Poster Analysis

As inspiration for the thriller we looked at other psychological thrillers and Shutter Island was a clear example of sub-genre and closley linked to our piece. The graphology of a film poster most is important in advertising the film, as it allows the audience to create an idea of what the film is about  

The use of the red block font for the title of the film indicates the film consists of danger and mystery and the smudging of the words suggest the island is unstable, linking to the main characters mental state.

The match flame is the main source of light in the poster symbolising his sanity and an essence of hope. Contrasting against the surrounding darkness, the flame is his only chance of survival and once the flame has gone out, he has been lost to the darkness. This suggests that he still has a chance to stabilise his psychological state but only has a limited time.

The Facility is shown on an island surrounding darkness, with few lights causing the viewer to feel suspicious of what goes on inside the building. It is placed on an island because it shows it wants to separate itself from reality and the real world. Also it creates the feeling of being trapped with no return from the island. The lights in the facility are coming from all the rooms with few outside lights causing an element of uncertainty and apprehensiveness as the viewer does not know what is going on inside. The darkened view of the barbered wire suggests that danger is inside and it is a maximum security facility, similar to a prison again creating the feeling of being trapped.

The white glow surrounding the island could suggest that it is a containment facility and that whatever happens on the island stays on island and the glow acts as a shield to not only keep things out but also in.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s face is titled to the side, looking just passed the lit flame, suggesting to the viewer something is coming towards him or he has seen something he is confused about, creating tension, mystery and suspense for the viewer. Also only half of his face can be seen leading the viewer to believe that half of him has been lost or taken over by the darkness. The Darkness could symbolise schizophrenia and by showing half of his face in the light it shows to the viewer that he still has a chance of controlling the schizophrenia and a chance of having freedom.