1. IMAGES:
• ‘CARGO’ - The word Cargo denotes that of a heavy weight or load,
this metaphorically suggests the idea that the presumable protagonist
that takes up the foreground of this short film poster, has a lot on his
shoulders, and many responsibilities. This is also visually represented
through the way the male figure is holding a young child on his back -
a weight literally on his shoulders.
• The font of the title is extremely bold and is the most prominent piece
of imagery on this short film poster. The boldness of the font again
reflects this idea of a heavy weight, ensuring this theme is continued
throughout this film poster.
• The capitalisation of the title gives a sense of danger as well as
showing how the director wants the film poster to take a strict and
definitive approach.
• There are no renowned/famous actors starring in this short film.
• The stars included in this short film are placed within the institutional
information at the bottom centre of the poster. This is so that it doesn't
detract away from the main focus of the poster.
• The key image represented on this film poster is that which is
positioned in the very centre of the poster of both a man and a young
child. As an audience we are unknown to what type of relation they
have but can assume from how close they are, that they could
possibly be family — father and child.
• The only colours used on this film poster is black, orange and yellow.
The colours orange and yellow are associated with heat,fire, strength.
Additionally, I think by incorporating these colours on the film poster
the director could be suggesting a possible setting for the film, for
example a rainforest or a desert (both extremely hot areas). The
director could also be suggesting that the protagonist has ongoing
strength and is not willing to give up. The black silhouettes used to
show the shape and image defines the poster and is the area of
focus.
• This film poster is very minimalistic and relies largely on its imagery
and graphics in order to get across what it wants to its audience.
• The target audience is working class adults. This is because the
audience needs to be a group of people that will understand the
nature of the film.
COLOURS:
• The only colours used on this film poster is black, orange and
yellow. The colours orange and yellow are associated with heat,fire
and strength. Additionally, I think by incorporating these colours on
the film poster the director could be suggesting a possible setting
for the film, for example a rainforest or a desert (both extremely hot
areas). The director could also be suggesting that the protagonist
has ongoing strength and is not willing to give up. The black
silhouettes used to show the shape and image defines the poster
and is the area of focus.
• These colours used on the film poster would most probably be
associated with that of a action film rather than a drama, however
because this short film is a mixture of the both,it is relevant to use.
• Choosing the right colours for a film poster is important, this is
because is it one of the first things that will attract an audience
whether they notice it or not. With this film poster, the colour is key in
getting over the genre and implying possible narratives and themes.
2. NARRATIVE:
• Due to the simple use of silhouettes, there is no visuals of facial
expression, so the most prominent element that influences a
narrative is that of the type of body language used.
• The only body language that is evident to the
audience is that of the male figure positioned on top
of the title. Here he is slightly bent over, with his
shoulders forward and leading his walk/stance. His
feet are quite largely apart indicating his large strides
and he is supporting himself with a stick, presumably
one from a tree he has come across or found on the
floor on his journey. Additionally, his head is facing
down, this could indicate his little energy. This type of
body language reflects that of someone tired and
weak, who has been trying their hardest and still
more is needed. Therefore this could influence a
possible narrative to do with this presumable
protagonist - this man could be a father figure with
his child on his back and they might be trying to get
away from something or trying to get to something,
and with this he is trying his hardest and going
through pain.
• Having the incorporation of a young baby/child on the
back of this mans back immediately has the audience sympathising
with this situation and encourages plot ideas to do with a single
father and his child.
• This film poster is relatively simple and is composed of just a single
image, now this image could be a comic still from the film or just
something the editor and designer have created to symbolise a part
in the film and to use fort the film poster.
• The silhouettes also of the vegetation suggests possible settings for
the narrative, areas like a forest, and likewise the little vegetation
they have shown could also possibly represent that of a dry desert.
This then linked with the colouring of the background which
indicates heat, a hot place also implies possible locations.
LAYOUT:
• All graphics and imagery are based in the centre of the film poster.
• This film poster, in terms of shape, is no different to many other film
posters as it is portrait — which is what is expected.
• I think the poster has been played out in this way because it draws
attention to the centre of the poster which gives the presumable
impression that this character that has been shot with a child on his
back is a key character; the protagonist, within this film. Additionally,
I feel that the editor and designer of this film poster didn't include
that much imagery on the poster because they wanted to leave their
audience guessing rather than plainly presenting them with a film
poster that has all the answers and no mystery. Therefore, the
audience become intrigued and want to know what its all about.
• The film poster indicates that of a drama/action film, we understand
this because of the little representation of emotion or expression,
due to the use of black silhouettes, with this a sense of mystery and
the unknown is given, a common trait in drama films. Drama films
focus greatly on mystery and keep audiences guessing. Moreover,
the tiring body language of the male character in the centre also
implies a possible plot with the idea that this man is going to drastic
measures to possibly keep this child safe.
WRITTEN TEXT:
• The tag line used on this film poster is ‘THE MOST PRECIOUS OF ALL.’ As
an audience who haven't seen the short film yet, we don't know what is
meant by this statement and likewise who it is about. However, we can
assume that this declarative may be about the young child that the
supposed protagonist is carrying on his back on the poster. This could link
with the idea of the male figure acting as though a father and looking after
this child and how it is the ‘most precious of all’. Thus this statement
encourages plot ideas from the audience.
• The stars included in this short film are placed within the institutional
information at the bottom centre of the poster. This is so that it doesn't
detract away from the main focus of the poster.
• The institutional information on the bottom of the poster includes
information on the actors, producers and director. As well as the music
and design.
• The poster doesn't include a website to visit whilst it also doesn't include a
certificate rating.
