Analysing Print ProductsBy Emily Bainbridge

Film poster 1

28 Days LaterThis is the poster for the horror movie ‘28 Days Later’. As with all movie posters, it aims to entice the viewer of the poster to be intrigued about the film, which give the potential for them to either find out more about the film by, for example, finding and watching the trailer, or to just go see the film. The unique selling point of it is, oddly, the lack of information. The fact there is not much on the poster, in terms of both text and imagery, makes people wonderwhat it could be about, as it does noteven have actors names.

The colour palette of mainly dark colours – black and red, along with the contrast of the grey help signify towards the horror genre. The red of the poster signifies towards a gore element – especially as it is about zombies.

This is the only text on the poster which gives a insight into the narrative of the film. The days are relating to the ’28 days later,’ the films name and the words relating to the zombie attack within the film.

Since there are no actors names written on the poster, the fact it is a Danny Boyle film is the only aspect which can give the view an idea of what the film will be like, if they have seen or heard of his other films.

‘28 Days Later’ is the main feature of the poster, since it is very important as the films name need to be known. The name in itself, however, does not give an idea of the genre or narrative of the film.

After the films name, this is the most notable area of the poster. The sketch of a man walking alone in London is a major signifier into the narrative of the film, though it does not give anything away to show this, therefore it is still a wonder why he is there and what he is doing, and mainly – what significance it hasto the film.

The final area of the poster, in unusually small writing right at the bottom, is the date of release into cinemas. In the text before it, it says ‘the days are numbered’ which is a play on words and meaning. It relates to the fact in the film that the days left for thehuman survivors is numbered,though also the fact it is not long till the release.

Film poster 2

The Cabin in the WoodsThis is the film poster for ‘The Cabin in the Woods’, which is classified under the horror genre. It aims to excite the viewer, whilst also intriguing them to find out more about the movie. I believe the unique selling point of this poster about the film is the unusual imagery. A a maze-like, twisted house is positioned, which appears to be suspended – this may connote to the films narrative.

The colour palette for this consists likewise of dark colours – black and red, again along with the contrast of the grey help signify towards the horror genre. These colours have being used in a similar way to the last poster, reflecting back to its genre.

This is the first text on the poster. It is two quotes from critics about the film, and these have been put onto the poster to give an‘outsider’ (i.e. ‘non-biased’) view on the film. These quotes will have been picked as they show the film in a way which will be seen as being fascinating and enjoyable to the audience. However, they do not signify the genre as these could relate to any, as they are not genre, or film specific.

This is the only text on the poster which is direct about the film. “You think you know the story. Think Again” – this tag line means that they expect the audience to

think they know what will happen and it will have a predictable outcome and ending, however, it says “think again,” giving the impression that it is not your typical and expected result, leading people to believe it possibly could be much worse than their thoughts.

The next text features the films name, obviously a very important aspect. This is the writing that stands out second, as the quotes are primary because they are at the top and are in red. The font signifies the genre as it is simple, however there are marks going over it, suggesting towards horror.

The final text is this, featuring various peoples names including producer, writer, actors etc. These can also influence as if someone knows, for example one of the actors is a good actor, and enjoy their films, they may be more likely to go and see it. Also, the film release date, which even though it is relatively small, stands out as it is in

red. The fate ‘Friday 13,’ for a release date has been well thought-out. Firstly, and this is sad to be an unlucky day – so there is connotations to horror in this. Also, with it coming out on a Friday, it allows for the prime opening weekend (usually the biggest intake) to show how much of a success it is, also linking to how well it has been marketed.

The final area on the poster is the imagery. It shows a cabin, which can be clearly related to the film due to the films title, which is twisted and turned. This gives the impression of a maze which could be interpreted as there being no way out of it and it being isolated. Also, the background is a faded image of some woods, again clearly relation to the narrative scenario.

Magazine cover 1

Empire magazine

This is the masthead for this edition of ‘Empire’ magazine. Unusually, the main image covers a third of the magazine name. However, because the magazine is such a prominent, well-known film magazine, it is expected that people still known what it is by these few letters and also it’s layout. Moreover, it can still entice new consumers through interest about cover stories, mainly surrounding ‘Sherlock Holmes’ since this is the main selling point of this edition.

Since ‘Sherlock’ is the unique selling point of this issue, the film title is featured centrally of the page, overlapping the main image. This is featured along with additional information about what the article(s) will include.

Further information on the cover includes various sell lines. In this issue, obviously all relating to films, it includes films that are current, however, may also interest readers whom enjoy the main cover story film (Sherlock Holmes) as these other films are of similar genres, or may have other similarities.

This is the main cover image. After the masthead, this is what is noticed next. It features the lead actor, Robert Downey Jr as his character – the main character – in ‘Sherlock Holmes’. It is a medium close-up taking up the whole frame, which clearly shows various aspects such as facial expression, costume and his hand gesture – these therefore relate to the type of character he is.

Magazine cover 2

Total Filmmagazine

At the very top of the cover features the banner, this notifies that this issue will surround Batman, and being the ‘ultimate’ i.e. a prestigious issue focusing on this.

This is the masthead, for ‘Total Film’. These words are visible and stand out because of the colour contrast, which has the writing in grey, with many dark blue around the rest of the page. However, it has the main image overlapping to centre on the fact this is the ‘ultimate Batman issue’.

Central on the cover is this text. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ again is in a grey font helping it differentiate from the rest of the cover story, though it is also over the main image giving it further status.

The sell lines on the cover are positioned to the sides and below the main image. The image to the right is designed so it looks like a light is shining which also reflects onto the image as there is a shadow behind the actor. The other sell lines are all in white text, making them easy to read against the dark blue background.

Font is kept consistent throughout the sell lines, though under three of them (e.g. The two to the left) where extra information is given such as a quote, the font changes though still merges well with the overall look of the magazine.

Since this is a Batman issue, and the newest in the series of films ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ came out around the time of this being published, the image of the cover - notified by the text with it – is of the Batman in the newest film.

Also, as this was a very up to date film, there would be a surge in interest in all the films, meaning film goers who enjoyed this one (or previous) are likely to want to know about the others.

A medium shot is used on this cover. His eyes are in the first third of the page, and the image also takes up the majority of the cover which helps show his dominance and significance.