3 Posters - Research
#1 Your favourite film - Hot Fuzz
From this poster you can clearly see that this is a cop action film. The guns and the explosion indicate action and the uniform shows the characters role in the story. This is the second film in the Cornetto Trilogy by Edgar Wright, and ‘Shaun of the Dead” is referenced in the upper right, which will attract fans of that film.
I think this poster is successfully over the top, showing how this film is a pastiche/parody of the genre.
I tend to have a more narrow view of what is “good” graphic design, but this poster establishes the genre, shows the main actors, indicates the comedic tone and links to the themes of fantastical hero - cop action that greatly impact the story. I think it is better than the initial aesthetic value I first ascribed to it, nearly picking another “favourite film”. I think it’s useful to challenge my standards and view of design.
#2 From the Film & TV Posters Pinterest board - 451 Fahrenheit
This poster was made for the Hungarian release of 451 Fahrenheit. This has been made for a different audience but it creates interest through the items shown; the books and the firehose. Actors and directors are credited at the top, drawing audiences familiar with their work. I think this poster is successful in showing the conflict between the main character preserving books and the law ordering their destruction through the split of the poster. The colours chosen link to the present art styles in the 60s and may have also been popular with audiences. I think this is good graphic design because it shows the themes of the film, has an eye-catching composition that creates a memorable poster.
#3 Adrian Curry selection for Movie Posters of the Week - Le Joli Mai
This re-release poster for the French film first released in 1963 film shows the setting well. The Eiffel tower can be seen in the background and I like the detail of the city below. We get a sense of the curvature of the earth with the river creating a dynamic image. I think the use of colour is successful. The muted cool colours for the majority of the poster make the red used for the flowers and the title, the darker foreground makes it stand out.. It is good graphic design because it shows the film's location and mood.
