Poster analysis part one

 

A specific poster analysis which sparked

elements of inspiration for some of my

poster ideas:

In regard to this crime documentary poster, it makes for an effective visual in portraying the dynamic and genre of the documentary. It also creates a memorable and intriguing look which would draw attention towards it and subsequently attract viewers. As the poster is evident in its topic with its title bold, large and blunt, it presents connotations of being a newspaper article. Along with this grey and slightly faded side of the poster, this further adds that feel and would interest a viewer to be drawn to watch the film in the way that you might pick up a newspaper. Also being relatively simplistic in font, it conveys the seriousness, not distracting from the point.

The contrast of the two halves of the face as the main image, taken as an extreme closeup, is that it is somewhat intimidating, whilst remaining only a single image so that  people aren’t deterred from it; it’s the full focus and it’s not too overbearing. The closeness of the face, focussing a lot on the eyes, is also effective as some feel that eyes reflect soul and expose vulnerability. It gives a heightened uneasiness to the documentary’s appearance in reinforcing the knowledge that he did murder and there appears to be no remorse in his face.

As the image of the face is split between grey and coloured, it gives connotations as to how few are entirely evil and have evolved into that form, alike to how the tear shown on the image drags diagonally. It may convey that idea of the darker side slowly spreading, whilst trying to retain some knowledge that it didn’t start always that way. The rip also adds to the idea of the man’s actions being damaging and the unevenness of the tear further presents how it is not pretty to be like this.

This would likely appeal primarily to those with a morbid curiosity and those who may be curious as to the psychology behind how these actions came about. It appears to follow the details surrounding the case and would therefore likely attract fans of other crime documentaries. As a lot of people who watch true crime documentaries are likely to be interested by the rather shocking aspects and lead them to think  ‘How could anyone do that?’ the title of this documentary would likely attract this group of viewers, as it evidently states the genre and that those questions may be answered. The secondary target audience would likely be people who are on Netflix and come across it, intrigued by the look of it.

The two halves of the poster style prompted ideas for my own posters.