The Maze Runner (2014)
The two posters I found for this film don't include production details nor the names of the actors and the director responsible for producing the film. The main purpose of them is therefore to invoke the audiences' interest first and capture their attention on the images alone.
In the first poster the release date, title and tagline are are positioned at the bottom of the poster, aligned centre, as is conventional of theatrical posters. Along with this is a short declarative sentence which reads, "BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING NOVEL" which immediately informs us that originally the idea was conceived by the author of a novel. By doing this, fans of the novel are made aware of the film and how it is officially connected with the book. It also persuades the audience to read the book, if they find themselves persuaded by the graphics.
The typography on this poster suggests strength and power, both of which are associated with sci-fi films. In saying "GET READY TO RUN", we are given clues as to what will happen in the narrative, linking to the title. This suggests that the characters will be on the run from something and will have to fight to survive. Survival has become a very relevant theme to sci-fi films, particularly within apocalyptic/ post-apocalyptic movies. Therefore by using this tagline, the poster is conforming to the sci-fi genre.
In the background of the characters running is a vast maze, covered with vines. The colours used are very drab and dull to create a foreboding atmosphere, implying that whatever the characters are running from, must be something dark, unforgiving and antagonistic. The fact they are running also suggests that they are doing so for survival. Their costume is dirty, worn and torn which also implies they have been fighting and living rough for days on end. Therefore the sci-fi genre is reinforced here. The proxemics of the characters and their positions shows that Thomas is the main character because of how he leads the group, followed by the next set of significant characters and so on. Therefore this instigates the idea of power and group organisation. Behind the characters is a bright light, similar to the artificial lights used in many sci-fi films such as 'The Host' and 'Star Trek'. Not only does this imply freedom, hope and the possibility that good can overcome evil, but the very use of it also shows that the poster is conforming to the conventions of the stereotypical sci-fi genre.
The following poster I identified is a character poster. In this we find the main character, Thomas, looking on confused, wearing threadbare clothing. The character poster gives little details regarding the film itself but rather allows us focus our attention on Thomas. His make-up has been acutely applied to make Thomas appear dirty, and covered in grime and mud. His clothing is much the same, although tattered to suggest it's been ripped by snagging branches and/or from fights with people/creatures. Essentially his costume and make-up suggests he is fighting for survival: themes key to sci-fi films. The characters stance is also very strong and masculine, giving us the reading that he is one of the main protagonists in this film. In the background are murky, grey and green tones which help to create the effect that mist is shrouding his vision, thus stimulating a sense of fear, tension and wariness about the setting.
Sci-fi films will always explore themes of violence and isolation to cause the viewer to feel engaged in the film; yet also wary about what will happen to the characters. These posters hold all of these themes allowing us to understand that the narrative will follow a group of young adults through treacherous surroundings, fighting and persevering to beat whatever antagonistic force is preventing their freedom.
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