Do you know what Christopher Nolan’s action crime flick “The Dark Knight” starring Christian Bale, Peter Weir’s sci-fi drama “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey and Eli Roth’s “Cabin Fever” have in common? Their posters indicate that the movie you’re about to watch might be good…or it could be a dud – all because of its hidden face design.
That’s just one of 13 trends found among movie posters, on a list that I happened across while researching tips and tricks to help me narrow down concepts for my “ABYSS” poster. What these trends say about the films they represent, however, is just as (if not more) hilarious than the actual style being highlighted on this list.
Forgive me if I not only happen to like some of the movies showcased but also think that at least two of the trends offer up some possibilities worth considering when devising a plan for my own movie poster. I will be highlighting these findings, for your viewing pleasure, to find out if you agree or disagree with them. Before we embark on this design journey, however, know this:
- The poster mash-ups reflecting these trends are based on collages from the French blog Les Sibères Affiches de aka The Sibères Posters: Reconciliations unusual, original compilations, one of the most comprehensive online destinations ever dedicated to film cover art or one-sheets. The blogger, Christophe Courtois, compiles movie posters into a collage focusing on their similarities and then analyzes them – sometimes with humor, other times with a little deeper study. It’s a site that you have to see to believe.
- The titles and (maybe sarcastic) descriptions and/or observations of what each trend means in terms of the quality and/or content of the film are those of Para1 at Oh No They Didn't! (ONTD).
Now, Let's get this poster party started at one random spot on the list...
Movie Poster Trend #10 - Is That Your Face, Or Are the Drugs Kicking In?
You'll notice the attempt of originality here, even with the Dali (NSFW) rip-off. This means you'll have to tread carefully; it’s very likely that the filmmakers think they're brilliant and original, regardless of reality. – Para1/ONTD
In “The Hidden Face Posters,” Courtois says “there are many ways to show a face on a poster without resorting to traditional photography.” I happen to agree with him and could understand the use of this type of design for certain genres such as horror films as well as stories that are mysterious or suspensful in nature. I would not generally deem it appropriate for, say, comedies but you never know...it's all about the layout and what works for the film and whatever message the designer, producer and others behind the movie is trying to convey.
Although "ABYSS" does not fall into the horror or mystery/suspense/thriller categories, I do like the hidden face design -- particularly that of "The Next Three Days" (top row, next to "The Truman Show") starring Russell Crowe -- and think that a similar concept of still photos and collages of scenes from the film over a background made up of bus schedules might work.
I also wonder if the "White Noise" poster (third one in on the last row) concept could work, where I have a cloudy image of one of the scenes from the film placed inside a graphic of a wedding ring and/or video camera lens.
I'm also working on getting a trailer up for the movie -- maybe that would help you guys and gals share your two cents on what could possibly be some good concepts for my "ABYSS" poster.
What do hidden faces on a movie poster say to YOU about the films they're representing?
Are YOU more likely to want to watch a movie that features a simple photograph, rather than one that incorporates a hidden face design?
Do certain types of designs make you hesitant to want to see a film?
*Movie Poster Trend and Descriptions: Courtesy of Oh No They Didn’t! (ONTD)
*Movie Poster Compliation: Courtesy of Christophe Courtois at Les Sibères Affiches