What are the main colors used in the poster and what do they connote?
The main colors used in the poster are dark shades; black, grey and browns, however around the man, is white, this could suggest heaven, and the connection with death. The title is written in red, this can suggest danger and blood.
What symbols are used in the poster? Do you need audience foreknowledge to decode the symbols?
The symbols used within the poster are; mask, trees, river and some sort of weapon like a bad or knife/sword. The mask is used to hide identity which gives the the fear of unknown. the trees suggest a feeling of a barren landscape, being lost, no one being around to hear you scream. The river suggests washing away sins and washing away blood. The weapon suggests pain, and indicates that something is going to happen it also gives an uneasy feeling as it is threatening. The woods give the feeling of no escape
What are the main figures/objects/background of the poster? Are they represented photographically, graphically, or illustratively?
The Main figure within the poster is the man in the mask, this is represented photographically. the background of the posters is trees, they are represented also photographically, however the fading out and the smoking look is done graphically.
Are the messages in the poster primarily visual, verbal, or both?
The messages on the poster are primarily visual, there are no quotes or reviews.
Who do you think is the intended audience for the poster?
The age of over 18, this is linked to the “from the producers of ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’” and by the rating given on ‘Pearl and Dean’ website.
Given that all movie posters have the same purpose - to get audiences to go see a movie - what persuasive techniques are used by the poster?
Including the fact it is by the producers of 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Which genre conventions are referred to?
The genre conventions referred weapons, woods, masks, dark, red, sense of unknown.
Is a star used as a USP (unique selling point)?
The unique selling point of this film is that it is “from the producers of ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre”
Are "expert witnesses" (i.e. critics) quoted?
There are no critical quotes
What pleasures (gratifications) are promised by the poster?
one of the gratifications promised by the poster is that of safe scare, this is that when going to see the film you are guaranteed to be scared. This poster can promise this by the indication of death with the weapon and hidden identity by the mask, and also by creating an uneasy feeling.
How is attention gained (humor, shock, surprise)?
Attention is gained by the tension and horror created by the man figure in the middle of the poster. It gains attention by making you wonder what is going to happen.
Attention is also gain by the weapon he is holding, this is clear to the audience something is going to happen, and makes them want to find out.
How does the tag-line work? (humor, pun, alliteration etc?)
“WELCOME TO CRYSTAL LAKE” - this tag line could be seen as ironic as ‘crystal’ is seen to be something clear and pure, and its clear that is going to happen isn’t going to be pure. ‘Welcome’ is also ironic as when you are welcomed you expected a friendly entrance however, this poster indicates it isn’t going to be pleasant.
Production Constraints
The poster can also give you important information about the production context of the movie:
How important is this information on the poster (think about information hierarchies)?
The information on the poster is important because it gives you institutional content such as producer, who starred in it, music producers and release date.
How important a part of the whole marketing campaign is the poster? Where is the poster placed?
Since the introduction of new media technology such as the internet and mobile phones the use of posters is less important, however it can still be used
How expensive was this poster to produce?
With the use of computers and CGI, the expense of producing a poster isn't that expensive
Critical Evaluation
Finally, you have to pass judgement on the poster.
Is it an effective poster? Why?
Yes, the poster is effective as the picture of a man in a mask with a weapon attracts the audience and gives a sense of entrapment and show it will be a chilling, bloody film.
Does it communicate effectively with the audience?
Yes, it does communicate with the audience as they can feel as though they are being trapped by the man shown.
Are there any alternative readings which might harm the message of the marketing campaign?
There is an alternative message, he is holding a weapon and wearing a mask, this shows he is going to kill and creates a feeling of horror to the audience
Is the poster offensive in any way?
Personally I don't think that the poster is in anyway offensive, however people could pick up on the weapon used as a link to knife crime.
No comments:
Post a Comment