Poster analysis: Sin City

Sin City:

Text Boxes-

The text boxes follow the house colours of black and white. The simplicity allows them to stand out boldly, but not as a distraction from the character.

The font used is familiar with graphic novels. This provides an action, hero sense to the poster which appals to those who’re interested in comics.

In addition, the language involved supports this unnatural, super person concept linking graphic novels. Through the phrase “She grew up. She filled out” gives us an idea of the character, her being a hard, intense and a powerful woman.

Also by describing her as ‘Skinny little’ supports her youth as well as brings about a sex appeal.

However, the phrase ‘little’ may well give the idea of youth, but also naivety. This could link to the stereotypical blonde personality; that she still has much to learn and experience.

Pose-

Jessica’s pose is very seductive and particular. By her leaning emphasises her figure and her arm poised upwards gives the hair lift as she pulls out her rope, it also frames her face therefore providing it further attention. This supports her character as an extreme, deviant personality.

Although this pose appears sexy, it also emphasises her health, strength and youth. Her position is full of motion; this means that she will be up against a lot of challenging and physical events including fights. This again reveals a super human characteristic to Jessica.

Background, Colour and Editing-

The background reveals a Saloon Door, often seen in Cowboy base films. This could provide an idea of the setting of the movie and reflects upon rebels and fights stereotypically seen in such films.

The colours used throughout the poster are black, white, grey and red. The background mainly involves black and grey which doesn’t distract Nancy’s focus, but reveals an idea of where she is. Black and Grey provide a sense of gloom, darkness and the unknown. This could support the story or the character’s background. In addition, such shades are used in comic books therefore continues this bold, action hero theme.

The white droplets scattered about the top of the poster highlights the bright lighting and the light in Nancy’s hair. The drops disburse from her hair which provides movement. The dots could be interpreted as stars which lightens the dark background. This might demonstrate an idea of hope, turmoil or her fiery personality.

The colour white is used at the bottom of the poster, where the colour is moved as horizontal slashes. This gives emphasis to the title and highlights Nancy’s figure therefore making her stand out.

The layout of the paint, decorating most of the poster, emphasises the action, comic book theme. The paint could also be seen as blood scatters which again provide the idea of violence and fights.

The Title-

The title ‘Sin City’ demonstrates that the film involves rebelling and going against ones conscience. This will reflect the genre of the film and its target audience which may involve older teenagers and young adults.

The bright red helps for the title to stand out as well as reflecting on the idea of sin. Sinning can be considered dangerous, violent and risky. By looking at the red and its intensity is almost off putting for the eyes therefore audience reactions would want to look away from the title and towards Nancy. It is as if to turn away from sin yet the rest of the poster is a lot easier to look at.

Clothes and lighting-

Nancy’s leather clothes reflect the lighting which supports the black and white house colours. The belt, tassels and leather continues the cowboy trend and by using leather allows the light to emphasise the creases on the clothing, as if something from a graphic novel illustration.

Leather also frames the body well so Nancy’s figure is not hidden. This brings a sex appeal and reflects on the characters confidence.

The lighting is so intense that it leaves bold white highlights to the clothing, skin and hair. This reflects on the white splats throughout the poster and creates excitement to the poster.

The overall layout frames Nancy, making her the focal point as she is a star of the show.

When the eye’s scan from top to bottom of the poster, it provides a build up to the title .e.g. The text “Skinny little Nancy Callahan. She Grew up. She Filled out”, then scans down to the picture of Nancy, then to the title “Sin City”. It somewhat makes a drama from a dramatic poster by simply looking at it.