Whiplash is a 2014 Drama directed by Damien Chazelle which follows the story of an aspiring young jazz drummer. Interestingly, unlike most film posters, the majority of the page is taken up by large bold reviews. The typography is very clear to read and is a large font. The text at the top and the bottom is a vivid red, and the middle is a very pale blue, these colours both contrast against the black background, causing them to really stand out on the page, drawing the eye straight to them. The colour red could be used in order to draw immediate attention to this information, which tells the reader which awards the film has one, the title of the film and the main actors playing in it. This follow the conventions of a film poster, by attempting to persuade the reader, the awards suggest that the film is unmissable, the named actors draw in fans of these celebrities, and the title is bold and red so it is more memorable.
The pale blue tint of the rest of the typography is also seen on the small image of Miles Teller, it can be suggested that, because of the negative connotations of the colour blue, this represents the protagonist's disappointment and disheartened nature throughout the film. It can be depicted that the contrast between the red and blue typography mirrors the narrative, as the red connotes the protagonist's passion for drumming, this is the brightest and most vivid aspect of both the page and his life. Whereas the blue connotes the constant disappointment he feels and the negativity he receives from his drum teacher (J.K. Simmons). This is the most prominent aspect of the page, covering the majority of it, mirroring how he allows his teacher's discouragement to over take his whole life, including his passion.
Additionally, the contrast between the small scale of the image of Miles Teller and large bold reviews demonstrates how the protagonist values praise over his own self. Within the plot of the film the protagonist injures himself and makes himself unwell in order to please his drum teacher, therefore the overwhelming size of the reviews suggest that this are more important to him that his own life and health.
Furthermore, throughout the film the protagonist strives for praise and encouragement, yet receives near to none, therefore this poster displays what he has always desired and never achieved, as he is surrounded by positivity an praise.
The simplicity of this poster demonstrates his focus on drumming, and the spotlight both highlights his desire to perform and both literally and figuratively be in the spotlight, and it suggests the pressure he feels to be one of the greatest jazz drummers.
No comments:
Post a Comment