A2 media film poster analysis

2. Anchorage
The image used is very effective in this poster. The
implication of the protagonist looking away from the
audience and directly at his son, draws the audiences
attention directly to the child it also symbolises the love
and connection that a father has for their child thus
conveying an element of emotion and above all
happiness. In addition to this the positioning of the word
“Happyness” is very significant in this poster as it has
been placed directly above the sons head. This may
imply that the fathers happiness lies within his child and
nothing else. The positioning of the word “pursuit” is also
significant as its been placed in the centre of the
character near his heart, suggesting that the journey to
happiness begins within him. Furthermore the idea that
the child is leaning on his dads arms may also suggest
an element of dependency and trust which is
emphasised by him holding his dad‟s hand.
Colour
The background colour is completely white. This may
have been done to make the characters stand out and
eye catching representing the iconic nature of the two
characters. The colour white also represents purity, good
and new beginnings therefore conveying a message of
the characters starting again and having a new life. The
significance of the red colour highlighting the word
“happy” co notates pain and suffering, showing a
juxtaposition between the two. It also suggests that in
order to get to true happiness one may need to
overcome some troubles. The idea that the word
“pursuit” is written in white also makes it stands out
against the black background. In addition the positioning
of the word in cohesion with the colour symbolise hope.
Number one:
Title
The title of this film clearly represents the
purpose and the idea behind the film. For
example the word “pursuit” means searching for
something, therefore suggesting that the film is
about a character who is searching for
happiness. The significance of font size is
immediately recognisable. For example both
the word “pursuit and “happiness” have been
written in big bold writing. By highlighting these
words its suggest their important perhaps in the
film. The word “happiness” has also been spelt
incorrectly, in which the word “happy” has been
highlighted in red which makes it stand out in
red. This may have been done to represent the
childlike nature of the piece as children are
usually represented as innocent, naïve and
happy, in comparison to adults who are usually
being represented as grumpy and stressed.
The message may therefore be to find
happiness one has to act like a child, worry less
and enjoy life like a child does.
Connotation
The image of the ball of light near the two characters hands may symbolise an element of hope for
the protagonist and his child. For example it may suggest that the characters are holding onto a
hope for a brighter future. The significance of the editor purposely placing the light within their hands
also suggest connotations of unity, between the two characters. The fact that the light is glowing,
immediately attracts the audiences attention thus allowing it to be the main focus. Light can also
represent happiness and guidance. For example light allows one to see clearly in times of darkness,
such as unfortunate events. thus in this case the light may be used to guide them into happiness,
emphasising the film title. Furthermore it can also be represented in a religious content as in many
religions light is seen as a symbol of good, hope and knowledge.

3. Texts/ Fonts
The choice of texts used to accompany the title are also very
effective and have contributed to the promotion of the film.
For example the main character played by the actor „will
smith‟ has been written across the top above the master
head. This is rarely evident in film posters which therefore
breaks conventions. However by doing so it suggest that the
actor will smith is very well known and has been recognised
by many as a good actor. Thus the use of celebrity
endorsement compels people to want to see the film. In
addition to this the text written in the bottom corner “inspired
by a true story” also grabs the audience‟s attention as well
as makes he film seem more realistic. It also makes it more
dramatic and personal to audience as they are able to
witness a story that reflects someone else's story, tin which
the film is more than just an entertaining drama but a series
of someone's life which can impact
the audience
emotionally. The text written below this “Christmas 2009” is
also very influential and links the theme of this film. For
example Christmas is associated with happiness, family love
etc. This is also in cohesion with the image and the title as
the they both represent these attributes. Also by launching a
film during the Christmas holidays, it encourages people to
go and see the film with their families. Thus reaching a wider
audience.
Number one:
Tone and register
The tone of the poster is very mild and soft and embodies a peaceful nature. This is
especially drawn from the images used and the overall look of the poster. For example
the image of the characters holding hands already suggest a harmless and unending
bond between the father and son and also the joy and happiness in the fathers eyes
which is also evident. Furthermore suggesting a text- image cohesion. The poster also
conveys a mixture of formality through the texts used and also the image. For example the
type face used in the texts include both serif and sanserifs which may have been used to
covey a traditional and modern style. It could also be used to represent the professional
nature of the protagonist who is wearing a suit and the playful nature of the child showing
a juxtaposition between the two characters.
Representation
Representation is key in this poster, the
protagonist is seen to be wearing a suit and
carrying a brief case which suggests that he
carries a good job and maybe works within
the inner city. This however is juxtaposed by
the image of his son who is wearing quite a
worn out jacket and trousers which make him
appear quite rough and less looked after.
Although this is a huge contrast the lack of
mother figure within the image defeats
conventions as they are usually portrayed as
the ones looking after the child and the main
source of comfort without a father looking
after the child. This therefore questions the
stereotypical portrayal of particularly black
fathers who usually abandon their child.
Whereas this image portrays the father as
being very apparent in the child‟s life where
the strong bond between the two is evident.
Target audience
The images and texts used all help to appeal to a family
audience. For example the poster includes an image of the
protagonist and his son which can be identified with a family
audience. The father is also shown holding the sons house
and looking down at him which represents a strong love
between a father and son. Thus relating to families where
this strong bond of love is evident between its members. In
addition to this the young boy used also helps appeal to a
young audience.

