Movie Poster Trends – When Hidden Faces are a Hit or Miss...

Do you know what Christopher Nolan’s action crime flick “The Dark Knight” starring Christian Bale, Peter Weir’s sci-fi drama “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey and Eli Roth’s “Cabin Fever” have in common? Their posters indicate that the movie you’re about to watch might be good…or it could be a dud – all because of its hidden face design.

That’s just one of 13 trends found among movie posters, on a list that I happened across while researching tips and tricks to help me narrow down concepts for my “ABYSS” poster. What these trends say about the films they represent, however, is just as (if not more) hilarious than the actual style being highlighted on this list.

Forgive me if I not only happen to like some of the movies showcased but also think that at least two of the trends offer up some possibilities worth considering when devising a plan for my own movie poster. I will be highlighting these findings, for your viewing pleasure, to find out if you agree or disagree with them. Before we embark on this design journey, however, know this:

• The poster mash-ups reflecting these trends are based on collages from the French blog Les Sibères Affiches de aka The Sibères Posters: Reconciliations unusual, original compilations, one of the most comprehensive online destinations ever dedicated to film cover art or one-sheets. The blogger, Christophe Courtois, compiles movie posters into a collage focusing on their similarities and then analyzes them – sometimes with humor, other times with a little deeper study. It’s a site that you have to see to believe.

• The titles and (maybe sarcastic) descriptions and/or observations of what each trend means in terms of the quality and/or content of the film are those of Para1 at Oh No They Didn't! (ONTD).

Now, Let's get this poster party started at one random spot on the list...

Movie Poster Trend #10 - Is That Your Face, Or Are the Drugs Kicking In?

You'll notice the attempt of originality here, even with the Dali (NSFW) rip-off. This means you'll have to tread carefully; it’s very likely that the filmmakers think they're brilliant and original, regardless of reality. – Para1/ONTD

In “The Hidden Face Posters,” Courtois says “there are many ways to show a face on a poster without resorting to traditional photography.” I happen to agree with him and could understand the use of this type of design for certain genres such as horror films as well as stories that are mysterious or suspensful in nature. I would not generally deem it appropriate for, say, comedies but you never know...it's all about the layout and what works for the film and whatever message the designer, producer and others behind the movie is trying to convey.

Although "ABYSS" does not fall into the horror or mystery/suspense/thriller categories, I do like the hidden face design -- particularly that of "The Next Three Days" (top row, next to "The Truman Show") starring Russell Crowe -- and think that a similar concept of still photos and collages of scenes from the film over a background made up of bus schedules might work.

I also wonder if the "White Noise" poster (third one in on the last row) concept could work, where I have a cloudy image of one of the scenes from the film placed inside a graphic of a wedding ring and/or video camera lens.

I'm also working on getting a trailer up for the movie -- maybe that would help you guys and gals share your two cents on what could possibly be some good concepts for my "ABYSS" poster. 

What do hidden faces on a movie poster say to YOU about the films they're representing?

Are YOU more likely to want to watch a movie that features a simple photograph, rather than one that incorporates a hidden face design?

Do certain types of designs make you hesitant to want to see a film? 

*Movie Poster Trend and Descriptions: Courtesy of Oh No They Didn’t! (ONTD)

*Movie Poster Compliation: Courtesy of Christophe Courtois at Les Sibères Affiches 

A ‘Fruitvale Station’ Lesson - Live now, not tomorrow!

Having only heard about Ryan Coogler’s directorial debut “Fruitvale Station” a few short weeks ago and being quite unfamiliar with the film, I brushed it off -- until seeing the trailer on TV while taking a break from editing my own movie (albeit, a short one).

Now that it’s in theaters today, I’m excited that this two-time 2013 Sundance Film Festival winner (Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic Film) is available for the public to see. Based on a true story, “Fruitvale Station” is about 22-year old Bay Area resident Oscar Grant, who wakes up on the morning of New Year’s Eve with an unexplainable feeling. Taking it as a sign to get started early on his resolutions, Oscar sets out to be a better son to his mother -- whose birthday happens to fall on that day, treating his girlfriend better and being a better father to their four year-old daughter.

Oscar’s day starts out well but as it progresses, he realizes that his resolve to change will not come easily. In a tragic turn on New Year’s Day, BART officers shoot him at the Fruitvale subway stop – shaking the Bay Area and entire nation to its core. Of all the reasons to watch this movie (it’s an independent film produced by Forest Whitaker, it’s one of those slice-of-life stories, it’s a Best First Film according to the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, it teaches audiences that actions toward the next man/woman affects other people such as family and friends – not just that one individual), here are three that have caused me to take notice.

