POSTER REVIEW - STRANGER THINGS

The use of mise-en-scene in this ‘Stanger Things poster,’ creates accurate connotations of the plot, tone and genre of this tv series. ‘Stranger things,’ is set in the early 80s which is very clearly portrayed in this film poster. Firstly, the poster itself has a very vintage feel to it. The characters look like they have been drawn rather than photo shopped

 onto the poster. Also, the positioning of the characters are quite similar to how posters would be laid out in the 80s. An example of this are the Star Wars posters. It is clear the positioning of the characters in both posters are similar. The main characters are centre, and the supporting characters are positioned around them for example, Han Solo is positioned slightly smaller next to Luke sky walker. Therefore, we can infer that the character in the middle of the ‘Stranger things,’ poster is going to be the main character, who in this case is called Eleven. We can then assume the characters next to Eleven are going to be supporting characters.

 Another way we can assume setting is through the use of costume, hair and make-up. I believe this series is set in America because one of the characters, Hopper, is wearing a police uniform. However, the uniform is American so therefore it is assumed ‘Stranger things,’ is set in America. Also, many of the hair cuts used in the poster shows the time period. We can see someone with a bowl cut positioned at the top of the poster. ‘Bowl cuts’ were seen quite often in the 80s, especially if people would have their hair cut at home by their parents. 

The girl in the middle imposes quite an interesting image. Firstly, she has her hair shaved completely which was not common for regular girls at the time. Also she is wearing what seems to be a hospital gown. Therefore, maybe she is an ill patient. She is holding her hand outwards with a very serious look on her face. This leads me onto my next point.

The tone of the tv series is shown exceptionally well in the facial expressions of the characters. No one is smiling. This leads the audience to believe that the tone of the series is quite dark and mysterious. This is further shown with the border of the poster being covered in darkness with only a few outlines of branches being shown. This creates unknown and mysterious connotations which establishes an unsettling atmosphere for the viewer. This border also suggests where in America the series is set. It could be set in a small town as many cities in America do not have lots of trees/ woodland. There is also a shed positioned at the bottom left of the poster showing once again it is set in a suburban town. 

Another way this poster shows the tone of the film is there is a full moon at the top of the poster. This connotates that the film will be mysterious and eerie. Consequently, maybe the genre is a thriller, horror or even sci-fi.

The props in the movie poster also shows meaning to the audience. Firstly, one girl is holding a baseball bat with a serious look on her face implying that she is going to fight someone or something backing the fact that the genre could be a thriller, horror or sci-fi. The boy pictured below her is holding a camera, suggesting that he is a photographer which may be important in the plotline. 

Also, there are three boys pictured below the other characters on bikes. The bikes look quite vintage and dated from the way the handlebars are designed once again showing the time period.

Finally, the background of the poster poses some interesting ideas of the storyline. Firstly, in the top left of the poster, there are fairy lights strung up with letters painted on a wall. Even though it is unclear as to what this might mean, the image is very fascinating and slightly unusual which makes the consumer want to watch the tv series. 

Secondly, in the bottom right of the poster the is a person positioned in front of a sign that says ‘RESTRICTED AREA,’ which creates a tense and mysterious atmosphere. There is also barbed wire above this showing that it has high security. This indicates that it could be a factory or maybe even a science lab. Either way it reinforces that dark theme. The person is also wearing a suit which seems to be glowing. As a result of this, you cannot tell their gender which de-humanizes this person indicating that they could be a bad guy.