Analysis of Posters

Analysis Of Posters

The range of posters released for the Sherlock Holmes advertising campaign were all very similar in design, whilst varying slightly in content. The range of posters was designed to create familiarity in the recognition of the posters for the audience. The way in which they mirror each other links them all together and makes the overall campaign seem much more varied and interesting, if the audience becomes bored of a poster, the may associate this dislike with the film itself, this technique of releasing a variety throughout the campaign maintains interest and entertainment.

The poster shown above has been kept extremely simple in order to maximise impact on the audience. The overall colour is kept dark and dull so as not to detract from the main image. The image in the background is of a dull and rainy scene, possibly mirroring the setting of the scene, the small image of boats and a harbour is another location indicator, and suggestion of the narrative. The characters themselves shown in the foreground are an indication of the genre of the film and also the time period, this is shown through their costumes (moustaches, haircuts, and style of clothes) and their props. However, not only do they indicate the setting of the film, but also the target audience, as the age of the characters suggests that this is not a film for children.

The overall impression of the poster is also an indicator of this, as is portrays an image of ominous darkness, suggesting possible danger. The body language of these characters also suggests their status, as the man standing in the front is clearly in charge. The position in which he is standing is very dominant, and his facial expression suggests power and knowledge. The man standing behind him is also clearly upper class, which is indicated by the way he holds his head and also his general style of dress. The cane and top hat also suggest the time period and his social status, however the way he stands behind the first man shows his submission and willingness to relinquish control. The title of the poster is displayed in capital letters clearly across the top of the poster, the light colour of the lettering stands out against the dark dusky background, as does the pale typography of the actors names displayed along the very top. The release date is shown across the bottom of the poster in the same font, slightly larger than the actors names but much smaller than the title so as not to detract from it. The border around the poster is simple but effective, indicating the narrative but not drawing attention to itself.The backgrounds in each of these posters are kept dull and blurred to draw the eye of the audience to the character.

The tag line in Sherlock Holmes themselves poster is simple and effective, shown printed across the character just below his name, its font size in comparison with the title shows that the fact that nothing escapes him is almost irrelevant, as the name "Holmes" on its own is enough to sum up this amazing character.

In Watsons poster he has his head dipped as though he is assessing the audience, an indicator of his personality. By revealing each of the characters separately in this way one by one, the producers enable the audience to become closer to them, as they can analyse them in more detail, leading them to have a better understanding of to the characters and their story.

The image in the  female characters poster portrays her as being very seductive. The tight corset like dress and immaculately curled hair suggest that she is fashionable and desirable, whilst the pink dress implies femininity. However although the way she dresses implies she is a delicate and girly woman, her facial expression suggests that she is confident and in control.