The document defines the mystery genre and discusses common elements found in movie posters for mystery films. Mystery plots usually revolve around a major crime or problem and end with the solution being revealed. Mystery posters typically feature the main detective character prominently in the middle, with the horizontal title at the top or bottom. Additional characters are placed further back with deep shadows. The designs rely on photography with cool blue tones and simple fonts to set the mood and provide clues about the mystery.

1. MAKING MEANING GENRE
SHIFT: MYSTERY
NOVEMBER 19, 2019

2. Mystery Genre Definition
The plot usually revolves around a major crime, problem, or
even murder. The main characters can be the detectives or
possible suspects, and even in some cases an enclosed group
where these roles are mixed together. The movie typically
ends with the solution or the case being solved.

3. Layout/Framing
• The largest element is typically the
character(s)
• The character(s) are usually located near
the middle of the poster
• The title is horizontal and located at the
top, middle, or bottom of the poster
• The background is a setting or location
that is important in the movie

4. Typography
• The title has light colors such as
white or light blue
• There is a mix of san serif and serif
fonts
• The title is located at the top,
middle, or bottom of the poster
• A mix of thick and thin fonts
• The titles are in all caps

5. Illustration
• There is no illustration
• The posters are mainly photography
based

6. Photography
• Posed stills of main characters
looking in different directions with
side character placed further in the
background
• Background is a setting within the
movie
• Usually torso and up can be seen of
each person
• Deep shadows

7. Graphic Style: Texture
• Two texture types are
commonly found
• Grunge, rough, and
distressed texture
• Sleek, smooth, and clean
texture

8. Graphic Style: Elements
• Main detective(s)
• Side character(s)
• Location
• Something in relation to the mystery
• Title
FOR ME: depends on how many
characters are in the beginning
western movie (?)

9. Content/Thematic
• Blue/Cool Tones
• Photography based
• Simple fonts and light colors for title
• Includes main detectives, side characters,
setting, and something in relation the the
mystery
• Has layers and overlapping elements

10. Color
• The colors are very consistent
with blue and dark tones
throughout the design
• There is usually a gradient or
vignette within the design
where one area is darker than
the other