INITIAL RESEARCH: Chatroom/Poster Deconstruction

•         Icy blue colour (high saturation), almost like a colour negative’; this appears rather futuristic but yet cold and abnormal.
•         The embossed glow of the typography of the movie title fits in well with the rest of the colour theme.
•         The movie awards at the bottom half of the film is used for promotional means.
•         ‘Starring Aaron Johnson from KICK-ASS’ this adds to the credibility of the positive ratings. ‘British thriller’ suggests target audience.
•         The tagline ‘CONTROL. ALTER. DELETE’ is very effective as the words are specialist words associated with computers, which is primarily what the plot is centred on (internet/cyberspace/bullying).
•         The movie conforms to Golden Rule as the sinister headshot of the protagonist centres the poster within the ‘designated triangle area’, engaging the audience but also other areas of the poster attract the attention of the audience e.g. the arms and face against wall with the  luminescent light shining through.
•         ‘From the director of the ring’- adds to the credibility of the positive ratings. ‘British thriller’ suggests target audience
•         The movies critics ‘Welcome to the anti-social network...chilling’ at the bottom half of the film is used for promotional means especially as it’s a presumed reference to the ‘The Social Network’ movie release in the same year.

INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING: Hard Candy/Poster Decnstruction

Hard Candy- Poster Deconstruction
Theme: Internet

Hard Candy is a 2005 thriller film focusing on the torture of a sexual predator by a 14-year old vigilante Hayley Stark, portrayed by Ellen Page

The film, an independent production, was directed by David Slade, written by Brian Nelson, and stars Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page.

Hard Candy Poster Deconstructions

·        The poster is pretty plain but very much effective.

·        The triangular metal fox trap was positioned in such a way, it obvious plays on the fact, that the protagonists seems like prey about to be caught.

·        The costume of the character in the centre of the poster, is mostly red and this could be deliberate by the poster designers because they perhaps could have intended to suggest links with the little red riding hood (with the red hoody etc) and the connotations of the well-known character of little riding hood is that she was naive, innocent and prey for the wolf in the story. Although this character on the poster may appear like that, it’s very much the opposite as she is an empowered and unpredictable young girl who carries the movie’s plot well.

·        Even the style and choice of clothes suggests youth; the cut off leggings, school-type side bag, matched with the hoody. But the fact the hoody is up could even still appear sinister and mysterious as it means the protagonists face is hidden deliberately because she isn’t who the audience would expect her to be.

·        The typography is bold and the title ‘Hard Candy’, is, to my understanding, a paedophile term for underage girls. That is very much the premise of the plot; paedophilia.

·        The critics’ comments at the top of the poster ‘Absolutely terrifying...’ creates more of an appeal for the movie and creates anticipation for the audience who may go see this film. Even the word ‘terrifying’ suggests genre. The poster also contains the conventional features of a movie poster, e.g. the actors/producers names/production company etc

POSTED BY TOSIN

Shelter Poster

Images:  This image used is of two men, laying next to each other in bed, with happy expressions on their face. This immediately tells us that the film will focus on their sexuality and relationship. There is also a banner, much like a piece of film tape, across the top, which shows us various other scenes from the film. It simply gives us an idea of the other characters involved as opposed to the storyline and is not entirely necessary, however, makes the poster more interesting.

Colours: Blue is used throughout the majority of the poster and this could show two ideas within the film. As it is based by the beach, and the characters meet through surfing then it could represent the waves. However, the more relevant idea that could be taken from this is that blue if a very masculine colour, and could represent the idea of a homosexual relationship, and how one character may feel that his masculinity would be taken away from him if he admitted to his sexuality.

Layout:  Award the film has one are placed all along the top. There is also a very positive quote about the film in the top right corner of the main image. All these factor towards causing people to watch it due to its success and the positive feedback it has received. There is a lot to look at over the poster; images, credits, text etc. Although it is crowded, it is interesting to look at and catches the audiences eye. The image and the title are the main focal point, telling you the most about the film.

Typography: The typography is simple and its relevance could be open to interpretation. The rough style of the font could be looked at as handwriting, i.e. from a love letter. However, it could also represent the involvement of art in the film, as this is one aspect that draws the characters together. This is supported by the use of brushstrokes in the background.

Catch Phrase: “Home is where you least expect to find it.” This phrase says a lot about the film and the idea of being unsure, or ashamed of sexuality. The character is in denial when he finds that he has developed feelings for another man as he did not expect this.