4. Anchorage
Within this poster there is a lot of images to focus on
which all play an effective role in the poster, however
one is still drawn to the protagonist. The images
used of the protagonist looking up at the sky above
on a balcony above the buildings with his guitar ,
suggest the characters authority and power over his
dreams and his circumstance. In which he is able to
have the power and authority through his music
which suggests the importance of music in the
characters life. The significance of him looking up at
the sky is also relevant as it links to the phrase “the
sky‟s the limit”. For example dreaming big and
reaching your aspirations.
The use of music notes drifting into the sky may also
suggest the impact the characters music has to reach
many and also the effect it makes, suggesting the
characters passion for music.
Furthermore it
provides a magical feel to the poster making it seem
like a fairy tale. This is supported by the child used on
the poster as children are associated with fairy tales
and having big imaginations. Thus it encourages the
audience to do the same and be inspired.
Target audience
The film may be aimed at a family
audience as the film is primarily
based around family. This can also
be addressed in the poster due to
the child used and the fairly tale like
image presented. Furthermore
which are conventionally targeted at
families. The appeal of the young
boy used also relates to a family
audience as their children may be
able to relate to the reality of
dreams and having big imagination.
Title
The title used is the nick name
given to the protagonist “august
rush”. This suggests that the film is
centred around the life of the child
And that the audience will experience life through the protagonists. The
name “august” may link to the month he was born and the word “rush”
may reflect the rush of music as illustrated in the image.
Colour
The colour used is vey effective and attracts the audience. For example the warm colours used show an image of the sunset
which may be done to represent a new beginning or new life. The poster also shows a long shot of the characters environment
allowing the audience to see the beautiful scenery that the character see‟s allowing them to show empathy. The white music
notes may have also been used to reflect the stars in the sky which contrast against the dark background making it stand out.
This can be represented with fairy tales as characters usually wish upon a star, however in this case the protagonists may be
wishing upon the music notes. The lights used also put the character in the spotlight presenting him as the star.

5. Texts/font
Tone /register
The texts used to accompany the title are also
The tone of this poster is also very
presented to appeal to their audience. For
soft and mild as it provides a dreamy
example the tagline used below the title stress
and imaginative feel to it. This is
the theme of music in this poster and gives the
addressed through the colours used
audience the idea music is significant in the
reflecting the sunset. The register
protagonists journey. The word “incredible”
could also be argued that its is both
suggests how amazing the journey is and
informal and formal. For example the
compels the audience to want to watch the film
use of serifs in the title make it formal
to glimpse this journey. The series of names
and also the choice of words used
written above the title also attract the audience
“incredible journey”. However the child
as it suggest that they are well known actors
actor used and the overall look
used as a celebrity appeal. In addition to this
suggests that it may also be informal
the bottom of the poster includes the company
as it targeted at families, therefore it
distributor and producer for recognition as well
can‟t be too formal.
the names of the other actors included, which
Connotations
again suggests their significance but less that
The music notes drifting off into the air,
than those on the top. This may be because
may symbolise the characters freedom
they are less known to the audience. The font
to share his music to the world and also
used particularly for the title provide a
suggests to the audience that the film is
traditional look to the poster as it is written with
serifs this may have been used to appeal to the based around music. The characters body language also emphasise this freedom as he
older audience or suggests the maturity of the is standing on top of the balcony looking down as the city, which may suggests his
protagonists even at a young age.
authority over his dreams and his life in which music will play a key role in helping him.
Representation
The main representation presented in this poster is the protagonist in which there is a unconventional representation of children. For
example children are usually depicted with toys and being quite innocent and naive protected by their families. However this image
contradicts this idea as the protagonist is represented as being independent at a young age and holding a guitar rather than a toy
suggesting his maturity. However the fairly tale like image presented links to the stereotypical representation of children due to their wild
imagination. The costume however goes against conventions as he is wearing an old overgrown jacket with tatted jeans, which may
suggests that he may not be looked after by someone or that he is being maltreated.

