Film Poster Research

One of my Ancillary products is a Film poster and so for part of the research it makes sense to write about a variety of ready made film posters.

The V For Vendetta poster is set out as a propaganda poster, which fits into the dystopian warlike state of which it is set. The two main characters are shown, as are the words ‘Freedom! Forever!’. Multiple images of V are reminiscent of the final set piece, while the silhouette of the Houses of Parliament is also significant plot wise. The director’s previous work is mentioned. The iconic mask is also seen but not completely.

This shows to the viewer that the film is dystopian and reminiscent of Orwell's 1984. As well as this, it conveys a serious tone, meaning the film is more likely going to be a thriller or drama with subtext.

This is the original poster for Star Wars. It features Luke and Leia posing on the rocks of Tatooine (due to the shelters and desert environment seen in the background) while in space there are X Wings and the Death Star, which gives an indication of the films genre.
We also have C3PO and R2-D2 near Luke and Leia, showing that they are also protagonists, while Vader’s helmet is in the sky by the Death Star giving him the appearance of the main villain.

All these elements convey a typical Sci-Fi poster, while the hero and heroine shows the film isn't a typical 'Damsel In Distress' adventure.

This is an example of a teaser poster. This example for ‘X-Men: First Class’ only features a date and a logo for ‘Xavier’s School for the gifted and talented’ on it. The title at the bottom gives us a clue as to what era the film takes place in the X-Men canon.

While it doesn't show any characters or locations, it means that people, especially fans will start talking about the film, and raise awareness.

This is a character poster for Thor, featuring a close-up of Thor’s face. There is overlaying text saying that he is the God Of Thunder, whereas other character posters will talk about the nature of the other characters. A date is given as is the title, and we see part of the costume, which is significant given that it is an adaption of a Marvel comic (the MARVEL logo is seen at the bottom). This is the only indication we get that it is a superhero film. The costume has a cape which gives the impression of a superhero or royalty (he is technically both) and the armour makes us think of an impending war.

This is the character poster for Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows, featuring Robert Downey Jr as the main character and Jared Harris in the background as Moriarty, the films antagonist. Behind Holmes is a Victorian London backdrop, giving the audience of a setting. What little of Holmes costume we see shows that this is not a ‘typical’ Sherlock Holmes film. Ritchie’s remakes are more in the style of his previous films and focus more on action and spectacle, evidenced by Holmes gun being one of the posters focal points.

This is a character poster for the ‘Hangover Part II’ with Zach Galifianakis’s character Alan. His head is shaved, creating a difference between the original and the sequel, and adds in the idea of chaos in a new place. This is an American poster, as the release date is ‘Memorial Day’ an American holiday. Alan’s confused look plays into the idea that he is a ‘man-child’ and the ’wolfpack’ is one of his ideas.

Because the Hangover Part II posters are character posters, they are relying on the audience's knowledge of the original, and love of the characters to get them to see this film. The quote at the top helps us to identify with the specific character, and the backdrop gives us an idea of a different location.

This is the poster for Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows part 2. The ‘IT ALL ENDS’ tagline relates to this being the final film in the series . No title is given, as the film is seen as a ‘cultural phenomenon’, but we see the main characters standing outside the ruins of Hogwarts. The expressions and clothing indicates that this is going to be full of effects, a ‘wizarding war film’ as some reviewers described it.

The poster sells the film in two ways, firstly the success of the Harry Potter franchise (the use of the three main characters) and the fact it will be the final part of the series.