Michael B. Jordan is in it

While the actor is not a familiar name (yet), I can spot his face almost anywhere, after watching him play football on one of my favorite primetime shows -- “Friday Night Lights.” He then snagged a regular role on NBC’s “Parenthood” – another show I couldn’t get enough of when browsing the tube.

Jordan, however, shows audiences that he is not a one-trick TV pony and his leading role in “Fruitvale Station” (given all of the buzz surrounding this film) says this growing talent might be someone to watch. Well Jordan, if you’re reading, I see you – go ahead and keep doing your thing, dude!

There is but a grim, yet hopeful, lesson in Oscar’s acting on his resolutions early and then being murdered on New Year’s Day.

I believe “Fruitvale Station” has the ability to remind us that we need not wait until the future to put forth effort in making positive improvements in our lives -- whether that is in the form of mending relationships or growing them, inner/outer personal development or merely staying out of troublesome (dangerous, negative, etc.) situations. Knowing that there is a 50/50 chance (or more, or less, depending who you are) of us living to see another year – or another day, for that matter – every man and woman on this earth is best served doing the very things to lift them up now, rather than putting the action-plan off until January 1^st each year.

We’re the Resolutions Completed?

That’s the challenge, as a viewer, when you already know the main character won’t make it to the end of a movie. Finding out how he lived up to that point is what sparks my curiosity and makes for a good reason to go see it. Was he able to succeed in meeting all – or at least some – of his resolutions before that cold-blooded encounter with BART police? Did this young man’s last moments on earth involve behaviors that evoke a sense of pride or do they include actions that bring about disappointment in the wake of his death? What kind of legacy does he leave behind, what kind of example will it have on his daughter and how does it affect the morale of family and friends?

“Fruitvale Station” is now playing in the following cities:

• New York City, NY

• Los Angeles, CA

• San Francisco, CA

Have YOU watched the “Fruitvale Station” movie trailer?

How are YOUR 2013 resolutions coming along so far?

*I apologize for skipping the Monday Movie Meme this week. A new one will be posted on this upcoming Monday, July 15^th if all goes well.

Monday Movie Meme - Walking the Walk!

Thanks to all who joined in on last week’s “Sisterhood of the World” celebration! The theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme is inspired by The Swede, father of Tina Downey at Life is Good. The Swede exceeded his expected time in walking the longest loop in a “Walking the Walk” event for Parkinson’s Disease at one of their local parks.

To many, it might sound like an extraordinary accomplishment but the experience is nothing unusual for a man who spends his time doing what he does best -- living!

Having Parkinson’s does not keep him from participating in activities that he enjoys. The Swede remains an avid hiking and cycling man that you would likely also find skiing cross-country. He is the man behind the theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme: Walking the Walk!

Share on your blog or in the comments section, movies featuring retirees or seniors who do not let aging and/or illness slow them down. The characters I’m referring to live vibrant lives and stand their ground in ways they believe are justified given their circumstances or position among people around them.

Here are my selections for this week’s Walking the Walk! theme.

The Aquadettes

An elderly woman named Margo takes back her freedom to enjoy life while managing the pain of Multiple Sclerosis in this 10 minute documentary, directed by Drea Cooper.

The use of medicinal marijuana allows Margo to participate in water stunts as a member of her retirement community’s synchronized swimming team.

Stay tuned for an interview with Cooper, to be posted as a part of my upcoming Couch Fest chats series. In the meantime, you can watch "The Aquadettes" movie on YouTube!

The Hangover: Part II

A vow of silence didn’t stop the elderly monk from partying with a group of drunken strangers in Bangkok, in this comedy directed by Todd Phillips. Maybe viewers can use this as a lesson that you don’t have to say much to have a good time.

The a benefit of silence lies in being able to refrain from saying something you might regret. Instead, you just sit back and watch other people make a fool of themselves with their silly -- sometimes unintelligible -- comments.

Throw Mama from the Train

The woman in this comedy movie, helmed by Stu Silver, may be a mean old lady but she holds her own. Momma’s take-no-prisoners approach toward her son Owen and his friend Larry is enabled by the fact that she is always the boss. That is...until she is shaken to her core!

What movies have YOU watched that include retired or elderly people who are still going strong and living life to their fullest?