Film Poster Analysis - Sin City; A Dame to Kill For

Varying aspects of the poster for "Sin City; A Dame to Kill For" pose many questions as to the connotations of the film as a whole, as well as the poster. The lack of colour, not only typical of the previous instalment of Sin City, also draws contrast between the black and white figure of Mickey Rourke in centre shot. The contrast can suggest a variety things, some of which include good VS evil, old VS new and the abundance of the two opposites of the colour range suggests conflict. It is commonly perceived that an excess of white can be viewed as cold, harsh and isolating which is emphasised through the implied danger of the gun and remoteness of Mickey Rourke. Barely visible is a necklace holding a cross around his neck, which bears implications of religion, hope, and forgiveness even when juxtaposed with the dismal, apocalyptic feel of the black white and red poster, showing rain in the background and Rourke's menacing figure in the foreground.

The anchorage of the poster, although minimal, has a great effect on the viewers understanding of the poster. With the sequels title, "A Dame to Kill For", it not only gives purpose to the isolated, strengthened looking character who dominates the poster but also suggests varying characteristics associated with him. Although portraying him as violent, it also suggests a passion, with both characteristics being highlighted through the use of red in the text alone. Without the text, one would imagine a comic of some sort set late into the 20th century, however with the text we realise not only is it set much later than imagined but it is also a film, Frank Millers attempt to out do his previously acclaimed film.

The tone of the film, portrayed through the poster, is obvious. With the comic book style of the cover combined with the knowledge that this is Frank Millers Sin City sequel, one can tell that the tone will be desolate, isolated and violent, possibly taking the same bleak and apocalyptic colour scheme of the first film in order to create a similar atmosphere. With the majority of interaction between humans being non-verbal, the image paints a vivid picture of what the audience is to expect from the film, with the baggy leather coat, low cut shirt and hefty shotgun slung over one arm painting a sinister and action filled picture. The register of the poster is also important, with the specific use of the word "Dame" instead of woman, girl, wife or any of the other options which could have been used. Being the female equivalent of a knighthood, a sense of importance is portrayed, which is reiterated through her being distinguished from other Dames as "To Die For".

There is one intertextual reference, with "Frank Miller's" being placed above the title, linking it to the previous Sin City Film. This has the effect of drawing in an audience which enjoyed the first film, which is a large proportion of action film fanatics due to it being considered one of the best action films of all time. The accompanying poster to the previously shown features Jessica Alba, boasting a high valued cast and implied sexuality on top of a previously standing legacy. This increases the target audience from action fans to fans of Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, and star studded line ups featuring both old and new stars. Appealing to mainly a young audience, the use of Rourke, Willis and Liotta also appeals to the elder, traditional action/adventure fans.

The poster displayed is very effective. Whether this is because I am the target audience, or because of the poster its self, it makes me intrigued to watch the film as not only a Sin City/Frank Miller fan but also an appreciator of good film. Maintaining the comic book style of the previous posters and expanding on them in the new film has kept the films previous reputation while inducing new audiences who would not have been previously interested.