This poster for the film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy creates a sense of mystery and secrecy. The faded background numbers and characters who avoid eye contact heighten the ambiguity. The main character stands out in a suit, implying authority but also suspicion. Multiple other characters look intently at something unknown, raising questions about their roles. The color scheme uses red, white and blue strategically to draw attention to the title and main character amid the confusing images and blue backdrop.

1. POSTER ANALYSIS Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

2. Film ratings Review Film title Image Certificate Billing box Actors/ actresses names

3. On The Whole… This poster reflects the storyline and title of ‘Tinker Soldier Spy’. The various, unknown characters combined with the ambiguous title of the film create a mysterious effect. This is upheld through the sense of secrecy in the faded code-like numbers covering the background. The simple colour scheme, costume and font clashes with the complex and unexplained idea of the film, creating a sense of disorder, yet evoking interest.

4. Main Image This character connotes power and authority through his smart and well-groomed suit and tie. The dark colours also suggests ambiguity and suspicion. The glasses imply intellect, complementing the sense of secrecy and code in the poster. Having the character avoid eye contact with the audience, too, heightens this effect whist creating formality. This is strengthened through his stern facial expression and hands inside his pockets. Additionally, the fact that he’s the only character in colour compels the audience to notice him first, making him appear most important.

5. Other Images Already, the number of characters shown causes confusion and raises a lot more questions: Who are they? What are they looking at? And are they involved in the ‘mole’? The sense of secrecy is upheld through the fact they are, too, avoiding eye contact; or more importantly, seem to be looking at something in particular. All their clothing is neat and formal, making each seem reserved and composed. The setting and props also indicate that this is of mystery/crime genre; the foggy street connotes uncertainty, whilst the low lit meeting room suggests seriousness. The use of shadow, too, adds to this idea.

6. Colour Scheme The colour scheme used in this poster consists of white, red and blue. The most eye-catching is the red, as it stands out in the white and blue. This attracts the audience to the title of the name. it then leads the audience to the main character, who is dressed in dark blue and is, presumably, the main character. The writing in white, too, stands out, persuading the audience even more to watch the film. The images re-coloured to blue blends to the blue background, implying that whilst those characters aren’t as important, they still belong on the poster, causing confusion and curiosity.