Film Poster Analysis - Speed

A huge amount of information about a film can be derived from a poster or an advertisement. This essay will examine what information can be obtained from the following movie poster through its analysis.The title of the film presented on the poster is Speed. This suggests that the main theme of the piece has something to do with a fast moving object, considerably a car, boat or airplane. Furthermore the letters of the title are slanted, which in a connotative manner presents speed and drag, usually associated with a vehicle. Also the title is written in red, a colour that a wide range of audiences associates with adrenaline, danger, and fire.

On the right hand side of the poster a long-shot of the bus coming out of an explosion in addition to the title suggests more danger and speed in the movie. From a different point of view it could be inferred that is is actually the back part of the bus that is exploding. Adding up all of the information so far analysed in the poster, it seems possible that there might be a problem associated with the speed of the bus, which at one point causes it to experience an explosion.

Another interesting aspect is the character represented in a close up shot on the left hand side of the poster is most likely the protagonist of the film, linking to the other ideas, perhaps a passenger or the driver of the bus. The actors face is represented in a tint of red and with a look of concern on his face meaning that in the film he will likely face threatening challenges that bring about adrenaline and fear.

It could also be mentioned that the sign at the centre of the poster, “Get Ready For Rush Hour.”, clearly indicates that a dangerous challenge is presented to the protagonist on the street. Through the combination of all of the following ideas, it could be suggested that the movies theme is that of a man struggling with a speeding bus on the road. In combination with further analysis of the explosion it could maybe have something to do with a terrorist attack. Perhaps the main Mise-en-scene of the movie is a bomb is planted on the pass, which is what disallows it from stopping, and allows the terrorist to make a claim, while the protagonist of the film saves the day.

The genre that combines all of the above is either an action-thriller or an action film. The iconography of the poster would fit that presumption, as clear indications of an action film, such as explosions, red, and a strong main character can be seen on the poster. That means that the most probable target audiences are teenagers and man, audiences that especially enjoy this type of spectacles. The studio might have chosen to make this type of film knowing that there is a wide range of audiences that will go see their production and hopefully for them, enjoy it.

In general the film is most probably an action film focused on attracting a male audience. It is also worth mentioning that the main protagonist of the film is Keanu Reeves who at the time was beginning his career as an actor, but was already widely known.