Looking at film posters and how to analyse them

Theory and Media language in anaylsing a movie poster

1. FILM POSTERS How to analyse

2. TIPS FOR MEDIA LANAGUAGE ANALYSIS Don’t just describe what is there. You will get marks for correctly identifying the features and using the correct terminology . The big marks are for looking at the purpose and effect of a particular element and looking at the hidden messages and why an audience is attracted or manipulated to an ideology (readings)

3. FILM POSTERS Genre conventions: CONTENT LAYOUT ICONOGRAPHY CHARACTERS SETTING AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS & REACTIONS

4. KEY CONVENTIONS OF FILM POSTERS Iconography Very specific mise-en-scene (visual codes) that relate specifically to the genre Star Billing / Star Power Use of ‘famous’ actors’ names in the poster (usually in order of hierarchy) Main Image Suggests the narrative and give essential information to the audience (both visual and technical codes should be analysed)

5. KEY CONVENTIONS OF FILM POSTERS Tagline A phrase or slogan used by film and other marketing materials Language and Mode of Address Persuasive language, direct mode of address, hooks and hyperbole Expert/Critic quotes and Festival/Awards These are the quotes from well-known critics or media outlets, and festival or award graphics might be used to entice the audience

6. Main Star Billing Other star billing Tagline: “Your mind is the scene of the crime” Colour Scheme Background Image Character Positioning and Iconography Main character Analysis By-line (Director) Sell-line: “From the director of The Dark Knight” Imax Logos Mise-en-scene