analysis of a film poster

1. ´Seven´ film poster analysis
A photograph of the two protagonists that are within close proximity to one
another are positioned almost as if they were back to back, symbolisinga
potential friendship/workingrelationship. The protagonists face are both
placid, this adds a sense a sense of ambiguityto the film as we are unsure as
to whether they are positive hero-like characters or villainous characters . The
photograph of the two protagonists has been edited so that the image is
semi-transparent. This is effective as it integrates the two characters intotheir
surroundings whilstreflectingthe silentinvisible nature of their line work.
The mise en scene of the poster hints towars both of the character´s
professional careers as detectives, this is indicatedthrough their clothing- for
example, he protagonistof the left (david) is wearinga smart shirt and a tie.
Although he appears to be young, he has a moustache and beard which
maybe interpreted as a way of trying to look older and wiser in attempt to be
taken seriouslyin his job. The second protagonist, detective WilliamSomerset
also has a moustache and is wearingan overcoat. This symbolises the second
protagonist as a more classical, traditionaldetective, however it seems to be a
stereotypical theme that detectives have moustache.

2. The colour scheme used for the poster mainly consists of rusty
oranges,deep reds and vibrant yellows. This palette is effective as
the colours are indicative of danger. The colours used suggest a
fire-like appearance, potentiallyused to emphasise these two
detectives being caught up in the heat of the investigation or to
indicate them being at risk.
The image of the two investigators is Split down in the middle by the
seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride and lust.
The red slash through the list of sins may suggest blood and death,
indicatingthe impendingtragic resultthese sins are about to
provoke. The red slash may also present the blood of those killed as
a resultof each sin being committed, indicatingthe brutal outcome
of the plotline. Due to the seven sins being positionedin between
the two protagonists this may suggest that both characters are
connectedby the wish to preserve it and the people from being
killed. They are also place just above the film’s title ´seven´- this may
have been done so that the audience reads through the sins before
the film’s title this establishingthe link between the two.
The writingof the title is in scrawled free- hand Font in White. This stands out amongst the reds and yellows
of the backgroundand draws the audiences ‘attention towards it.

3. The names of the actors may also be in bold White Font as they
are well respected actors in the film industry and had both been
in a number of well-respectedmovies prior to ´seven ‘thus, if the
writingis more eye-catchingthe audience are more likely to
recognise these famous names and watch the film.
The tagline ´seven deadly sins. Seven deadly ways to die´ is
situated below the title. The repetition of ´seven ‘and ´deadly
‘reflects the key themes in the poster and film: the seven sins,
and danger surround it. This tagline is a reference to the
biblical stories surroundingthe seven sins where those who
commit the sins will die. This suggests to the audience what
the plot line is based aroundand adds a forebodingsense to
the outcomes of those seven people who the two detectives
will be attempting to save in the film.
Judgingby the poster and the protagonist´s jobs, the film´s
genre could potentially be misinterpreted as being a crime/murder
mystery. This can be avoid by the font of the letters and the
mis-en-scene.