Captains Log #9: A Quick Glance…
Given that everything is based around posters, generally focusing on those of the film industry, it would be a missed opportunity if we didn’t peruse a few different types. Now, within this area there are countless sub-genres of posters, from minimalist representations of popular hits to abstract posters of art house films, so I will endeavor to include as wide a range as possible, in no particular order. Shall we begin? Lovely jubbly.
# 1— Ensemble
I’ve always been a fan of ‘ensemble’ posters regardless. Protagonists, antagonists, supporting fellas and maybe a nice little location from the film. Bish, Bash Bosh. The only downside is that they can sometimes be rather busy images to look at, and so have a counterproductive effect.
#2 — Simple
I think these are absolutely brilliant posters, due to their complete and utter simplicity. One look at these posters tells you all you need to know about each film. Take Jaws for example:
- Its about a shark.
- Its about a bloody big shark.
- Looks like said big shark also eats people. That or sniffing, but I think eating is a little more likely.
- Even the lettering, with the flicked end to the ‘J’, is vaguely threatening!
It’s not an incredible amount to go off, neither is the Helmet for Full Metal Jacket, or the Fossil for Jurassic Park, but I think it’s more than enough for most people to make an informed decision about whether or not they want to see it, then and there.
Well wouldn’t you? I imagine the desire to see a giant killer shark tear itself through scores of innocently permed civilians is a pretty black or white thing: you’re into it or you’re not.
#3 — Minimalist Posters
This is an odd entry, as I’m not directly picking any specific film here. That is because the minimalist style I’m talking about isn’t directly linked to the film itself. If it was, there’s a good chance these films would sell very poorly indeed. These posters have been made by individual artists, the majority of whom are unattached to the film industry. They are simply making works of art, based not on a selling point or a captivating anchor point, but subtle hints and references to key parts of the film — an actor, a scene, an phrase, or even just a standalone prop.
I think these posters are just wonderful. It’s a real pity they’re usually so expensive.
#4 — Abstract
I’m fairly positive that I won’t be the only one to consider these particular posters very unusual and odd, but I think that’s exactly how we’re supposed to feel. It can’t be deny that interest and fascination is aroused after even a quick glance at one of these. They are all certainly ‘double-takers’ if they were to be spotted out and about!
Just as society has done for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years, these posters play on our curiosity for the creepy and our love of the macabre.
Again, these are only a few glimpses at a rich and vibrant area of the arts. I find it hard to imagine there isn’t one already, but if not, there certainly should be an entire gallery dedicated to the wonderful medium of movie posters.
Captain Jakk.
