Shifter
This section will be analysing a poster used by Ben Parker to promote the short film Shifter, it will specifically evaluate the media language, institutions, genre, representation, audience, ideology and narrative presented within the poster.
media language
One can only focus on the character of Emily when discussing the visual codes of the poster for the short film Shifter by Ben Parker.
To begin her clothing and physical appearance clearly communicates to the viewer that she is wrought and struggling, her hair is messy and her make up is minimal.
Emily is struck against the wall, with a hint towards the idea she is hiding, or cowering away from something or someone. Her facial expression also shows this fear, as she looks up as if preying.
The setting is urban and lit in a way that can remind the audience of a warehouse or alley way with the unfinished brick work.
To begin her clothing and physical appearance clearly communicates to the viewer that she is wrought and struggling, her hair is messy and her make up is minimal.
Emily is struck against the wall, with a hint towards the idea she is hiding, or cowering away from something or someone. Her facial expression also shows this fear, as she looks up as if preying.
The setting is urban and lit in a way that can remind the audience of a warehouse or alley way with the unfinished brick work.
institutions
Seeing as this is a independent short film the institutions used, Alt Films and Film3Sixity, are not recognised on the film poster as the institutions The only person who is referenced on the poster is Ben Parker the films director and the creator of Alt Films.
genre
The genre of Shifter is clearly illustrated to the audience from the poster photograph used. It shows Emily confined by a brick wall with a warm fire like light illuminating her. It is clear that she is hiding and that she is the protagonist. She is also half melting into the wall, hinting to her super natural power. Yet this excitement of the supernatural is contrasted by the frightened look on her face.
representation
When staying on the theme of female representation the poster illustrates Emily in both a feminine and a victim style. It is of course obvious to the audience that she is a woman yet it is also made extremely clear that she is the main focus of the film as she is centre and the only person on the poster, thus challenging the traditional role of women in horror.
audience
The target audience for Shifter would be from the 18-30 age range and a niche audience who enjoy independently made films in the horror/thriller genre.
This is illustrated through the poster by both the mention of the fact that it is a short film by a unknown director, therefore highlighting the niche aspect of the film. Also through the tagline of 'The Trap is Set', promoting the horror/thriller genre for the audience. The age range is also addressed by having the protagonist within that age range of 18-30 itself.
This is illustrated through the poster by both the mention of the fact that it is a short film by a unknown director, therefore highlighting the niche aspect of the film. Also through the tagline of 'The Trap is Set', promoting the horror/thriller genre for the audience. The age range is also addressed by having the protagonist within that age range of 18-30 itself.
ideology
Seeing as this poster for the short film Shifter is extremely minimal, it is difficult to identify a ideology that is being communicated. However one can derive that this is an independent film, due to its lack of institutions, therefore is probably a more liberal left wing ideology.
narrative
One has to infer that the narrative is not blatantly obvious in the poster, just as it is not clear and defined in the film itself. However their are hints to it, such as Emily half fading into the wall, illustrating her abnormality and the tagline also suggests that Emily is something to be trapped.