The poster for the film “The Talented Mr Ripley incorporates elements of mise-en-scene as well as camera to create an image of a sinister character who could possibly be in control of, and at least directly relevant to the other characters throughout the film.
Firstly, the poster makes use of both camera angle and composition in order to communicate key concepts to the audience. The use of camera composition helps to reveal which characters play the most importance in the film, as well as pointing towards likely power dynamics between them. By placing one of the men in the foreground, the poster indicates to the audience that this character is of great importance to the film, and so is likely the protagonist. The other two characters in the background are perhaps of less importance due to their placement behind the character at the front. Furthermore, the editor has used composition to make the male and female characters to the right of the poster appear smaller, adding to the impression that the man at the front possesses a form of power, possibly over the other characters present in the poster. The close-up angle suggests that the audience will experience an intimate connection with the characters in the poster, and gain a close insight into their thoughts and feelings. This will apply particularly to the man in the foreground of the poster due to the connotations of importance that his positioning suggests.
Many elements of mise-en-scene also play a role in hinting at the plotline, thus encouraging both men and women to watch the film. Firstly, juxtaposing levels of lighting are used on the different characters in the poster. The couple who can be seen at the back of the poster are completely submerged by the glowing light. In contrast, the man in the foreground of the poster is only half-submerged by the golden light. Light often has connotations of truth and goodness as well as angelic associations. Therefore, by juxtaposing these different levels of lighting, the poster could possibly be implying that the character at the front is a figure of deception. Meanwhile, one can assume that the characters at the back are honest and good-natured, depicted almost as angels. Therefore, the theme of honesty and disguise could likely be a key part of the storyline. Meanwhile, the couple at the back, a and woman, are pictured in an embrace with joyful expressions on their faces. The image of one’s head rested on the shoulder of another person has connotations of security and comfort. Perhaps they are blissfully unaware of the cruel intentions of the man at the front, who we can assume is the protagonist.
Mise-en-scene is also used in order to communicate a likely setting for the movie. Although the over-exposed lighting makes it hard for us to see, if we look closely, cathedrals, an architectural feature that is characteristic of an Italian setting can be seen at the back of the poster towards the right. We can therefore infer that the majority of the film may be set in a major Italian setting, such as Venice. In addition, the placement of birds on the poster further indicate that the setting of the play might be in a city setting like Venice.
Due to the representation of both genders on the poster, I believe that the film is attempting to market itself to a wide audience. However, mise-en-scene is used in order to convey other areas of representation. For example, costume is used in order to convey status. Both men in the poster are dressed in suits, a dress that has connotations of high-class and professionalism. Therefore, it is justifiable for the audience to make the assumption that class and wealth is an important theme in the film.
It can be argued that it is difficult for the audience to tell what genre the film is just from looking at the poster. For example, if the man in the foreground was removed, leaving just the smiling couple at the back, we might assume that the film is a romantic comedy. However, by adding the man in the foreground who has a serious expression on his face, the audience is left to wonder how these characters relate to one another, and therefore also question what the genre of the film might be. Although the genre of the film suggested by the poster is quite ambiguous, the top of the poster reads: “How far would you go to become someone else.” This statement sets a very sinister and mysterious tone as we wonder which character will be taking on a new identity and what the reasons for this are. Moreover, the phrase “how far” has a particularly intriguing effect as the audience are prompted to watch the film to discover the extents that the character or characters will go to in order to take on this new identity. By adding this statement, the audience can deduce that the genre may be a thriller or associated with crime in some way. This is a genre enjoyed by people of all genders and backgrounds. Therefore, the poster is successful in marketing the film as something that can be enjoyed by all.
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