Deconstructing Film Poster

879 Words4 Pages
A simple image has the power to take us on an in-depth journey of meaning. From a simple image we can draw a world of conclusions. I’m sure you have heard the commonly quoted “a picture tells a thousand words”. After examining the “Almost Famous” film poster, I have found this to be true, for an image has the power to not only inform, but to evoke emotions and encourages you to form an opinion. For this essay I have chosen to take a closer look at a poster from the film “Almost Famous”, written and directed by Cameron Crowe. I decided to select this poster because not only am I a huge fan of the film, but I also find the poster visually appealing and it did draw me in. Almost famous is the story of 15-year-old William Miller embarking on a cross country journey with the band ‘Stillwater’ after being hired by rolling stone magazine to write an article on the band. It is an upbeat and inspiring coming of age story that also has dark undertones of drugs and broken relationships. In its simplest form the poster is of Penny Lane sitting on the floor next to a bed and guitar, with pretty colours splashed across the image. Even though William is the protagonist of the film, he is not seen on the poster. Instead a young Kate Hudson poses somewhat seductively on the floor wearing nothing but underwear and a singlet. Perhaps the most obvious predominant image on the poster. Hudson, (who plays Penny Lane), is a typical sex symbol. Sex is another major theme in the film and also with what people perceive about the music industry. Although she is not the main character, she is the mentor of the film, she provides William with the guidance he needs. It is clear that she plays an important role in the film. She is also the love interest in the film, with both William and Russel (the lead singer of still water). A guitar is seen next to her, leaning against
Open Document