Analysis of Sweeney Todd poster
Barbers seem less than villainous, but when looking at the upcoming Sweeney Todd movie poster, one might think again. Strikingly dark and frightening, the poster conveys an overall uneasiness that leaves inquiry subjected to its audience. Will Sweeney Todd give someone a “haircut from hell,” or does he intend to murderously slay his next paying customer with that razor strategically placed in his hand? The ghastly image portrayed in this specific advertisement relates more to the latter suggestion, proven by its fundamental features.
One of the most dynamic elements included in the poster appears as the use of color. At a quick glance, one would automatically notice that the poster is completely in black and white with the exception of a few hints of a crimson hue. Although possibly seen as bland, the choice of the black and white dominancy seems to represent a darkness that will preside over the length of the movie. An abrupt spatter of red across Sweeney Todd takes that idea further and implies bloodshed and death, subconsciously suggesting that Sweeney Todd is a dangerous killer. With that concept in mind, a trace of the red runs underneath a single floorboard and coats the upholstery of the old-fashioned barber chair that Todd is relaxing in. Since the hue is being used to attract the viewer’s eyes to something important, the glow of red from under the wooden floor could possibly signify the place that Sweeney Todd gets rid of his unlucky customers. Also, the red lining of the chair ultimately shows the “demon barber’s” favorite place to kill his victims. Some irony unfolds because of Todd’s presence in the chair. If the barber chair is indeed the dying place of his customers, does this mean that he will end up dead himself by the end of the movie, or does it just show his power over his evil operation? The tagline, also highlighted in red, may possibly hint at the answer. “Never forget. Never forgive.” could very well imply...