6. Although this poster differs from the other two analysed, it is
also very effective and one I hope to take inspiration from when
creating my film poster. For example the close up of the
character catches the audience‟s attention and is also amplified
by the direct gaze at the audience which draws them in. Thus
it also signifies his presence in the film suggesting that the film
may be based around his life. It is also presented in mysterious
way setting an enigma code of who the man is as the
audience isn‟t given any information about the character.
The text written next to the image “one goal, a second chance”
may suggest that he may be trying to rebuild his life and that
he has been giving an opportunity to do so, however the
audience is still led to question why, thus compelling them to go
see the film. The image of a rugby team placed in the
characters body is also very effective as suggest that the film is
based around the sport and that the protagonist has a major
involvement in it. The fact that it is placed inside the
protagonists also suggest the significant impact that he may
make and almost presents him as the base that holds the team
together which is supported by the image of the two characters
shaking each others hand suggesting an agreement. The
overall image of the poster is presented in an effective way and
includes the conventions of film poster, for example the film
distributor and producer along with the actors involved placed
in the conventional position.

7. Once again this film is very different to the ones‟ analysed in
the way it has been presented as well as breaks a lot of
conventions. For example the poster has been presented
with a human body in the background filled with many
different images taken from the film. This may suggest the
complexity of the film as there is a lot going on and the
audience is immediately drawn to a protagonist as presented
in the other posters. However it may show the significance of
all the characters and events in the film, providing snippets
of them as a mood board. This is very effective as it
compels the audience to want to see the film to uncover the
meaning behind the images and understand what the trailer
is about. The title of the film “vantage point” stand out
amongst the images due to its vibrant colours which attract
the readers attention, the colours used also connate with the
theme of the film which is action as the red may represent
danger which is amplified by the gun in the shadows hand,
presenting a text-image cohesion pattern. The texts written
in the top corner also suggest that the eight people may be
the ones shown in the poster, however makes the audience
question who they are and want to find out what the truth is
and how they uncover it. The texts “8 points of view” suggest
that the film is centred around these eight characters in
which the audience will experience action through their eyes.
Overall the poster is very successful and different as it
breaks many conventional features of a poster which is what
I hope to do when creating my own film poster.

8. This film poster immediately draws the audience in. For
example the medium close up of the child looking directly at
the audience makes the audience feel involved and addresses
them in a sympathetic way. The effect using a child in the film
poster, acts as a selling point as children are usually depicted
as being cute, innocent and naive as illustrated in this poster.
In addition the child's blue eyes is very captivating as it stands
out and one is immediately drawn into it. Furthermore the
colour blue is associated with purity, the sea, sincerity ,
calmness etc. As well as the image used showing significant
the words below also have an effect as they are short and
memorable giving the audience snippets what the film entails.
The words used also embody the passionate nature of the film
compelling people to watch it and foreboding the effect it will
have on the audience. The title is also a significant factor as it
is written in French suggesting that it may have been written
by a French author or based in France. However the other
texts are written in English, highlighting its significance and
also appealing to a foreign audience. The tagline below “the
musical phenomenon” suggest that the film has developed
massively in which it has been presented in other means too
as well as a film. The word “phenomenon” suggests how
remarkable the film is acting as a selling point to the audience.
Overall the film is very effective and includes a range of
conventional features within a film poster such as the release
date, tagline, film producer and distributors etc. This will need
to be included in my film poster.