The designs clearly demonstrate two different moods pertaining to the plot as well as the actors involved. On the left we have something of a trinity going on where our eyes are drawn to the two most famous faces, Meryl and Philip Seymour Hoffman, before going to Amy Adams, who is the lesser-known star on the rise. Because of the way we've been conditioned in our culture and the Z-pattern we follow from left to right, we see Meryl, then Philip, and lastly Amy. The tone of the cover is also noteworthy, as it is shadowy and somber, two words that could very accurately describe the overall tone of the film.
The second cover doesn't seem to illustrate any sort of celebrity hierarchy, save for the part where Meryl Streep's name is highlighted at the top for her nomination. The images themselves only serve to illustrate the plot of the movie, which features Amy Adams' character being torn between the diverging stories given by PSH and Meryl. The color (or lack thereof) in this second design is stark, harsh, and dividing, with black-clothed figures against a purely white backdrop. There is no hint of the "shadowy" or "somber" tones of the previous piece, which is perhaps a less honest portrayal of the movie itself. That said, graphically speaking I'm fonder of the second cover. I find the layout to be more interesting, and if I knew nothing about the movie, I would be more likely to pick it up for closer inspection as opposed to the first. I mean, if it didn't have Meryl, that is...her movies could have blank covers and I'd still be interested. Point is, I prefer the second. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?
1 comment:
I agree with you on a few things. First of all I too left the movie theater moved by the great acting but feeling that it was probably a much better play than movie. As far as the graphic design I agree that IF i had not seen the movie already the second poster would be more likely to persuade me to see it. I think it's more intriguing and raises more questions in a passerbys mind. I think that the photographs are better. The facial expressions, particularly Amy Adams really show the power of the conflicting forces and how ultimately both sides are left with tremendous DOUBT. The second poster also positions each of the characters in amore balances manner. You want tot know the root of the conflict and who is the more credible source. I think the poster successfully makes a person who sees it eager to know the story and the find the truth... even though that may never happen.
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