poster the usual suspects.docx
TRANSCRIPT
The shadows in this image particularly connote the film noir genre. The
positioning of them above each character divides the motives of each
character, and separates their identities. This is emphasised through the
variety of spacing in between each one, and the shape created. The
shadows also rise above to meet the characters names, creating the link
between the actors and the film itself.
The overall image of the police
suspect line up adheres to the film
noir genre due to the immediate
connotation of violence and crime.
The dark clothing of the first three
men is juxtaposed to the lighter,
fresher clothing of the last two,
which again divides the characters
and relates to the plot of the film-
juxtaposition of motives.
The black sans serif text
placed at the top of the
poster creates an
importance upon those in
the film and heightens the
marketing of the film and
appeal. The black lettering
links to the grey shadows
and overall darkest themes
of the narrative. However
the lettering also juxtaposes
the fresh pure white of the
background, suggesting a
conflict of characters or a
transformation of motives.
The anchorage text of 'Five criminals, [...] no coincidence' immediately adds to
the suspense and intrigue of the film- appealing to a wider audience. The white
serif text contrasts the previous text at the top of the film, and therefore creates
a rather disjointed tone to the poster. The white of the text stands out against
the black bottom and consequently depicts the internal purity against the black
sin.
The layering of the
poster is rather linear
and is therefore
reminiscent of the
police suspect line up.
This linear style gives a
uniformed, tidy
appearance to the film-
symbolising the killing
of each character one
by one- a thorough and
meticulous process.
The characters appear
fairly small in size, in
comparison to the rest
of the poster. This in
turn elongates the
appearance of the
shadows even further.
This effect adds to the
sinister film noir style
and consequently
almost adds a
vulnerable sense to the
character- opposing
their violent nature.
The title 'The Usual
Suspects' is bold and
appealing- heightening
the marketing of the
film. However, the
word 'the' lacks a capital
letter, posing an
emphasis on the theme
of suspects and drawing
attention to the unusual
term of 'Usual Suspects'
rather than the ordinary
'Unusual Suspects'. The
title is placed at the
bottom of the film in
order to create the
elongated effect of
mystery and suspense,
before seeing the actual
name of the film.