Genre: From the use of imagery we can immediately see that the film will be a romance, as the two characters are clearly a couple show through the scenery and facial expressions.

Untraceable Poster

Images: A blurry, pixelated image of a woman's face is used in the entire poster. When we look at it, it is as if we are look through a computer screen, rather than a print. This effect is also created through placing a mouse cursor over the image. These help portray the idea of technology within the film.

Colours: A blue filter is used across the poster, adding to the effect of looking through a computer screen, as the colours appear slightly faded or distorted.

Layout: all the writing and details are placed at the bottom therefore leaving the image clear, making the woman's face stand out. The woman is place further to the right which makes the image slightly more interesting as it is already so simple.

Typography: “Untraceable” is written in a blue font that looks like a form of electricity/flickering light. This could portray the involvement of internet or technology within the movie. The flickering effect also gives a more eerie feel.

Catch Phrase: “The FBI Cyber Crimes Division hunts down vicious criminals online… but the most dangerous one is hunting them.” This catch phrase is slightly long and may lose the viewers attention. However, it does create a sense of enigma and may cause the viewer to wish to find out more.

Genre: The woman's wet looking hair may give the idea that there was some form or struggle or a storm which has negative connotations and is a common convention of horror/thriller. Also, the cold blue tone and eerie font add the thriller/horror theme. We can also tell from the quite that crime/drama could also be a possibility.

Catfish Poster

Poster 1

Images: The poster is very simplistic therefore there are no images other that what is used in the typography. This tells us very little about the film. This could be looked at positively in the sense that it adds enigma, however, it may be risky if it does not immediately hook an audience through its lack of detail.

Colours: The colours are very basic, using only black and red, again keeping the simplistic theme of the poster. The overall tone is very dark, with the black background covering the majority of the poster. This also adds to the sense of enigma and could have very dark connotations of danger or mystery, yet still giving very little away about the film.

Layout: There is very little on this poster, leaving it bare in the space around the typography logos and release date, where most other posters might places images, credits, actors names etc. All our attention is drawn to the middle where the main aspect, the typography, has been placed. This is the only area of the poster where we can get any understanding of the film, and although you may search for more clues surrounding it, there is just empty space. This technique is very risky but effective as it leaves the viewer wanting more.

Typography: This is the main area of the poster which gives us the most understanding. Firstly, the splatter of red that created the fish could resemble blood, showing a theme of danger. We can also tell through the use of the mouse cursor that the film will involve some level of computer technology and this could be a strong theme within the film. The basic lettering which looks like a simple computerized font could also help portray this idea.

Catch Phrase:  “Don't let anyone tell you what it is.”  Again, this tells us very little about the film and adds even more to the sense of enigma created by the poster. It also fits in with the fact that we have been told very little about the film through the design of the poster itself. This could cause viewers to want to find out more as so much has been left unsaid.

Genre: Due to the lack of detail in the poster, the film could possibly be any genre, however, the dark tone, use of red and mouse cursor suggests horror, thriller or possibly drama and we know that it will involve some aspect of technology.



Poster 2

Images: The two images used on this poster look pixelated, as if they have been taken through a computer screen, straight off facebook. This fits well with the theme of the film.

Colours: The photos are very similar in colour, with a neutral tone. This makes the typography stand out. The white and blue is the same as the facebook colour scheme, drawing this connection to social networking.

Layout: I find this poster has a unique layout that does not look traditional and causes it to stand out. It also resemples a facebook page with the banner placed across it. This creates strong links to the theme of social networking. 

Typography: The facebook font has been used for typography, aswell as using the same colour scheme.

Catch Phrase:  “Think before you click”  This catch phrase conveys a powerful message and triggers questions of our attitude to safety over social networking and ignorance to the danger of the internet.

Genre: I think the theme of social networking if very apparent in this poster as the imagery portrays a strong resemblance of facebook characteristics. This is likely to mean the film could be drama, or even documentary style due to the rawness off the poster, with its strong sense of realism.

iRobot Poster

Images: The image shows the protagonist in a confident stance in the foreground and an army of human like machines in the background. This portrays how it could be a war between humanity and technology. Also, the higher ratio of robots to humans could also show how technology is the stronger race and possible taking over.

Colours: The blue filter over the poster creates a cold, negative tone. It is also a very mechanical colour and could show the glow of the lights in the large army of technology.

