Film Poster Analysis

Although not a film noir movie, I was immediately fascinated with the idea of a series of posters. Researching into various films i came across the 'Les Miserables' promotion. This consisted of a variety of different posters each depicting different characters which appear in the film itsself. I like the freedom that this system gives, allowing different elements to be displayed to the audience, as little tasters of the film and its narrative.

Each of these posters consists of a simple close up shot of each main character appearing in the narrative. They are positioned centrally, filling a majority of space in the frame. The subjects are facing head on towards the camera using the dirtect mode of address. This technique helps create an instant link and between the viewer and the character, as well as displaying possible traits and emotions of the character itsself up close:- possessing a more personal effect.

 

Each of these promotional posters include a slogan/punch line which appears in the bottom third of the frame. Each piecde of text has strong links relating to the character on which the poster is based, for example:-

 

The poster depicting Jackman's male protagonist, 'Jean Val Jean' holds the line, 'Freedom is mine'. This is a strong theme for Valjean, an ex prisoner, who is on the run from the law throughout the entire movie, searching for freedom. The fact that this line is written in first person with use of words such as 'mine', this quotation helps to define his character.
Underneath This line of text is the main title of the film. This uses the same old fashioned font as the original novel/musical, creating already existing links between the narrative. The title is larger, bolder and strong gold colour as opposed to the text above, allowing it to stand out against the dark backdrop and feature as the main point of interest. Underneath the Title in an even smaller font size are is the date of release - allowing the viewer to gain further access to the movie itsself. Faint but visible in both the left and right hand corners are the Film production and institution logos. This text and layout is present on each and every poster linking them together and creating a flowing sense of continuity between the series.

 

 

The poster depicting Hathaway's character, 'Fantine' holds the line, 'I dream a dream', which many fans of the musical will associate as the lyric of the films renowned song (of the same name).  As well as hinting the subject matter of the film through use of lyrics, these small sub-heading type quotes allow further character development and allows the audience to receive a small insite into each individual character in the film.  

 

 

 

 

Original Image

The main poster is a famous recreation of the original image associated with 'Les Miserables' as an interprize.

The creators of this poster have cleverly recreated this iconic image known to millions in a photographic form. The photo stays true to the original image, using a young girl with hair swept across her face, bringing this piece to life.

 

 

There are also a few posters in the series which use the same visual devices and layout, but slightly differ from the rest:-

 

The left hand image depicts two characters who are romantically linkewd in the narrative. The positioning and closeness of the subjects on the poster suggests a romantic element to the movie, which creates furtehr appeal to an audience who may not like historic films or musicals, but enjoy the romantic content of a film.

The bright lighting, use of word 'love' and composition of the poster are all key components when trying to reach out to the viewer in order for them to want to see the film in question.

The right image also includes two cast memebers which, alike the previous poster, creates links and forms relationships between the characters themselves. This poster focuses on the funnier side of the film, showing the two cast members who inject an element of comedy and a fun nature into the narrative. This can be seen by the comical facial expressions, vivid variety of colours as well as the wacky hair & make up. As 'Les Miserables' is renowned for its emotive and dark storyline, the individual focus on the comical elements present may encourage an entirely new audience who are fans of comedy as opposed to deep storylines.