Elements of Semiology
Black Swan was released in 2010 and is based on a well-known tale “Swan Lake” with a twist of psychological thrill. When looking at the poster for this film one has no her choice but to analyse it deeply. This poster automatically captivates the audience by the actress’ piercing eyes, it is as if you become hypnotised by them and emotionless and pale face as it lures you in, as eyes are considered the windows to the soul.
The most obvious and main feature of this picture is the actress’ face and strong poses playing upon her strength whilst her eyes look directly to the audience generating a submissive feeling. Whilst the left and right side telling a different story and contradicting one another, the right side of her which is the paler side of the two represents her innocence and purity and her role within Swan Lake. Whereas the left side of her face shows a much darker tone, the crack that is drawn down her face can play emphasis on the mental breakdown and stress that she finds herself going through. As it is the majority of the left side of her face that is shown it indicates the journey she goes on, the change in personality and what side of her is going to be more evident within the film. Another is the minimal use of colours. The white and paleness of the character that denotes the innocence and her youth is juxtaposition against the black background which plays upon the mystery and corruption that will fill unfold as it looms over her. Not only this but the minimal soft red lips are a connotation of the conflicting emotions that she is yet to face, the passion and love vs the violence and evil.
This poster could suggest a cultural myth a message that trying to perfect and strive for a particular image is hard to maintain. Stress contributes to one’s health a great deal and due to the realisation of certain aspects of life could result to a breakdown and as she is brought to reality whilst things are collapsing before her. This is reflected in the image
The most obvious and main feature of this picture is the actress’ face and strong poses playing upon her strength whilst her eyes look directly to the audience generating a submissive feeling. Whilst the left and right side telling a different story and contradicting one another, the right side of her which is the paler side of the two represents her innocence and purity and her role within Swan Lake. Whereas the left side of her face shows a much darker tone, the crack that is drawn down her face can play emphasis on the mental breakdown and stress that she finds herself going through. As it is the majority of the left side of her face that is shown it indicates the journey she goes on, the change in personality and what side of her is going to be more evident within the film. Another is the minimal use of colours. The white and paleness of the character that denotes the innocence and her youth is juxtaposition against the black background which plays upon the mystery and corruption that will fill unfold as it looms over her. Not only this but the minimal soft red lips are a connotation of the conflicting emotions that she is yet to face, the passion and love vs the violence and evil.
This poster could suggest a cultural myth a message that trying to perfect and strive for a particular image is hard to maintain. Stress contributes to one’s health a great deal and due to the realisation of certain aspects of life could result to a breakdown and as she is brought to reality whilst things are collapsing before her. This is reflected in the image
Bibliography: Barthes, R (1967: 9) ‘Elements of Semiology’ Atlantic Books