Marcus Pelham Film Poster Analysis - Animal Kingdom

Poster for Animal Kingdom

SYNOPSIS - 'Animal Kingdom tells the story of a seventeen-year old as he navigates his survival amongst an explosive criminal family and the detective who thinks he can save him'


NARRATIVE: As an audience, we are instantly able to identify the protagonist, mainly through his positioning in the centre of the poster. His focused facial expression directly towards the camera also establishes him as a character the audience is meant to sympathize with. The important narrative aspect of family is also prominent in the poster; the image itself is loosely based upon a family portrait whilst the matriarchal character is placing a protective and comforting hand on the protagonists shoulder. However, this can also be interpreted as a repressive action - the matriarchal character is forcing the protagonist to not only remain for the photo but to also remain in the criminal organization that she runs. In addition, the audience can identify the character in the far right as a detective through his police badge on his hip as well the the stereotypical moustache associated with the profession. His positioning behind the family denotes that he is undercover and is intent on revealing their criminal activity.


REPRESENTATION: The characters portrayed rely heavily upon pre-existent stereotypes. For example, the female character fulfils the motherly matriarchal role associated with criminal families, especially those with dominant males [ie. The Kray's or The Mitchell's in EastEnders]. This strength of character is communicated through her costume; there is an absence of any colour that suggests femininity but she is wearing practical, non-sexualized dark clothes that edge towards an almost masculine representation. Another key representation is that of the detective; his profession is hinted at through his professional costume in addition to his badge on his hip - however, due to his top button being undone, the audience can assume one of two things; firstly, that he rejects the traditional role of a detective and thus, is prepared to use unorthodox (maybe even unlawful?) methods to uncover the family's activity. Also, it suggests that this case has encroached upon his personal life: even when he is not at work, he is considering how to achieve his goal. This is supported through his focused and determined facial expression directly towards the camera.


GENRE: The concept of crime is prominent in the poster. Firstly, the tagline 'A crime story' instantly declares the genre of the film. In addition, the protagonist is seen handling a gun, instantly relating him - and thus his corresponding characters - with the idea of violence. The image of a gun can also be seen in the logo [the curl of the 'G' in 'Kingdom' adopts the outline of a pistol], again highlighting the film's themes of violence and crime on the poster. Lighting is also used effectively to cast shadows upon the characters, suggesting a sinister undertone to the family portrait.


AUDIENCE: The film appears to be aimed towards a younger male audience; this can be seen in the reviews chosen to be shown on the poster. For example, Rolling Stone is a print media organization associated with youth culture. Also, the strong themes of violence and crime are considered to appeal to a young male audience more than a female audience and, due to the posters heavy portrayal of this aspects, a young male would be expected to be more interested in the film than another audience.