1. Film Poster Analysis - Gothika
Mise-en-scene elements combine to create a chilling effect
for this poster. The costume that the female character is
wearing is just a plain vest this can suggest that life now has
now clear and plain meaning for the character. The vest is also
dirty, this could suggest that her mind is corrupt and tarnished.
Also that her life has been sullied by the accusation of murder
and that her life is now dark and depressing, this is a sign of
being institutionalised. The fact she is only wearing a vest in the
pouring rain also suggests she is not in the right frame of mind
as a vest is not appropriate clothing considering the weather.
However, final girls in horror often wear vests that show their
slim and taut physique therefore this could suggest that she will
fight back.
The character’s hair is bedraggled; it could be suggesting that
her mind is messy and that psychosis is seeping out of brain or
manifesting itself in her hair. The image she is in this poster is a
far cry away from the way she looks at beginning of trailer or
film. This highlights the fact that her life has turned upside
down.
Halle Berry’s character appears to have no makeup on, her
appearance is plain like her vest and neglected this is a sign of
her psychotic state. However, her lips are very pink and seem
to glow. This grabs attention as the rest of the poster is blue.
Her pink lips could reflect that there is some kind of humane
part inside her that is trying to get out when she talks and that
she is desperate to speak and get what she thinks is the ‘truth’
out.
Cheeks look hollow – ill, neglected, malnourished, not looking