Through this analysis, I was able to determine the key features of a film poster, thus this will allow me to create my own film poster accordingly.

1. By Corey Plant
Conventions of Film Posters

2. Image
Simply, this image informs the audience of whom
the antagonists are in this film – Cat Woman and
the Penguin. However, through the positioning of
each character, the designer has chosen to give a
subtle hint about the importance of each character.
Evidently, Batman is the most imperative character
– that‟s self explanatory - but arguably Cat Woman
is the most significant character to Batman, even
though she is a subplot, compared the Penguin
(although the main plot revolves around him).
Moreover, the non – verbal code of lighting could
connote that this film is a slightly darker approach
compared to the previous film. Furthermore, the
highlighting of Michelle Pfeiffer‟s lips implies
multiple things, one it is a sexual
connotation, perhaps thus linking to the relationship
Bruce Wayne and Seline Kyle. Additionally, it could
symbolise danger, the fact that she is criminal.
Here, part of the plot is revealed, on the other hand
it almost illustrates that this film has a comic book
feel to it.
The smoke conveys a
sense of mystery, that
reflect the idea that Batman
is a man of mystery, as well
as Cat Woman.

3. Title
Some designers choose to
leave the title off of the main
cinema posters, as they
believe it keeps to the enigma
theory; however, here it was
chosen to stay.
In addition, the removal of a
title can only be done when
the film is extremely well
known, or if part of a larger
series.

4. Directors/Producers/Actors
Actors can be a selling point for a film, especially if
they are well known and adored. Michelle Pfeiffer
and Danny DeVito are „special guests‟ in this
production of batman, due to the fact it is a sequel.
Therefore, being a sequel, the audience will know that
Michael Keaton was the original (first) Batman in
this series. Thus encouraging fans of the previous
film to watch the next.

5. Dates/Extra Information
The dates is
presented on the
poster to inform
the audience
when they will
be able to see
the film. Here it
simply says
“June 19”, thus
this poster is
from the year it
was released –
1991.
Through this small print, the audience are able to see other member of the cast and crew in the film , as well
as the industry it belongs to – “Warner Bros” – additionally Tim Burton being a large producer will bring an
even larger audience.

6. Endorsements
The visual code of awards encourages a more
diverse audience to see the feature film, as –
knowing critics have liked it – they are
influenced by the thoughts of others; thus
conforming.
Reviews and positive feedback, along with
awards, indicates that the film has been well
received, therefore a larger audience will be
interested in seeing it.
Furthermore, the critical reviews give the
audience an insight to what the narrative
about; for instance “Funny!” instantly tells the

7. Tagline
In any source of media, tag lines are used to
emphasis a specific point. In this case, it
hints to what the film is about without
actually telling you.
The tagline intrigues the audience, as well as
informing them that perhaps the
protagonist (woman on the front) will have
to break some laws in order to become
famous. This is further connoted in the
fact her arms are tied with a microphone
– suggesting that her fame is what will
imprison her both emotionally and
physically.

8. Genre
Through the dark colours, the
audience can tell this film will be
of a darker nature too. The
shadowing of the photograph
also connotes a sense of
mystery.
Through the colour choice and
lettering of the title, it is clear
that this film is perhaps a
comedy/indie film.

9. Codes and Theories
Proairetic Code
...is a plot action that does not
directly raise particular questions
-- it is simply an action that is
caused by a previous event and
which leads to other events. It is
not inherently mysterious.
The Hermeneutic Code
...is something that is
unexplained and which creates
an unanswered question, often
appearing at the beginning of
the story, thus creating a tension
that engages the audience - are
at the root of all mysteries - all
these loose ends.
The Enigma Code
...pushes the audience to ask
questions about the film‟s
plot, which they can do from
seeing sneaks of a film‟s plot in
film posters.