Deconstruction of the 'New Moon' film Poster

The 'New Moon' official film poster; follows the same blue and black colour scheme as the magazine front cover, which I earlier analysed. Which highlights the significance of the moon in this film. Edward, Bella and Jacob are like a mirage - this image seems almost mythical as though they don't really exist. Also, in the film, Edward leaves Bella, yet he comes back to her like a mirage to keep her safe. Bella is the clearest, possibly due to her character being mortal and the boy characters immortal. This image suggests that werewolves love the moon and the light, were as vampires stay clear of it; as shown by Edward being to the side of the moon. The Light lies upon Jacob, as though he is central to this film, although Edward is the main character as he is portrayed as bigger than Jacob in this image, Jacob is new; and his character unravels throughout the film. This is possibly why the moon is positioned behind his face, to emphasise his role in the film, and the relevance of his character towards Bella's and Edward's relationship. Both Bella and Edward look slightly similar with their paler skin and brown hair compared to Jacob, who looks more Native American, which contrasts between the two male characters. Although the characters are leach of colour, the difference between the two male actors is strikingly obvious, possibly a technique as to not giving too much away, as nobody knows that Jacob is a werewolf until watching this film.

The connotations of the fantasy genre are displayed through the use of colour, dark blues and blacks which make the film seem almost imaginary and surreal, which contrasts between Bella's and Edward's relationship which seems relatively realistic. 'New moon' is displayed in a sans serif font, and the colour reflects the colour of the moon; fluorescent yet grainy, and is a constant theme throughout the media package of the trailer, the magazine front cover and movie poster. The emphasis of the light bounding off each serif is almost like a reflection from striking a surface. Which highlights the actor’s features and the grip of Bella's shoulder which Edward had hold of, these are conventions of a drama genre which 'New Moon' also belongs to.


This movie poster follows the conventions of any typical film poster, showing the release date 'Christmas 2009', the title, a main image, the actor’s names, the director and producers names etc.


The significance of the sea and cliffs, are of vital importance to the film. Therefore they are shown in the backdrop, in a dark shadowed like colour; again not to give too much away and not to spoil the film, as posters are brought out as an advertising technique before the film is released.

Deconstruction of New Moon Magazine Front Cover

In order to create my own teaser trailer, magazine front cover and movie poster I must research the conventions of different genres, which will relate to my own media product.
'New Moon' is a fantasy drama, involving mythical creatures such as vampires and werewolves, and the rivalry between the two species. But more to the point a love interest between a mortal and a vampire. 
Total Film posted the second of the Twilight Saga's film on the front of one of their magazine issues, as the film and books are growing in popularity. The image itself takes up over two-thirds of the front page, which signifies its importance - which is a marketing technique. The characters on the front appear to cover the 'Film' writing at the top; which again highlights the films importance.
The two men appear masculine and strong, compared to the damsel in distress that is the girl, who seems almost half the size of the two large men. This signifies the plot of the film; as she is mortal, the men are immortal. Therefore she is seen as this fragile young woman. The distinguished pale skin of the main character, whom is placed in front of the others, is of vital importance. As he is the vampire, which is a key part to the film, and the producers want this to be obvious to the readers. Both male actors cannot be anymore different, the vampire has handsome, chiselled features which we would associate with vampires. Whereas the werewolf has softer features and a darker complexion, this is so as not to mix both characters up. The over-the shoulder scowls at each other shows hostility, and jealousy; as both are fighting for the affections of the girl. This image indicates the obstacles which both Bella and Edward must face if they are to be together, Jacob who is protecting Bella from Edward, as he is standing in front of her is a major obstacle. The fact that the clothing is lacking in colour suggest that the main significance of the image is the skin colour, which illustrates the species of each character, this contrast with the dark backdrop highlighting the actors features more prominently.
'New moon' is fluorescently lit up like a moon in the night sky. This has many pragmatical meanings. 1) There is a sense of eeriness about the night time, which we could associate with mythical creatures 2) To represent the title of the film being 'New Moon' 3) Vampires only feed at night, and only come out. 4) The dark makes the two actors seem much more macho and strong.
Not only is 'New Moon' written in fluorescent writing but so is the masthead, 'Total Film'. By following the conventions of the fantasy drama, and keeping in with the same colour scheme and house style of Total Film magazine, which makes the front cover seem more easy on the eyes and appealing. The puffs surrounding the main image also stuck to the same colour scheme of white and cream writing, as to contrast with the dark, night sky backdrop, which makes the writing seem much more prominent.
This edition follows the conventions of any ordinary magazine, there is a bar code, banner text, the masthead, the date and the price of the magazine are all illustrated on the front cover but using 'Total Film's' own house style.
Linking the anchorage text of 'No one is safe' with the hostile faces of the main characters; shows us that 'New Moon' will be a scary, nerve rattling sequel to Twilight.

Shutter Island Trailer Analysis

                      

The film trailer for 'Shutter Island' is a clear reflection of the thriller genre. The only graphic caption  used other than the billing block, is the director's name; Martin Scorsese. Which suggests no other need for promotion other than the directors name, as Scorsese is renowned for producing acclaimed films. The narrative enigma of the trailer relies mainly on conversation between DiCaprio and another character, which involves the audience as they feel they are apart of the action.

