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V FOR VENDETTA
Poster Analysis
Introduction I confess that I somehow managed to completely overlook this masterpiece. While I was a big follower of Watchmen, which was an adaption of Alan Moore’s classic work, I for some reason never got around to viewing V for Vendetta. Now I am aware that he isn’t fond of his work being adapted so that he even pulls his own names from the movie adaptations, but there still is something unique to the tales he has written down. Furthermore, a lot of work and heart seems placed into adapting his iconic graphic novels even if he wants nothing to do with them. My first experience with the film was actually a coincidence as my most recent flight home from visiting family in the US that it was an on-board film. Now, knowing the film I took a look at the posters and thought maybe I can throw my two cents on them.
Analysis
One would easily confuse the fact that V for Vendetta is more than just a play on the fact that it’s the first letter of the word, but in actuality the name of our titular anti-hero. There seems to be a theme with comic book characters only showing their back to the screen that puts an emphasis on the strength and mystery of a character. This poster does say more than one would believe as not only does it show the overall mystery for the entire movie but also shows that this man is ready for attack. Showing his classic knives indicates that he is ready to attack the people that are oppressing them. Furthermore, the style used for the V behind the logo not only works as a logo but also cements that a revolution will soon be at hand. The central mystery still remains this mysterious man secret identity, which is shown through the mask he wears on his face.
Looks like it was correct about the revolution that is echoed through the lines “Freedom! Forever!” while also giving us a look at Natalie Portman’s character for the film. Her shaven head shows her commitment to the cause while also still indicating they are ready for an attack. We also get our look at the central location which seems to be London thanks to the Big Ben in the background, but also showing that something has changed to make this city the way it is to drive a revolution. Additionally, we see a mass of people with the exact same mask as our vigilante while facing what seems to be an army of soldiers or police officers. A revolution is at hand and there may be no way to stop it, but are they seeking change? How far must a world collapse that they would even go as far as to burn it down, or does it simply stands for a change in parliament?
If one pushes forward a belief in revolution it seems natural to place a form of propaganda throughout the city. Taking this concept, which was used often to push a belief forward making it a poster for V, is quite a compelling idea. Especially with the design of V being one-of-a-kind due to his hat and the now still famous mask. The color paint is purposely in red and brown, as darker colors force aggressive nature from people while keeping a slight white color for the core goal of peace. What I do find interesting is how Natalie Portman is on the poster further cementing that she is an essential piece to the puzzle while this is the first time the knives are missing. Probably this is now showing the fact to fight but rather to cement the fact that we must stand tall together. Further shown through the fact that there is a line above the title of the various people wearing the masks and hats from the character.
Another that seems strongly inspired by propaganda used to push forward revolutions, but this time around we are dipped more in the bloody color of red. What I do find interesting though is the return of the knives that seems to be a perfect follow up to the one before. While the first shows we must stand together and stand for what we believe in. This time around we are signaling the attack against the government that is keeping these people under control. Instead of fire this time the city is dyed in the color red showing that their may be a blood lust trusted when one seeks to make such a change.
Now this I find quite interesting, while it is the exact same propaganda concept from the last two posters it does throw out some rather interesting ideas. If you look at the V it has three edges that is used to symbolize the three pillars for the entire film. One is the mask of our titular anti-hero showing that he is the one who will unleash the chaos of revolution upon the inhabitants, while the second is Evey Hammond. The character portrayed by Portman is not only an important asset but also his possible successor. The one he sees this revolution living on through if she truly commits herself to the cause. The last is the city of London, the place that has to change and not only the city itself but also the people that live there. This isn’t simply going to change some small elements in the entire world but actually it will be a complete make over of the city.
I couldn’t resist but I found this poster online, which was used internationally. Personally I sadly never even saw any posters here in Austria, probably also the reason why it managed to pass by me, but I can still to this day find the mask due to Anonymous pushing it back into the foreground. Once again a rather simplistic poster design that somehow just manages to work by pushing the message forward. Not only is it simply showing the mask but also what makes it quite interesting is the fact that it managed to become a symbol of change. There is something about the mask that pushes forward how scary it can truly be especially when it is nothing more than a piece of plastic. One would wonder how it took on a life of its own outside of the film, as I doubt many truly know anything about it, but it does push forward how much symbolism can actually influence our life.
Conclusion What can I really say besides that these are some well-designed posters overall. Love the idea that the used the overall tone of the film by pushing forward them as a propaganda to not only cement the fact that this is about a revolution on a grand scale but also what the character V stands for. The mask and logo have taken on a life of their own, which is already a fascinating sight to behold. Whatever one thinks about the movie its message is a universal one and it has produced some rather interesting characters and quite unique visuals. The posters represent these elements quite well while also pushing forward the message that it holds.
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Z-GIRLS So, what do you think? Have I missed anything? Discuss below! If I had missed any posters than don't hesistate and send them to my e-mail at [email protected] and maybe I'll get back to them in the near furture!