How does Semiotics work as part of film posters?

Semiotics- Semiotics are the study of signs and symbols, and the messages we read in them. Film posters are full of semiotics and audiences are able to quickly process a lot of information just from the visual imagery contained in them. In other words from just looking at a film poster the audience will be able to identify the genre of the film by the signs and symbols they see, including:-
- Images
- Colours
- Titles and fonts
- Layout

American Beauty

The visual imagery in this film poster conotes a lot about the issues that the film is trying to tackle. Beauty appears to be the key theme in this film and this emphasied in the title, as the word 'beauty' is written in bold writting ('American Beauty'). Although the word 'American' bears an importance to the title we can see how 'beauty' is key and more important. The visual image of the background is unique and striking, and once again links to t

he theme of beauty within the film. The background is unique as is uncommon in a film poster as the background image is the iconic and leading image for the film. Although this leaves the poster looking somewhat bare, it bears a great significance for the audience. Added with the tagline the audience can make a number of co

nnotations about the film. The phrase 'look closer' over the background image of a woman's bare stomach suggests that one of the messages behind this film is that beauty is skin deep, and that beauty is not always about what you see at first glance. Furthermore the motif of the rose leaves the audience open to interpretatioin as it could suggest the themes of love, romance and lust. However it could also suggest that this film contains some form of hurt as she is holding the rose close to her skin, and roses have painful thorns.

Bruce Almighty

The visual imagery in this poster suggests a lot about the film's genre and theme. The image of Bruce stretching his hand to touch someones finger is iconic as is replicates the work of Michaelangelo and suggests that the film carries a strong religious tone. However the way in which this is portrayed is quite comical, through the performance of the actor Jim Carey who audiences will recognise as a top actor in the comedy genre. From this the audience should be able to conote that 'Bruce' comes in touch with God, and through the use of written codes such as the title and tagline, we can depict that Bruce is given almighty powers by God.

Goodfellas

The semiotics of this poster follow that of a traditional gangster film , similar to that of 'The Godfather' in style and format.  We see the three main characters standing in an intimidating stance with a strong italian american appeal, (slick black hair, sharp suits) instantly suggesting the mafia theme to the audience.  This is supported by the dark background which adds suspense and mystery complemented by the dark low key lighting over the characters faces.  Furthermore the dead body underneath the eery subway adds more suspense and a dark mobster undertone to the film which can be understood from the semiotics of the poster.  This is a technique which has been often replicated among gangster films as seen below.