The production company logo; Paramount Pictures, has been refined to appear like the film logo affiliated in the film's marketing with the logo outlined in black. This follows the conventions of the thriller genre as the edited image appears misteriously eerie. 

The non-diegetic music accompanies the quick cuts and editing, when the music gets louder the trailer cuts to another shot by a sharp flash of light, which leaves a sharp suspense. There is a high pitched squeel commonly played throughout the trailer which follow the convention of the thiller genre, as the sound is almost frightening. There is a sense of diegetic music being played also in the form of the wind; during the scenes were the setting is being shown. Which adds to the errieness of the film.

The edititing involved in the trailer uses mainly montage cuts, many fade-ins and outs, which allows the location of the trailer to be more ominous and explored. Giving the audience a sneak peak of what to expect from the film. The montage cuts enable a faster paced trailer, following the conventions of the average thriller. 

The shots used of the actors are mainly close-ups, with the location shots being long. The close-up of the police badge gives brief snippets of the synopsis of the film, whilst not giving too much away as to spoil it. There were a few birds eye and worms eye shots which again allows the chance of exploration. Which enables the audience to come to terms with the size of the island, and just how isolated it is. 

Shutter Island Front Cover Analysis

Total Film published by Future Publishing, is the UK's second best-selling film magazine. They have featured many acclaimed films from the 1990's including 'Lord Of The Rings The Two Towers', 'James Bond', 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory' and many more. 'Shutter Island' is displayed on the front cover of the 2nd best-selling UK magazine, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese's leading actor as the main prominence. Despite following the conventions of an ordinary magazine; bar codes, masthead, tag lines, puffs, buzz words etc Total Film magazine dedicates its front cover to the film 'Shutter Island'.The use of the red font of the film title; 'Shutter Island', is used for the different puffs and taglines surrounding the main film promotion, which puts mainly emphasis on the key film being advertised.

Following the connotations of the genre of 'Shutter Island', being a thriller, the mist surrounding DiCaprio suggests a feel of isolation, fear and solitude, which is most approved with the horror and thriller genre. Which contradicts DiCaprio's stance, and the expression on the actor's face. The long middle angle shot sees DiCaprio standing tall almost without fear, looking mascualine in his suit; with his police badge clearly noticeable, one leg is infront of the other to put emphasis on the hand gun which he carries. This  His head is bowed almost into his chest which indicates the aloneness and his imperceptible fear. Yet, his stance suggests a bold and fearless character. The Lighthouse is placed before the masthead, which again is to overpower 'Total Film' magazine, and to highlight its significance in the film. This magazine front cover does not follow the same image scheme as the poster in which 'Shutter Island' is promoted for. Both show different approaches to the film 'Shutter Island'.

As 'Shutter Island' is a major film, the importance of it capturing the attention of the audience is of vital importance. Hence the fact it takes up the majority of the front page, which is an advertising technique aimed at an audience to promote the film. This approach distinguishes Film magazine from its competitors. The main image dominates the masthead, with DiCaprio's head and the lighthouse both hiding the masthead; which gives DiCaprio and the lighthouse major significance in the film. Anchorage text is used 'Inside Marty's Madhouse', which highlights the key features of the film: the director, the location of the film being a mental hospital and the main character DiCaprio being in that assylum.

Deconstruction of 'Shutter Island' Poster

Shutter Island is a 2003 thriller written by Dennis Lehane. It is a film adaptation of the novel by the director Martin Scorsese. Staring Leonardo DiCaprio; who plays Marshall Teddy Daniels along with his partner Chuck Aule who have come to Sutter Island (a mental Institution for the criminally insane) to investigate the disappearence of a patient.

Leonardo DiCaprio is the face for the more famous of Martin Scorsese films, as shown by the 'Shutter Island' poster. There are many themes on this front cover which represent the genre of the film; including the Image of Leonardo DiCaprio's facial expression, the island itself and the logo title of the film which all adds to the thriller genre.

The image of DiCaprio is impared in colour with its saturated dim backdrop, to DiCaprio's grey facial expression. His bright white eyes expose this instant sense of fear which ultimately highlights the thriller genre, as they seem to emerge from the poster. This creates an impressive contrast with the blurred red title and the white starring actors name. The flame which he is holding up to his face is taken directly from the film. This thriller represents darkness and abomination. The way the actor is not looking directly towards the camera makes him seem more hostile, he is looking on a something suspicious which we are not able to see. DiCaprio appears strong and masculine with his strong jaw and stubbled chin, which ultimately entails a degree of heroism about the film.

The dark-lighting effect of the island is surrounded by this glow of surreal almost spiritual light, which empowers the salient cliffs. Almost how the character 'Teddy' sees the island. The island looks almost like Alcatraz, whereby nobody leaves due to the surrounding sea level. This gives the poster an eery feel and looks extremely isolated making the film appear even more creepy.

The tagline of 'someone is missing' creates a sense of intrigue which encourages the audience to want to find out more? The red font of 'Shutter Island' suggests a theme of blood following the connotations of the thriller theme. It appears smeared as though water has splashed over it - most likely to imply the solitude of the island which is surrounded by an abundance of water.