8/14/2019 Poster analysis- Shutter Island.docx

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The overall dark colour pallet connotes the centralhemes of the narrative- mental health, danger, and

suspicion.

The larger image of Di Caprio's face emerges from the darksky, and is debatably the central focus of the poster. The factthat his face is positioned above the island, suggests that he

is the protagonist, and the centre of suspicion. There is heavyshadowing on this central figure, thus alluding to the idea ofmental health and his split motives as a character- these are

later revealed in the film, making the connection betweenthe poster and the film stronger.

The brighter object of the flame also stands out as ituxtaposes the black sky and grey tone of the island. Thisymbolises the search for hope and emphasises the

mystery within the plot.

The smoke rising from theflame is connected to the

anchorage text of'Someone is missing.'which immediately

creates intrigue for theaudience. The white ofthis Sans Serif textcontrasts to the grey castover of Di Caprio's face.This is in order to

heighten the suspense ofthe narrative and in oneshort sentence, providesa plot overview for the

audience.

The title of 'Shutter Island' is written in avibrant, bloody red, as is the release date-

October'. These features juxtapose the restof the poster and add another dimension tohe grey, almost monochrome pallet. The red

here depicts the violent, bloody aspects of

he film , thus alluding to the film noir genre.

The audience is therefore aware of the film'sgenre due to the connotations of this colour.-

trengthening the marketing of the film.

The title is positioned at the bottom of the poster in order to thestrengthen the impact of the figure, anchorage text and the island. The

natural gaze of the audience would begin at Di Caprio's eyes, and wouldnext be drawn to the bold red title, reinforcing the title of the film so asnot to be forgotten.

The credit block is ratherinsignificant on this posteras the small, thin white textis lost amongst the vastimage of the sea. Theaudience is however drawnback through the red textof the release date-increasing the marketing

impact.

All the text on the posteras been grouped

ogether at the bottom,whereas the centralmage is grouped at the

op of the poster. Thisreates a stronger, moreramatic impact on theiewer as the darkhadows and theme ofuspicion takes over this

roduct, and thereforemakes it more visuallyignificant for the

iewer.

The image of the island appears to be fragmented and has a jigsaw like style. This symbolises the deeper fragmentation of

the mind, and the mental illness that has distorted DiCaprio's

reality.

The layering of the posters key as it creates a sense

of separation betweeneality and imagination.

The bottom layer of the

sland and sky are darkand sinister, whilst theuse of chiaroscuro lightingn the middle lighting of

DiCaprio's face, combineo create the eerie, film

noir genre.

The lack of the other actor's names almost defines the film as not only is DiCaprio the protagonist, but he has workedwith this particular director several times, and therefore creates the branding image for the film.