Analysis of the film poster ‘The Holiday’

This film poster includes various successful elements of media. This is very important as many audience members observe the film according to the poster, as this simply portrays first impressions.

The audience primarily captures the bold, strong text in the center of the poster. For example ‘the Holiday’, this is effective as it allows the viewers to have a clear understanding of the name of the film and to notably remember it. Similarly above the title, the important use of actors and actress’s names highlight high standard acting. Normally the audience recognises names and this enables them to want to watch the film and it allows them to feel an immediate connection. For instance, we clearly see this through the effective use of two essential images.

The use of cinematography is very effective, although this only shows a microcosm of two still images of the film, similarly we can clearly guess the mood or genre set through these creations. The close up of the two separate people, whom the audience assume are couples both use uplifting positive facial expressions and heightened posture, implying this film could be a comedy or seek happiness at sometime in ‘the Holiday’. The two couples are positioned close together suggesting to the audience that there might be two romances included in the film. We notably seek the two different personalities between each couple through the simple device of eye contact. For instance, in the first image the actor is looking down showing no direct eye contact towards his partner, however the actress is looking at him; personally, this could show a complicated or confused relationship as they are not looking into each other’s eyes lovingly but we can only assume ideas at this point. However, in the second image, both characters are using direct eye contact and we feel a strong connection between the couple underlining a happier, healthier relationship.

The subtle colours used in the images are very appropriate and we appreciate the successful use of mise en scene, resembling ordinary everyday costumes, as many audience members can relate or recognise them, implying they could become more familiar or feel more comfortable within their selves. Although there is no use of bright colours so viewers cant assume assumptions.

The composition of the poster is laid out very simply, showing an effective successful use of proxemics, allowing the audience to gain a clear understanding and have no distractions from key points and events. I appreciate the blank, clean white background as it compliments both the text, creating the text to stand out and the images showing contrast where appropriate.

The lighting used in the poster is very bright and complimentary, and is focused on the characters faces to emphasize their facial expressions as well as maybe suggesting purity or positive effects. The background is darker to highlight the main focus is on the characters, although the director might not want o hint too much about the film or set the scenes.

When viewing the poster, we recognize the small prints. For example, “from the director of What Women Want” and also another familiar film “Something’s Gotta Give.” From portraying these simple key words many members of the audience can relate to these films and the poster shows the successful Director and the credit of what he has achieved. This could easily make viewers want to watch the film and they automatically feel a connection appear.

Overall, I feel the poster includes all essential elements needed and makes members of the audience asking many questions and leave them longing to watch the film. Personally, the effective use of mise en scene helps the audience to figure out the target audience, I feel it is not aimed at young people, although the poster does not show any ratings included. However, I feel they could of varied the camera shots, for instance, they could of used an over the shoulder shot or zoomed out so we could seek more detail within the image. But both the images used are very effective and highlight a clear positive attitude towards the audience.