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| I, Daniel Blake is an independent film that arguably does not follow a capitalistic agenda to minimise risk and maximise profit. Instead, it has a specific moral and political ideology that it seeks to disseminate to it's niche audience. However, it's marketing still evidences explicit examples of audience appeal. Even independent films must strive make money, otherwise they would not be funded in the first place! |
How does the theatrical poster to I, Daniel Blake utilise elements of audience appeal?
- Selection of colours on the poster tend to be greys. However, reviews are written in red. This provides a subdued mode of address for the target audience
- Emphasis on words over visuals may suggest that the audience are more interested in a strong message than exciting visuals
- Huge emphasis on reviews suggests that the film is totally unknown to audiences and must rely on critic reviews in order to sell the film to its audience
- Average and hegemonically unattractive man on the poster may appeal to audiences through it's relatability
- Clothing is stereotypically working class: bootcut jeans and an oversized waterproof jacket, along with his beanie had, and the age of the protagonist suggest that the film is targeting a more mature, older audience
- Dull, grey concrete background suggests an industrial British setting, perhaps appealing to British working class people??????
- Title is written in graffiti, which has connotations of crime and deprivation. Could appeal to audiences who live in the place represented?????
- Heroic, powerful pose of actor may connote power, which again may be relatable to audiences
- Clearly attempting to appeal to a niche audience (small and specific)
- Appeals to film enthusiasts rather than children
- Features the name of the director and the writer, giving credit to them rather than actors
- Appeals to pre-existing fans of Ken Loach
- Relatable themes to a working class audience
- MES of graffiti on wall again is relatable to a working class audience
- Use of colour red contrasts with grey background
- Lots of critic reviews suggests critical acclaim
- Themes of protest and passion may appeal to an audience
- MES of costume is relatable to working class audience
- Hegemonically unattractive actor subverts assumptions of how to sell a film
- Name of director: Ken Loach is a cult director with a niche following. Will allow film to target a niche audience
- Title is spray painted on the poster, resembling vandalism and protest, again themes which may appeal to a niche audience
- Stereotypical British man and stereotypically British setting may appeal to British audiences
- Symbolic code of first represents unity and togetherness
- Plain background draws to actor, and suggests a straightforward film with a straightforward
- Straightforward, simple poster with low production values makes it more 'real'
The conventions of the social realist film
Social realist cinema, also known as 'kitchen sink dramas', are a niche genre of media that spans many media types and countries, the the genre is certainly particularly 'popular' in the UK
- 'realistic' setting, themes, narrative and characters
- Relatable to working class audiences
- Representation of working class people
- Educational value - to draw attention working class issues such as poverty, drug addition and so on
- Not traditionally entertaining
- Dull, muted, depressing colour schemes
- Reflects the reality of peoples lives, and the lives of the majority
- Highly critical of conservative governments, he education system, the police, and any form of authority
- Non-trained actors
- Social realism: a genre of film that explores real issues, such as poverty, deprivation, social issues and so on
- Gritty, dirty, 'realist' settings
- Themes of violence used to alienate the audience
- Filmed in rundown, real locations
- Use of local actors and regional accents
- Issues with authority. Criticisms of authority, eg the police and schools
- Focus on poor, deprived and 'real' characters
- Verisimilitude
- Low budget, lack of CGI and other expensive techniques
- Handheld cinematography
- Unknown actors