1. The Primary
Optical Area
Strong Fallow
Area
Weak Fallow
Area
The Terminal
Area
Axis of
Orientation
2. Primary Optical Area
The primary optical area consists of a number of things, including stars name "Liam Neeson" and an
image of him, this use of star theory automatically attracts fans of Liam Neeson and his previous
films due to the fact that they will assume that this film will be similar to his previous films, therefore
encouraging them to go and watch "Walking Amongst The Tombstones". The title is also in the
primary optical area, which is extremely important due to the fact that it informs the audience of the
name of this new movie. The tag line is also present within the primary optical area.
Strong Fallow Area
The strong fallow area consists of the same things as the primary optical area. By having the stars
name, title of the movie and tag line present in both the primary optical area and strong fallow area
it automatically attracts the audience and encourages them to go and watch the film due to the fact
that when looking at the poster for the first time the viewer will automatically look at the primary
optical area, followed by the strong fallow area.
Weak Fallow Area
The weak fallow area consists of an image of a graveyard and the protagonists hand holding a gun,
both of which emphasize the genre of this particular movie and the themes of death within it.
Terminal Area
The terminal area consists of the release date, therefore informing the audience of the date they can
go and see the film. It also consists of a cross, therefore emphasizing the fact that the protagonist is
stood in a graveyard as well as anchoring the themes of death, but also religion and hope.
Genre codes and conventions
There are a number of genre codes and conventions within this poster. Firstly both the title and the
release date are in red which connotes both danger and blood, also the stars name and the
protagonists clothes are black which has the connotation of death, all of which anchor the genre
'action thriller' which feature themes such as death and murder. One of the most recognizable genre
convention within this poster is that the protagonist is holding a gun. The fact that Liam Neeson is
stood in a graveyard automatically emphasizes the title of the movie "Walking Amongst
Tombstones" therefore without even watching the film we as an audience already know that this
film will involve death and that the protagonist will be involved in some way, which is typical of this
particular genre. The poster itself is in black and white, featuring a lot of black which emphasizes the
negative themes within this movie. The protagonist is stood over what looks like a pool of blood,
which automatically creates the idea that at some point in the film he will be responsible for killing
somebody, as well as connotating danger. The poster includes a dominant image of Liam Neeson,
therefore we automatically know that he is the protagonist and the low angle shot creates a sense of
power, therefore representing him as the stereotypical strong lead male character which is often
seen in films of this particular genre.
3. Mode of address
Direct mode of address has been used therefore automatically creating a more personal feel for the
audience.