Layout: The main protagonist is the first thing that catches our eye about this poster along with his name placed clearly at the top. As he is a well know and highly like actor, it may create a positive image of the film causing more people to want see it.  The rest of the poster is kept simple with little writing in the middle and title and credits along the bottom. This makes the image more striking and eye catching.

Typography: The typography is very simple and plain with little individual characteristics. This could represent how technology is very plain, defined clear and simple whereas humans have more personality and individuality. Although it is simple, its metallic colour and smoothness looks almost futuristic and industrial.

Catch Phrase: “One man saw it coming” This line tells us very little about the film however it could convey how the majority of us underestimate technology and put little thought into the power it has over us. It is placed under the title, keeping the rest of the poster clear for the image.

Genre: We can tell from the robots in the image and the futuristic font. The film will be set in a different time and could possibly be sci-fi or action.

INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING- Black Swan/Poster Deconstruction

In our initial research and planning stage one of our ideas was to focus on the extremeity of beauty, vanity and perfectionism as a theme for our plot and how the media showcase it.
One of the film I looked at for these themes is the 2010 hit movie, Black Swan.

Black Swan- Beauty & Perfectionist Extremity

Black Swan, 2010 stars award-winning actress Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers.

This Darren Aronofsky film is about a young woman coming of age; a possessive and demanding mother; the dark half of a personality and an artist who must sacrifice everything for their art.

Black Swan Poster Deconstructions

·        The mention of respected film festivals adds to the credibility of the positive ratings of the movie and perhaps using the audience knowledge of these festivals allows them to recognise whether of not they will enjoy this film or not.

·        The straight head on shot (equal symmetrical head position) is rather striking and attention-grabbing. Her red filled blood shot eyes and paleness of her whole body appears inhuman. Although the connotations of white are indeed purity and innocence but this character appears to be anything but! Even the dark maroon matte lipstick could be considered sensual and seductive.

·        Her eye-makeup cleverly reflects the film title (Make-up resembles black wings which has links to the black swan)

·        The crown could mean she is Queen? Sovereign? Or the ‘ultimate?

·        The white backdrop could symbolize the bright and blinding power of a stage spotlight perhaps- suggesting the overwhelming nature of performing or better yet, being the star.

·        The poster designers deliberately place the stars names and movie title at the bottom centre; small enough for the audience to want to look a little closer therefore spending more time looking at the poster in general.

·        The typography of the movie title stands out boldly against the white background, which does catch the eye.

POSTED BY TOSIN

Poster Deconstruction

The main colours used in this are black, red/orange and white and shadowing is created as well and this furthermore creates an enigma within the picture itself. The sense of the unknown grabs attention even more and with the unusual colours, this evokes a strong sense of contrast and gives an eerie feel to the whole poster.

The row of houses at the bottom lining the collar bone of the photograph of the protagonist could be mistaken for lining of clothing but then  it could denote where the film is set; in a humble suburban area. But then it subverts the conventions of a suburban area of being innocent and quiet with such an uncanny name.

The font of the title of the poster, ‘Disturbia’, is in typewriter writing which makes it seem more documented or personal. The font is simple but the word itself is quite a chilling word and conforms to the stereotype of a thriller because the word creates tension.

The word ‘Disturbia’ is juxtaposed next to the protagonists lips to make it look like it is being said. This heightens any fear created before and conforms again to the stereotype of an enigmatic thriller.

The tagline juxtaposed along the top of the poster evokes a sort of realism to the audience and this creates fear and paranoia, elements commonly present in a thriller movie.  The fact that it is juxtaposed along the top goes against the golden rule and this means that in order to read it the audience has to avert their gaze from the middle and look at different parts of the poster, hence they will look at it for longer and absorb in it more.

main picture however conforms to the golden rule and because most of the action is in the middle and are of different contrasting colours, this makes it a whole lot more interesting and intriguing to look at for a longer period of time.

This poster is an inspiration for us as as a group we have planned to use a similar close up shot with contrasting colours. The enigmas created within the poster are inspirational, also.

