Poster Analysis - ‘Legend’

For my poster analysis I am using a poster from the recent Tom Hardy film ‘Legend,' set in the 1960s.  The film is directed by the Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland and stars Emily Browning.  It tells the notorious true story of the Kray twins, real life gangsters who ruled and captivated London City during the iconic swinging sixties. The Kray twins are both played by the BAFTA winning actor Tom Hardy.

In the poster that I have chosen to analyse, the main protagonists of the film are all placed in the centre of the poster but all are different sizes from the biggest at the top to the female who is the smallest at the very bottom looking back suggesting that she may be weak and in need of protection, worried or is in some sort of trouble or dilemma. The characters are positioned above the city showing that they are on top of the world, possibly by using their advantage of their power and wealth obviously shown through their expensive taste in clothing. The strong character positioning of the larger male, Reggie Kray, shows that he is the dominant brother and in overall control, even though the facial expressions on Ronnie Kray is more intense as his mouth is screwed up and he is looking right out of the shot.  His power is also visible upon his face with no intimidation shown, whilst Reggie looks out with concentration wearing a worried expression with the tension of a dilemma or of something bad about to happen. 

The genre of this film is quite easily identified from the poster as the film is based on a well published true story which many people would be familiar with but there are also clear elements of the poster that have strong connections to the themes of Crime, Gangs and Gangsters, from the costumes to the stereotypical gang member ring on Ronnie Kray’s finger, slightly up right body language and even the character position above the City.  From the good taste in suits, ties and clothing to the slick back hair, wealth is clearly visible but not without showing a harsh and rebellious attitude which connects with them being criminals.  The theme of action within this film is also a strong possibility as Ronnie Krays clenched fists indicates that he is prepared to fight and suggesting from his facial expression he is not afraid to do so either.

The clothing and hair worn in the poster both obviously have a strong connection to the 1960's. Both of the Kray twins suits show a sense of power, wealth and villainy but to be able to differentiate between the two Kray twins, Ronnie Kray wears glasses which could stereotypically suggest greater intelligence. Also the different styles of suits which are worn by both twins not only separates the two brothers but it also shows both characters different personality. The females costume is both glamorous and sexy and from what we see of it the detail of the dress shows no lack of expense spared. Her hair also really sets the time period with a classic 60's style and whilst Reggie seems more laid back with his appearance Ronnie’s slick back hair suggest that he is more precious about his overall appearance.

The setting and location of the poster is easily seen as London City at night as they stand over it as if they were Gods, with the amber sunset setting in the distance it possibly shows their crimes slowly but eventually coming to an end. The calm blue toned background shows a contrast to the busy, lively, dark city below. The light from the city connects to whole domination by the Krays. The lighting around the characters is slightly darker from the blue background except from the characters faces which are brightly lit but still with a shadow around them with a cigarette smokey effect rising up into their faces.  This creates intensity within the characters but also creates a clear focus for the audience. 

In this poster there is a quote written ‘Power Fear Family’. This may indicate the dilemma which is more important to the protagonist, family or money? The target audience for this film is most probably from the ages of 18-40 as its deems quite violent from that it is based on true events of what actually occurred back in the 60’s.