Synopsis
In Britain - 1912, the growing suffragette movement has a lasting impact on working wife and mother, Maud. Tempted by political activist Emmeline Pankhurst, Maud joins a diverse group of strong willed women who fight for the right to vote. When faced with increasing police action the women do all they can, risking everything to advocate votes for women.
Film Poster
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| Suffragette (2015) main theatrical release poster |
Suffragette is a biographical/historical film. There are many elements that suggest this because it is so fundamental to audiences' understanding of the narrative.
Image and Characterization
The image is of three women. One of the characters is at the forefront of the poster, suggesting her prominence in the narrative. However, because of the proxemics (the other women are standing just behind her), we can deduce that they are also important. The proxemics also give a feel of togetherness, demonstrating that women's suffrage was a collective movement. The use of direct address makes the poster more engaging, hooking the audience in. It also helps to characterize the women as tough characters, they are not afraid to make eye contact. Their stance shows that they are ready to fight and defend themselves, perhaps against the increased police presence. This hence subverts the stereotype of women being passive and dominated by their partners. The archetypal view of police officers is male, they are breaking out of their gender roles and standing up to them rather than being submissive. This is important because suffragettes were seen as out of place and rebellious, but they were fighting for a good cause.
Mise en Scene - Symbolic Codes and Conventions
The dominant colour in this poster is brown. This has connotations of working and industry, which allows us to infer that the women were of a lower class, making their achievement even more commendable. It also tells us a lot about society, it was not modern and very industrial. Brown is also the colour of the ground, suggesting that although what the suffragettes was radical, they had good foundations and managed to maintain the movement through a time of instability.
The title is written in pink which has connotations of femininity, as it is stereotypically a colour associated with women. This could suggest that despite subverting gender roles, they remain women and sustain stereotypical interests. In terms of the audience, this could appeal to the stereotypical female who wants to appreciate what the suffragettes have done for them. Women may find the situation more relatable than men, and their ancestors may have been involved in the suffragette movement.
Some of the text is a lighter colour, which connotes purity. This therefore links to the fact that they were willing to advocate a cause which would benefit society, working for the greater good. It also has an air of innocence about it, the ethics of the movement were not evil. However, as it is tainted brown, it suggests that they do not wholly encapsulate a stereotypical man's idea of innocence - they are not submissively staying within the gender roles of the time.
The colour blue is also used. This connotes coolness and sombre moods, as well as calmness and serenity. This links to how the suffragette's ideology was better received over time after the 'storm' of their actions had passed.
Mise en Scene - Costumes
The costumes worn by the three characters are stereotypical of the time, and are not suggestive of wealth or status. They help to communicate the genre of the film. The brown has connotations of grounding, as discussed in the above paragraph. However, despite being typical of the era, one of the characters is wearing a hat which could connect to her flamboyancy and willingness to stand out.
The rosette worn by the character at the forefront of the poster is suggestive of a collective group, showing that the suffragettes stand in solidarity for women. Rosettes also have connotations of winning, linking to the victory that the suffragettes eventually obtain.
Typography
The typography used is bold, making the poster more eye catching for the audience and hence fulfilling the purpose of promoting the film. It also substantiates the view that the characters are bold and powerful. The typography has a stenciled effect, this makes it look more stereotypically masculine - referring to the fact that women no longer wanted to be seen as weak. It also gives it a feeling of permanence - this connects to the lasting effect that the suffragettes have had on society, their efforts have not been forgotten.
Strap/Tag line
"Mothers. Daughters. Rebels." emphasises the idea that women can successfully have more than one role, they are not confined to the stereotypes of their gender. The full stop adds impact and give the audience time to digest what they are reading. In the poster, women are given multiple labels and these intensify to "rebels" which has strong connotations of liberation. This is what the women were trying to at least initiate, if not achieve. They were successful in making large advances for women in society.
Star System
The star system is included at the top of the poster. Perhaps it is positioned this way because for some people it could be the first thing they see when looking at the poster. Hence if they see well known names, they may automatically assume it is worth seeing. However, as it is not the main focus of the poster, the director perhaps regarded it as less important. The word "and" is used to show that none of the top billed cast members have been forgotten, maybe sustaining audience engagement as Meryl Streep is a well known actress, it could be seen by some as saving the best until last.
Other Information
Towards the bottom of the poster, there is other information. The block of text that is more difficult to read usually lists the notable individuals and companies that are involved in the film, for example the editors and producers. These are obviously worthy of being on the poster, but are likely to make less difference to whether the audience see the film, so it is not written as clearly. The rating is more evident, it is also in this section of the poster. This is probably because it gives the audience an idea of the content, and whether they can see the film/who to take with them. The date is also clear - this tells the audience from when they can see the film, and helps build up anticipation because there is a definitive date.
Evaluation
This is an effective poster because it conveys to the audience the feel of the movie, capturing the essence of the suffragettes through mise en scene and typography, especially.
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