POSTED BY SHAHNAZ

Poster Deconstruction

• This film poster clearly conforms to the stereotypical colours used in a typical horror movie poster: red, white and black. This makes the poster more traditional and quite predictable in terms of colour.
• White is usually a colour connotation of innocence and purity yet but placing the white colours within this poster it makes the innocence look like it has been tainted and is surrounded by negative and evil vibes. This could reflect the young actors and actresses in the film that relate to the teenage target audience that the film appeals to, also; tainted youth.
• The quote in favour of the movie is juxtaposed along the top of the film poster in capital letters in white so that it stands out against the black background. This was done so that the quote supports the idea that the film is good attracting more viewers and at the same time it promotes the film to the audience.
• By placing an attractive male actor which presumably is the protagonist in the middle of the poster conforms to the golden rule and people will look in the middle to see him shirtless and good looking. This would be ideal for attracting teenage girls, which appears to be the main target audience for this film.
• The lifeless characters around him denote death and this is almost always a certainty in slasher films. The black and white colours as with the red evoke ominous feelings as well as a sense of fear and the opposite colours create binary opposition within the poster which could connote good against evil.
• The tagline “new class of terror” makes the film seem as though it is not even different in style but almost as if it is of its own breed making it seem superior to other slasher films, enticing the audience more.
• The title name is in bold printed capital letters and this makes it more effective as even though the details are minimalistic like the background and font, the main picture makes it look as exciting as it needs to be.
• The actors and actresses in the picture are all dressed in school uniform which relates to the target audience of teenagers.

POSTED BY SHAHNAZ

Poster Deconstruction

The film poster background is a mid shot of Miley Cyrus, the protagonist. This is an attribute to promoting the film and luring teenagers (the intended audience) to watch this as she is a popular teenage actress featured in other teenage based films such as the Hannah Montana Movie and The Last Song. People will see a known face and if they are fans they will this will give them even more reason to watch the film. Also some consider her to be attractive, mostly teenage boys so by choosing an attractive actress the film will gain more hits if they watch it for her sake.

The house style of this film poster consists of soft, almost pastel colours but the font is in fuchsia making it stand out from the page and possibly match its target audience of mainly girls.

The actual title of the movie is in text speak showing that it is up to date with technology and how the film will revolve around maybe text messages or some form on instant message which will satisfy the teenage target audience of this film making them more relative towards the movie. The font is also in a digital type lettering which furthermore backs up the idea of how the film is set in the new era.

The attire of the protagonist is very modern and is typically what teenage girls wear and the slight off shoulder shirt could suggest the actress being a slightly older teenager which conforms to the films target audience and genre.

Looking closely at the slogan of the shirt, it reads “on the road to love” which could connote a possible romance in the film and the pink font conforms to the romantic genre.

Miley Cyrus looks deeply engaged in the iPhone in her hand, again promoting the idea that the film is new and “cool”, intriguing teenagers to watch it hence achieving their target audience.

POSTED BY SHAHNAZ

THE RING: Poster Deconstruction

• Firstly, the thing that mostly stands out in this film poster for me is the close up of the girl and the facial expression made by the child actress: the scorn. This makes the film poster even more striking and harrowing and it looks almost abnormal that a child would pull such a sinister looking face, heightening the fear and achieving its goal of being chilling within its horror genre.
• The poster also conforms to a certain trend found in horror films of using a child as the main focus and as the protagonist such as The Exorcist or Insidious. This is seen as a scare factor as it looks as though something as innocent and oblivious as a child is tainted by the supernatural: it makes just about everything known to us look vulnerable.
• In this close up we can clearly see that the girl has cuts and deathly bluish white skin on her face and this again makes the whole poster seem even more evil looking. Also by having the hair over her eye like that, jet black in colour, it really stands out against the blue colour format of the poster and the one eye looks as though it is staring directly at the audience making it more personal and intimidating.
• The blue colour format of the poster subverts the stereotype for horror when the usual colours used are gothic colours such as red, black and white. The blue colour gives a cold feeling, emotionless and it could represent the surreality of television and how superficial and cold it is but it provokes all sorts of emotions and makes all kinds of impacts.  To add to the fact that it is going for the cold televised look, at the top of the poster there are faint lines and they just about smudge on the title just like a static television would d, connoting that television will be part of the main basis of the film.
• The block capitals used to make up the title make it simplistic whilst still making an impact, again making it look “perfect” as though things seem like that on television but almost too “perfect” which could make it look more harrowing.
• The trees in the background seem as though there is a black gaping hole in them and again this could suggest tainting something innocent and natural.
• The light cutting through the ‘g’ of ‘The Ring’ looks as though a television is being turned on, again conforming to the main topic of the film which is television.
• The poster abides by the golden rule as the main focus of the poster itself, the close up of the girl is within the triangle and looks the most effective.

POSTED BY SHAHNAZ