Synopsis
17 year old Kat Connors initially embraces her freedom after her mother disappears without a trace. However, her mother's disappearance soon comes back to haunt her.
Film Poster
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| White Bird in a Blizzard - (2014) film poster |
This is a main theatrical release poster. This means that it reveals more to the audience, such as the cast members.
Genre
In this poster, there are no iconographical elements to suggest the genre of the film to the audience. This may be because the film seems to cross boundaries between the genre, it could be classified as fantasy, drama or thriller. There is no definitive answer. Alternatively, the director may have thought that making the genre obvious wasn't that important to the promotion of the film. However, there are some clues as to the genre.
Character Representation
There is a focal image which shows one character, suggesting their prominence in the narrative. The character is female, perhaps the director wanted to subvert the stereotype of pivotal or protagonist characters being male. The mode of address is not direct which suggests she is distant - perhaps referring to the disappearance of her mother. The reference to a "bird" in a blizzard is interesting - it suggests that she is calm and beautiful in comparison to the blizzard, yet also "flies away" from the problem and becomes distressed. This reflects how Kat gradually becomes unhappy and wants answers about her mother's disappearance.
Mise en Scene (Symbolic codes and conventions)
The dominant colour in this poster is blue. This connotes cold temperatures and sombre moods, reflecting the hard hitting element of the narrative. Alternatively, it suggests tranquility. Kat could signify the eye of the storm, or only constant in the situation. The white connotes snow and bitterness - again suggesting the sombre mood. White also intensifies colours such as red (which signifies blood and love). As a result, it could heighten the emotions and actions that occur in the film.
It is important to note that white connotes innocence and purity - though Kat remains young, her innocence is quickly diminishing as she discovers unsettling things about her mother's disappearance. It could also signify her naivety in being young, as well as initially being happy about her new found freedom. The silver colour could also be there to add a hint of glamour - showing that it's a movie and conforming to the positive stereotypes of the industry. Silver has connotations of being second - it could suggest that the personal development of Kat comes second to finding her mother. This is something which, unlike her mother, is very present in her life. On the other hand, it could be interpreted as grey. Grey is a colour which usually has negative connotations because it is suggestive of something being lifeless. This could link to how her Mother's disappearance has consumed Kat, as well as the unfortunate possibility of her mother being dead.
The colours used are very effective because they have symbolism and link to the genre. The lack of bright colour suggests that it is a sombre film, yet conveys powerful messages about the characters within the film. These are associated with the impact of a loved one disappearing.
Star System
The star system is visible on the left hand side of the poster. The names of cast members are written in the same typography, which is the same size. This does not favour one cast member in terms of them standing out, it suggests they are all fundamental to the film. However, Shailene Woodley is listed first, and appears on the poster. This could be because she portrays a main character. It also allows the audience to match up the name to a face, making it more effective, they can realise who is in the film. Shailene Woodley is a prolific actress, having starred in blockbuster films such as Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, both of which were also released in 2014. The same can be said for Eva Green and Christopher Meloni, who have starred in Casino Royale (2006) and Man of Steel (2013) respectively. Having the well known stars listed first is a widely used tactic for promotional posters as they are most likely to catch the audience's eye and make them want to go and see it.
The use of the word "and" before the name of the last two listed cast members suggest they are supporting cast, who obviously cannot be forgotten but they have less of a dominant role in the film. They may also be less prolific in the acting industry. However, sometimes directors decide to save the most well known name until last to surprise the audience. Furthermore, the intended use of the word could be to show that those cast members aren't all the film has to make it sell and get a good reception, other people's acting is good, too.
The director Gregg Araki is also included in the star system. He is closest to the film title, which could reflect how it is "his" film. The use of the indefinite determiner "a" suggests he is an experienced director and filmmaker as he has made more than one film.
Typography
The typography used is bold and sans serif. This could reflect how the film touches on sensitive topics or those which are not mainstream, and need to be discussed more openly like mental health. Director Gregg Araki could be saying that the film is making a bold statement. The sans serif font gives the poster an unpolished feel - we can link this to the fact that the film is mostly uncensored and Kat is characterized as someone with imperfections. The typography relates to the theme and mood of the poster because it is again bold. It can be linked to the fact that Kat becomes adamant about finding her mother and little things don't matter anymore. The colours of the typography have the same meanings as those discussed above in Mise en Scene - Symbolic Codes and Conventions.
Slogan/Strapline
The strap line is "I was 17 when my mother disappeared...". The positioning of it is effective, it is almost as if the audience are given a teaser of the beginning of the film. It also helps consolidate their understanding of the narrative. The ellipsis used helps to build up tension. Disappearances inevitably have many questions surrounding them, and the ellipsis helps emphasise this. The pronoun "I" shows that it is told from a personal perspective. This is an effective way of promoting it because the audience are placed in a privileged position, and this makes them more inclined to go and see it.
Other Information
The film festivals was exhibited at are shown on the poster. This gives the audience an idea of where it was exhibited (the poster is for theatrical release), as well as demonstrate that it has got very good recognition when you consider that it is an independent film. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. This is part of a program funded by the Sundance Institute, and takes place annually in Utah, USA. It is a good platform for both international and American independent filmmakers and directors to showcase their work. It was also shown at the Deauville Film Festival in France. The rating for the film is R. In accordance with the Motion Picture Association of America this means Restricted. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an parent or adult guardian. This is helpful when promoting as it helps conceptualise a target audience and is indicative of the content that will occur in the film.
