The tagline “Believe the
legend. Beware the wolf” tells us that
this is going to be based on the traditional Red Riding Hood story about a
young girl and her encounter with an evil, talking wolf. It warns us that the legend of a bad wolf
is very real. We sense that this is not
going to be a movie that should be seen right before bedtime.
The atmosphere of this advertisement
is partially set by the creepy trees and their sharply chiseled branches all
around the girl. Every branch is carved
to look like deadly thorns. None of the
branches look normal; they seem to be saying “The better to tear you with, my
dear”. The ground is covered with snow
which contrasts starkly with the girl’s bright red cape and lips. Her cape is a very rich red color. It’s a more gothic style of the Red Riding
Hood cape, rather than a childish version.
There seems to be a subtle emphasis on the color red, the color of
blood. The angle of the shot makes it
seem as if someone or something is watching her as she runs through the
forest. All of this put together lends
to a mysterious, yet intriguing advertisement.
It is clearly being marketed to teens because of the beautiful but
dangerous theme.
The major part of the advertisement
is the girl and her long, flowing, red cape.
The expression on her face is as if she is running towards
something. Is it the wolf? She seems
like she is looking for something in the forest. Is it Grandma? Unlike many heroines in teen stories
nowadays, this girl does not appear to be a damsel in distress. Although she is beautiful and feminine, she
also appears purposeful and strong. Will
she discover the identity of the wolf?
What is most striking about her to me, other than her cape, is the deep,
dark color of her lips. It makes her
face stand out against the pale white snow.
Why are her lips so much like the color of blood? The better to eat you with my dear? Is she the wolf?
I really love this ad. I think that this is one of the best
advertisements for a movie that I have ever seen. I love the drama and mystery of the forest
setting. Those dark and scary trees seem
so evil and contrast sharply with the pure white snow. The setting makes us realize this is a good
vs. evil story. The starkness of the
only colors; white, black and blood red make it only more terrifying. I love the choice of the heroine, Amanda
Seyfried. She appears pure and strong,
beautiful and smart. We know the story
is going to be about her and the wolf, yet who knows how it will end. You have to see the movie to find out.
You analyze several details about the ad here, but I'd like to see it you bring it all together with a strong main thesis. The primary appeal you seem to identify here is pathos, though I think an argument could be made that by calling on a well-known story as the foundation for the movie, they're making an ethical appeal as well. Who is meant to identify with the ad? You mention teens... would you say primarily teen girls? What in the ad appeals to teen boys? In other words, how does the identity appeal work? Are stereotypes part of the appeal? Consider these questions, and if you decide to revise this post, use them to help define a unifying thesis to help focus your analysis.
ReplyDeleteweasleywitch,
ReplyDeleteI liked the post, I even looked up the movie after reading it! Your post is really good, but you could add another paragraph on why it would connect with teens of these days. Otherwise, awesome post!
I enjoyed reading this post. just like the movie seem this article is mysterious. I agree with Mrs.Holly on how you may need to narrow down what teens you are talking about. but overall nice article.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the rest of the comments. Darn you now you just made me want to see it more then i already did
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL. I loved your prose!... and really enjoyed how you analyzed this and the points you made about the creepy sense of it and how it appeals to teens. This is also a great advertisement for the movie it's self!
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are great! Just try to organize them more (and basically what everyone else said).
Great job!!! :)