The Dark Knight (2008): Poster Analysis

The main image for this poster is effective as it shows the main character against a dramatic background - hinting at what might be to come in the film. The fire in the shape of a bat is symbolic of his character and the fact that it is burning the building hints at the destruction in the film. Having a darker colour scheme is interesting as it doesn't draw the eye of the audience as a brightly coloured poster might. However, the dark colours in contrast to the fiery orange and red increases the dramatic look of the poster.

The slogan, "welcome to a world without rules", adds to the dramatic nature of the background image. It hints at the action and dramatic genre of the film. The capitalised, bold font also suggests action in the film. The full-stop creates an abrupt ending to the slogan, further hinting at the destruction shown in the main image.

Addition of the actors involved at the bottom of the poster is typical. The use of larger font for the surnames possibly shows that the actors are well known and will encourage the audience to go and see the film.

The title at the bottom is effective as it is simple but still gets the information across in an aesthetically pleasing way. The film is a part of a franchise and so the use of the bat behind the title lets the audience know this. As the franchise already has a captive audience, this will entice the audience and encourage them to go and see it. The release information at the bottom is typical of a film poster and helps to entice the audience as it allows the audience to see when the film is out and who is involved in it.

The poster leaves the audience asking questions about the film, further encouraging them to go and see it. For example, they are left wondering what happened to the building and whose fault it was. We are also left wondering what made the setting "a world without rules" and will it ever get fixed.