preparation for creating own movie poster for A2 Media Studies

1. THE HOST
-Poster Analysis

2. The Title.
The word ‘Host’ in the dictionary means different things -‘a large number of
people or things’ or ‘to organize an event or be host of it’. I think in this case it’s
suppose to represent the idea that a large number of people are being hosted by
another thing.
The light going from one side of the O across the word I think is suppose to
represent the fact that it’s spreading. Matching the main characters eyes it could
also represent an eye and how ‘the host’ takes over and leads the human body.
It’s not natural light so could also suggest that it’s not organic and adds to the
science-fiction element of the poster.

3. The Image.
The young girl is placed between two men, one of them is
staring at her which shows his attraction towards her. She
is placed in the middle to show the audience that she is
the main character in the movie. Her face is straight
forward and she is looking straight ahead which may
mean that she knows her path in life. The man on her
right is looking straight, this shows that he has no
attraction towards her and that there will be no romance
between the two of them during the movie; because both
men are either side of her it could also represent good
and evil, the man looking towards her being good and the
other evil.
At the top is a blue sky which represents hope, its mixed
with grey which may mean there will be a disturbance
during the movie. As you look down the poster the poster
has darker colours which connotes danger and fear.

4. Code of Enigma.
The poster leaves us with many questions as an audience that entice to go
watch the trailer and see the film. We want to know:
• Is it set in the future?
• What’s happening or happened?
• Why and what is being hosted?
• Choose to believe in what?
• What are they fighting?
• Where are they?
• Has the female character been ‘hosted’?

5. Character Representation.
Melanie/Wander
The character could range between 17-23 years old which is
the same age range for the target audience so will have
more appeal and it makes it easier to then relate to the
character.
Although her costume is combat wear her silhouette shows
her curves which will appeal to the opposite sex. She is
shown as a strong feminine role model. Although her outfit
camouflages with the background she’s raised above the
skyline unlike the male characters, which could represent
that she is above the others in status or different from them.
Her eyes looking forward shows she has a sense of
direction, she knows where she is going, she has a sense of
purpose. Her body language shows her strong and upright.
Facing her fears. She has her back to the male character
which shows they must have trust in their relationship.

6. Character Representation.
The male characters here show attraction for the opposite sex
and could range between 19-25 so are older than the female
lead. The male character on the left however looks directly at
her which could hint at attraction at her. The character on the
right could be perceived as stubborn. The both of them being
behind her could represent the fact that they ‘have her back’
and are watching out for her and are protective over her.
Neither of the male characters are shown as weak, in fact
there body language suggests they are quite strong with their
muscular appearance.
The positioning of the characters are almost in a triangle and
could suggest that they are in a ‘love triangle’ and fighting for
her which corresponds with the tag lines.
The costumes used highlight the muscular appearance and
don’t really represent much about their style but more about
the situation they are in.

7. Sub- Titles
This raises many questions to an audience and makes you think about what the film is
about. The word ‘choose’ adds pressure and the fact that it’s repeated 3 times makes it
more prominent in your head and makes you feel like there is a lot to deal with so
makes you already sympathise for the characters.
They have also put the author of the book at the top of the poster, to emphasise who it
is written by, and to show that she has written another popular franchise, therefore
trying to advertise to that particular audience.
The launch date for the film is in between seasons. It also helps the audience relate to
the film more when the weather reflected in the film is happening in the real world.

8. Social Media
It’s very important for a movie poster to have social media links now
as it allows you to follow the film before it’s even released. It also help
to promote and create a large following for the film.
This movie decided to just use the movie name for their social media
links unlike the divergent poster that incorporated it into a phrase.
Both ways are effective.
This is definitely a conventional tool for movie posters to use.

9. Genre/ USP
Genre
From the poster you can tell that the genre is post-
apocalyptic/ adventure/ danger/ survival.
Unique Selling Point
From the poster the unique selling point is that
it is a strong female lead.