Film & TV Language: poster analysis

Blade runner (1982)

From the poster, it is clear that Blade runner is mainly a science fiction film. This is made apparent from the key conventions integrated in to the poster that are associated with this genre. For example- what seems to be an aircraft is flying in the middle of the poster. There are also very tall buildings in the middle of the poster that look very modern and futuristic. This is very typical of the sci-fi movie genre. There also seems to be an element of action as the man at the top of the poster (presumably the hero) has a serious expression on his face and is holding a gun. This suggests that the story-line of this film involves the main character having to murder some people. There is also a woman on the left of the poster. She may be the heroine who needs saving in the film but the fact that she is smoking suggests that she may be dangerous.


I believe that this film will be aimed at young adults aged 18 to 30. This is because it is clear that there are elements of danger and violence in the film that would be unsuitable for a younger audience demographic. 

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

From this film poster, the audience can depict that this movie is in the horror and comedy genre. The fact that the characters on the poster have a scared expression on their faces suggests how this film has components of the horror genre and is meant to frighten you. However, horror film posters tend to usually be very dark and ominous but, here, there is a bright light on all the characters that seems to be emerging from the beam of light at the top of the poster. This alludes to the comedy nature of the film. Also there are some characters putting on funny faces at the back which also contribute to this. This suggests that this movie is essentially a parody that seems to be mocking horror films and is intended to entertain rather than scare the audience. The film review 'Absolutely hilarious' further reinforces this point.

I believe that this film is targeted at an audience demographic of around 16-24 year olds. These are teenagers or very young people who would enjoy this type of film.

Uzak- Distant (2002)

This film is clearly a drama. This is made evident from the colours on the poster- purple, brown and black. These colours symbolise mystery and also create a foggy sky which is quite ominous. It suggests that this movie may be sad as well. There is one man looking at the view in front of him. He is completely in the dark, making him seem like a shadow, which connotes that he may be dealing with some problems in his life at this movie focuses around this.

I believe that this movie will be aimed at adults aged 30-50 years old. This is because it is a movie related with life and I think that people this age would be able to relate to it. Younger audiences may also watch it but not all of them will enjoy it. 

I believe that this movie will be aimed at a wide audience demographic. Perhaps 18-50 year olds.

I'm Not Scared (2003)

This movie poster illustrates a young boy looking in to a hole in the ground with a serious/shocked expression on his face. This suggests that this movie may be a drama. The sky is visible above the boy's head which might mean that this film is also an action. This is because the sky usually connotes no limit and the fact that the movie is titled 'I'm not scared' reinforces this.


I believe that this movie will be aimed at a wide audience demographic. Perhaps 18-50 year olds.

Sin City (2005)

This film poster illustrates a group of people all wearing black and all holding guns or another sort of weapon. They also all have a serious expression on their face. This suggests that this film is in the action and thriller genre. This is because black connotes danger and mystery. The fact that they are armed with weapons hints at the violence nature of this film. The film is called 'Sin City' and this is depicted in bold, red writing (a large contrast from the rest of the poster) which hints that there may also be some crime in this movie as the colour red and the word 'sin' is usually associated with evil and the devil.


I believe that this film will be targeted at an audience of 18-30 year olds. This is because of the action and violence involved.

Pirates of the Caribbean- Dead Man's Chest (2006)

This movie is clearly in the fantasy and action genre. This is made clear from the costumes the characters are wearing. They are dressed in old style clothes and Johnny Depp (far left) is dressed as a pirate. The action in the film is hinted at with the gun that Depp is holding and the ship at the bottom of the poster.

I believe that this movie is aimed at young audiences from 15-30 year olds.

Bride and Prejudice (2004)

From this poster, we can infer that this film is a comedy, romance and musical. Firstly, the title of the film seems to be a play on words from Jane Austen's 'Pride and prejudice' which illustrates that this film may be a parody. Also, the two main characters are in front of the poster and this hints that the story line in a romance between the two. Furthermore, the use of confetti and the amount of people in the background suggests that this film is a musical (also because Indian films are usually always musicals).

I believe that this film is aimed at adults aged 18-50.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

This film poster is very dark and it gives a serious feel. This suggests that this movie is a drama. This is reinforced by the expressions on the characters faces. Furthermore, the main woman in the film is wearing sports clothing which suggests that there may be some action or sport in this film as well.

I believe that this film is aimed at 16-25 year olds.