In the last couple of weeks, there had been many "Best Movie Posters of 2011" lists circulating on the web. Well, InCinemas is tempted to do one, BUT...we wish to do something different this year. Instead of presenting a traditional list, we will be showcasing two (yes, only two) movie posters that we not only love to bits, but left us with such a deep impression that we could not stop thinking about them.
These two posters successfully communicate the art direction and visual style of their films, yet retain a sense of uniqueness that allowed them to stand apart from their counterparts. Needless to say, they are highly thought-provoking as well.
First up, we have the poster for DRIVE (Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn).
If there ever was such a genre called the art-house action-thriller, the films would look a lot like DRIVE. One of the best films of 2011, it is a beautifully shot film that pays homage to retro Hong Kong action films. The poster encapsulates the look and feel of the film with lead actor Ryan Gosling showing little expression (but also little remorse) as to what he is going to do next.
Yes, the film is unpredictable with moments of ultraviolence that would make even the most seasoned of moviegoers gasp. With the title of the film in an unorthodox bright pink that colors its cursive letters, it is far from conventional. Which is what DRIVE really is. And with Gosling wearinga tight-fitting white V-neck shirt with black smudges, he means business and will do anything to protect the person he loves, no matter how dirty or ugly it will be.
Casual moviegoers who were disappointed that DRIVE did not turn to be a FAST AND THE FURIOUS-type blockbuster should have seen and believed the film's poster, rather than its misleading movie trailer.
Next, we have the poster for THE TREE OF LIFE (Dir. Terrence Malick).
Yes, you have to look closely at this poster to see what it is all about. And if you cared enough, you would have to roll your eyes over 70 individual images that are basically film stills from Malick's epic, transcendental look at humanity, time, and the universe. It is a film of colossal meaning, yet it is imbued with ambiguity, enough to make some worship it as a masterpiece that demands multiple viewings.
If you notice, the actors' first names "Brad", "Sean", and "Jessica" correspond neatly to stills containing their faces. But on a peculiar note, the director's "Terrence" is accompanied by a still of what seems like light emanating from a source. Is the reclusive Malick trying to imply that he is a shining beacon of light who could illuminate the possibilities of cinema to evoke the unfathomable truth of our existence? Probably. Though it would be sensational if Malick had replaced the still with a photo of himself.
Even 70 stills are not enough to capture the enormity of what Malick is trying to convey in THE TREE OF LIFE. But at least from the poster, we could feel the essence of what the film would be - like a travelogue of journeys into the collective human soul. Next up for Malick? THE VOYAGE OF TIME, I presume a companion piece to this great film. Now, I really want to see that photo of him in that poster.
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