Evaluation
This poster is very effective in initiating audience interest, and fulfills its purpose of promoting the film. There are many hints to the to the narrative in the poster, but it is still cryptic which also helps build up anticipation. Despite Kat being a central character, the poster could be given another dimension if there was an illustration of her mother; her appearance acts as a catalysts for the other events that occur. On the other hand, I can see why ambiguity surrounding her character was sustained.
White Bird in a Blizzard film poster can be accessed at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2238050/mediaviewer/rm1210958080
The dominant colour in this poster is blue. This connotes cold temperatures and sombre moods, reflecting the hard hitting element of the narrative. Alternatively, it suggests tranquility. Kat could signify the eye of the storm, or only constant in the situation. The white connotes snow and bitterness - again suggesting the sombre mood. White also intensifies colours such as red (which signifies blood and love). As a result, it could heighten the emotions and actions that occur in the film.
It is important to note that white connotes innocence and purity - though Kat remains young, her innocence is quickly diminishing as she discovers unsettling things about her mother's disappearance. It could also signify her naivety in being young, as well as initially being happy about her new found freedom. The silver colour could also be there to add a hint of glamour - showing that it's a movie and conforming to the positive stereotypes of the industry. Silver has connotations of being second - it could suggest that the personal development of Kat comes second to finding her mother. This is something which, unlike her mother, is very present in her life. On the other hand, it could be interpreted as grey. Grey is a colour which usually has negative connotations because it is suggestive of something being lifeless. This could link to how her Mother's disappearance has consumed Kat, as well as the unfortunate possibility of her mother being dead.
The colours used are very effective because they have symbolism and link to the genre. The lack of bright colour suggests that it is a sombre film, yet conveys powerful messages about the characters within the film. These are associated with the impact of a loved one disappearing.
Star System
The star system is visible on the left hand side of the poster. The names of cast members are written in the same typography, which is the same size. This does not favour one cast member in terms of them standing out, it suggests they are all fundamental to the film. However, Shailene Woodley is listed first, and appears on the poster. This could be because she portrays a main character. It also allows the audience to match up the name to a face, making it more effective, they can realise who is in the film. Shailene Woodley is a prolific actress, having starred in blockbuster films such as Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, both of which were also released in 2014. The same can be said for Eva Green and Christopher Meloni, who have starred in Casino Royale (2006) and Man of Steel (2013) respectively. Having the well known stars listed first is a widely used tactic for promotional posters as they are most likely to catch the audience's eye and make them want to go and see it.
The use of the word "and" before the name of the last two listed cast members suggest they are supporting cast, who obviously cannot be forgotten but they have less of a dominant role in the film. They may also be less prolific in the acting industry. However, sometimes directors decide to save the most well known name until last to surprise the audience. Furthermore, the intended use of the word could be to show that those cast members aren't all the film has to make it sell and get a good reception, other people's acting is good, too.
The director Gregg Araki is also included in the star system. He is closest to the film title, which could reflect how it is "his" film. The use of the indefinite determiner "a" suggests he is an experienced director and filmmaker as he has made more than one film.
Typography
The typography used is bold and sans serif. This could reflect how the film touches on sensitive topics or those which are not mainstream, and need to be discussed more openly like mental health. Director Gregg Araki could be saying that the film is making a bold statement. The sans serif font gives the poster an unpolished feel - we can link this to the fact that the film is mostly uncensored and Kat is characterized as someone with imperfections. The typography relates to the theme and mood of the poster because it is again bold. It can be linked to the fact that Kat becomes adamant about finding her mother and little things don't matter anymore. The colours of the typography have the same meanings as those discussed above in Mise en Scene - Symbolic Codes and Conventions.
Slogan/Strapline
The strap line is "I was 17 when my mother disappeared...". The positioning of it is effective, it is almost as if the audience are given a teaser of the beginning of the film. It also helps consolidate their understanding of the narrative. The ellipsis used helps to build up tension. Disappearances inevitably have many questions surrounding them, and the ellipsis helps emphasise this. The pronoun "I" shows that it is told from a personal perspective. This is an effective way of promoting it because the audience are placed in a privileged position, and this makes them more inclined to go and see it.
Other Information
The film festivals was exhibited at are shown on the poster. This gives the audience an idea of where it was exhibited (the poster is for theatrical release), as well as demonstrate that it has got very good recognition when you consider that it is an independent film. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. This is part of a program funded by the Sundance Institute, and takes place annually in Utah, USA. It is a good platform for both international and American independent filmmakers and directors to showcase their work. It was also shown at the Deauville Film Festival in France. The rating for the film is R. In accordance with the Motion Picture Association of America this means Restricted. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an parent or adult guardian. This is helpful when promoting as it helps conceptualise a target audience and is indicative of the content that will occur in the film.
Evaluation
This poster is very effective in initiating audience interest, and fulfills its purpose of promoting the film. There are many hints to the to the narrative in the poster, but it is still cryptic which also helps build up anticipation. Despite Kat being a central character, the poster could be given another dimension if there was an illustration of her mother; her appearance acts as a catalysts for the other events that occur. On the other hand, I can see why ambiguity surrounding her character was sustained.
White Bird in a Blizzard film poster can be accessed at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2238050/mediaviewer/rm1210958080
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