I have decided to use the genre of supernatural for my film narrative and so I chose to analyse an existing text that is relevant to my work. “The Others” is set in the 1940’s during the aftermath of WWII which I find inspiring, as it combines two of my favourite film genres, supernatural horrors and period films. I have also analysed the trailer for this movie, it would only make sense to study the film poster to gain more knowledge of the symbiotic nature of both texts.
Elements of camera, mise-en-scene and lighting work together to inform audiences of the film genre, indicate some minor understanding of the narrative and ensure that they are attracting the right target audience through uses of iconography.
The shot used for the character is a medium/close-up; the purpose of it is to exhibit specific body language and facial expressions so that the audience can interpret meaning as to what the film is about. The exaggerated darkness of the background kindles the characters alienation. The articulation on the woman’s face is one of menacing fear, as her eyes stare intently into the darkness. Her mouth appears to be slightly open exposing a set of clenched teeth; this provides an air of strength to the character, as it constructs an image of her fighting back her apprehensions and confronting her fear. The exaggeration of the darkened background emphasises the isolation, the anxiety and the anticipation in which she fabricates.
The woman appears to be holding a lantern; this suggests to audiences that this is not set in modern times. Lanterns were used during a time of war, it stands as a huge indicator of the period in which the film is set. The poster as a whole contains a shade of orange embracing the warmth of an old camera film. Most period films tend to contain this coloured tinge as it gives the impression of looking at old photo-graph; it makes the audience feel nostalgic. We can see that the woman is wearing a ring on her finger and a chain around her neck. This indicates that this woman is wealthy and can afford jewellery, yet it also indicates that she is married, has a family and has sentimental values. It could also symbolize that this film is about her family. Even the style of the woman’s hair-do (isn’t entirely visible, but the silhouette) bears resemblance to that of a 1940’s mane.
The background of the poster is pitch-black emphasising the emotion the woman must be experiencing, which is one of complete isolation and fear. Black is commonly used as a dominant colour for horror movie posters and so it indicates that this film takes the shape of this genre. The black emphasises the glow coming from the lantern, it allows the white font to stand out. The colour of the lantern illuminates a radiant glow, which provides the poster with a creepiness, making it appear more ghostly and indicating the supernatural genre. From this we can assume that this character has stepped outside of her comfort zone in search for the cause of disruption. We then grow to see the character in strong and admirable light.
The main figure and the object used within the film poster are presented photographically, yet the orange tinge gives the impression of an old photograph, which hints towards the time period in which this film is set.
The visual message is that this character is holding a lantern and in a darkened place, facing her fear. The fear is unknown to the audiences; the only indication of what it may be is within the name. This could suggest that it is another human being or spiritual being. Film posters that contain backgrounds of black are usually of horror genre, the ghostly apparition on the characters face symbolises that perhaps this is a supernatural horror.
The target audience of this film are predominantly female, ranging from their mid twenties to late forties. I would say they are a mature and sophisticated audience who appreciate films that are set in different eras. It is also aimed at an older audience of mature women who like Nicola Kidman as an actress. In order to persuade audiences to go and see the film, persuasive techniques are used. For instance, the poster uses the name and the face of a well known actress on the film poster as a unique selling point. The poster gains attention through the contrast of light, the black background and the orange tinge of the lantern.
The tagline reads “sooner or later they will find you” indicating that something is looking for the character, or due to the expression and language of the character on the poster, it can symbolise that she is the one looking for something. It’s an interesting representation of the films twist.
The film poster for ‘The Others’ is effective in persuading the audience to want to watch it because it doesn’t reveal too much and it allows there to be an air of mystery.
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