is feisty and spoilt.

Target Audience & Representationo The intended audience for this movie has the

potential to be quite broad included both men and women, but it could be argued that the female aspect is made the most appealing with more female characters and them standing more in the foreground. The men and women to do not hold an equal status in the poster, which could suggest to the audience the type of role they will take it the movie. This could be a dominant and leading role.

o In regards to age, the age of the character could reflect the age of the intended audience. Looking quite young (early 20’s) the target audience could range between mid teen s to late 20’s, as action is a genre that mainly appeals to the mid 20’s generations. o In terms of nationality, there are a range of ethnicities in the poster, ( white black, black, mix race etc) this could represent London’s society today which is very multicultural. It could also portray how the youth of society have integrated very well over the years, which has created diversity. By representing a range of ethnicities , the poster is able to apply to

the different types of people and members of the audience. The representation of the female gender could be argued to be similar to the male gaze a argument presented by Laura Mulvey, who argued that in films, women are just sexual objects rather than the possessors of the gaze. The sexual nature is reflected through the character wearing minimal clothing. Theorist Berger argues that images like this “record the inequality of gender relations and a sexualisation of the female image that remains culturally central today. They reassure men of their sexual power and at the same moment deny any sexuality of women other than the male construction. They are evidence of gendered difference “

Magazine Analysis

Masthead: The colour and size of the masthead makes sure that it is bold, stands out, and catches the eye of the reader. The choice of word empire connotes authority, formality and power. Suggesting to the on lookers the qualities of the magazine. Main Image: The main image uses a medium close-up, which ensures that the face and facial expression is successfully been portrayed. His importance is highlighted being that he stands alone , predominantly owning the front cover. The expression portrays seriousness and pain suggesting the type of role that he will take in the film.

Cover Lines: The position of these two particular cover directly beneath the main image, along with the language used shows a direct correlation. Words like “bloody hell” and “fighting” accompanies the type of image being portrayed through the main image. Barcode: The position makes sure that it does not affect interfere abruptly with the image, cover lines, etc , but still noticeable and compact in the corner of the page.

Slogan: The slogan describes a high status in the film magazine industry , automatically making this particular seem like the best.

Colour Scheme: The colour scheme is consistent throughout, with a range of both dark and bright colours that work well together. The of red in the masthead and apart of the clothing of main character connotes a horror and dangerous element, which is reinforced with the black background.

Cover Lines: The use of extra cover lines acts as a way to shows the readers what else they can expect from the magazine, showing value for money. Positioning it as a list helps to effectively express the quantity..

Skyline: The skyline on this front cover acts as a more special cover line and it tells readers what to expect inside but suggests that it is something special, with its boldness.Masthead: The colour and size of the masthead against the background makes sure that it is bold, stands out, and catches the eye of the reader. Total film connotes completion, quality and huge quantity.

Main Image: The use of this close-up, assisted with the eye-level angle and black and white colour, suggest mystery as well as equality. There is a deep focus being shown through the eyes of the icon which suggest something about his character. The facial expression is very neutral, making the audience not know what to expect.

Colour Scheme: The majority of the front cover , including the colour of the icon, is black and white, this connotes mystery and darkness.

Cover Lines: The use of extra cover along the edge, placed vertically, acts as a way to shows the readers what else they can expect from the magazine, showing value for money. Positioning it as a list helps to effectively express the quantity..Sell Line: The use of “world exclusive,” acts as a persuasive technique for audiences as its tells them that the content involved in this magazine is exclusive to solely this magazine. By using “world” shows a much wider scale than something that is just national. This connotes honesty, truth, and gossip.

Masthead: The size of the masthead ensures that it is eye catching and remain relevant. The chosen colours makes sure that the colour scheme is consistent throughout (white and red). The red colour of the letter “I” is similar to the chosen colour of the cover lines and the hair of the main icon, creating cohesion. The Sans serif font shows how contemporary the magazine is and would therefore appeal to a contemporary audience.Main Image: The main image takes up the whole front cover with the use of a big close-up. The effect of this is that it gives the audience a chance to get up close and personal with the main icon, presenting a clear neutral expression. The minimal use of make-up connotes simplicity, beauty and purity. This could be used as a way to relate to regular readers of the magazine who prefer the simple look. This suggest something about the persona of the main icon.

Cover Lines: The use of cover lines acts as a way to shows the readers what else they can expect from the magazine, showing value for money. Positioning it as a list helps to effectively express the quantity. The language used in the cover lines like “cinema,” “film,” and “cameras,” all inter connect, reinforcing the purpose of the magazine to the audience, and what the content will include. This acts as a persuasive technique.

Barcode: The position makes sure that it does not affect interfere abruptly with the image, cover lines, etc , but still noticeable and compact in the corner of the page, however on this front cover it is placed in the left hand corner. This shows how either side of the magazine , it still looks professional.

Slogan: The slogan describes the purpose of the magazine, and gives it some positive recognition. However , critically, the colour of one of the words makes it hard for the reader to establish what has actually been written due to it blending in with the hair of the main icon.