Detailed analysis' of three war film posters.

1. The fact that a woman is used is strange
of a war film poster as the genre is
usually dominantly male. However, it
could create a positive effect as it’s going
against stereotypes.
Her facial expression seems rather
miserable, this gives the
impression that she is the victim
in the film, rather than the hero.
This is unusual of a war film, as the
main character usually triumphs.
The colour scheme of green is
typically associated with war, it
gives the impression that the film
will be about it. It is also rather
dull which supports the idea that
it’s intended for older audiences.
The war genre is shown mostly
through the title. However, the word
‘invisible’ may suggest that there is a
deeper meaning to the war as most
people know it.
The bold font of the title makes it
stand out, also the almost
translucent effect supports the
idea of the ‘invisible’ war.
Regarding target audience,
this film appears to be for
older people because of
the war genre and the fact
that the woman appears to
be unhappy. It could also
suggest contrasting against
the usual stereotype of
war films for men, and in
fact target women.
Because the woman is the
main focus of the poster, it
suggests she’s the main
character in the film . She is
also a USP as women in war
films as soldiers aren’t
common.
The poster is primarily
visual as the woman is
the main focus, this
supports the inference
that she’s the main
character.
The woman is photographically
represented which suggests that it will
be realistic , this is a standard poster
feature.
There is no standard
poster feature of a
tagline which suggests
that the creator wants all
attention to be on the
woman.
The awards and good reviews
give a positive impression to the
audience as it shows that the
film is highly rated. Without
these, it may cause doubt.
The fact that there is no mention of
star names could create a negative
impression as they may not be
renowned.
Mentioning the director and his recognition gives the audience confidence as
he appears to be good at his job.
There’s a lack of usual
war symbols like
weapons, this suggests
it will be dissimilar to
the stereotypes.

2. The background of smoke is representative of
explosions which are associated with war and
therefore support the genre. It also suggests that
something bad may happen.
These people are most likely
the main characters as they
are large and stand out.
However, it is possible that
the front and largest one is
‘private Ryan’ and is more
important than the others.
The costume choices of these
hats supports the war genre as
they’re all evidently soldiers.
The fact the characters are all
pictured in the smoke cold
suggest they will be involved in
an explosion.
The silhouette of the
character suggests
importance and that he may
be ‘private Ryan’ as it stands
out from the sunset, also his
costume also shows that he’s
a soldier.
The sunset background could be
symbolic of something coming to an
end, the soldier walking towards
this may suggest his life is coming to
an end or alternatively his time in
the army.
The use of the director’s name suggests he’s
a USP, however the fact that it’s small can
give the impression that attention is desired
to be drawn elsewhere.
Using star names creates a positive impression on
the audience, Tom Hanks appears to be the most
well known or he plays the main character
because his name is larger and above the others.
Using star names also increases expectations of
the film.
There is a standard poster feature of a
tagline, however it’s very small which
suggests the characters are more
important. The word ‘mission’ supports
the war genre.
The white writing stands out against
the black. The emphasis of ‘saving’
gives the impression that something
bad is going to happen.
The colour scheme gives the
impression that the target
audience is older people as it’s
rather dull. Also, as it’s a war
film, I would automatically
assume/stereotype that it was
aimed at men.
The facial expressions of
these characters suggests
that the film will be about
the hardships of life in war,
and possibly that it will be
sad.
The fact that there are no expert witnesses or
good reviews creates a negative impact on the
audience as it can lead them to believe that
nothing positive has come of the film.

3. The title stands out from this
poster extremely effectively as a
result of the bright yellow colour
and capital letters. Also, the
almost tattered look is typical of
the war genre.
The use of a well known star
name suggests he’s a USP.
However, the fact only one is
mentioned could give the
negative impression that he is
the only renowned actor in the
film.
Regarding directors names,
there is none on this poster
which could lead the audience
to believe the director isn't well
known.The colour scheme is typical of one associated with war.
As it is quite dull, it would suggest to me that it’s aimed at
older people and most likely men. However, as it is so
stereotypical, it may also be aimed at younger boys.
As this character is the largest and most
prominent, the audience can infer that he
is the main character and focus of the film.
As well as this, if the audience had
foreknowledge and knew this was Brad
Pitt, they could infer he is the main
character because he’s so well known.
This rugged look created by the
costumes is stereotypical of army
soldiers. It also suggests they are on a
mission and this may be what the film
is based on.
The shocked facial expression of this
character may suggest danger. He
also appears to have a scar on his
face which can give the impression
that he’s experienced or
alternatively just in combat.
The tank in the background
heavily suggests the war
genre, also as it says fury it
may suggest that the film is
based on it or alternatively
the team within it.
The tagline (a standard poster feature)
heavily suggests both war and danger.
The muted look it has makes it look
calm and suggests the film will be in
fact the opposite.
The cloudy sky could be pathetic fallacy. It may
suggest that the film will have a miserable, down
beat atmosphere.
As all of the other people on the poster
are dressed similarly, it suggests they’re
a team. The fact that they’re all around a
tank gives the impression that they
travel together and that the film could
also include their relationships.
There could be a negative
impression on the audience
because there are no positive
reviews and they may infer that it’s
not enjoyable.