Kiss Of The Vampire Flashcards
What is the title of the film associated with the poster?
Kiss of the Vampire
What genre does ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ belong to?
Horror
True or False: The poster for ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ features a romantic theme.
False
Fill in the blank: The ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ poster prominently features _____ imagery.
gothic
What visual element is commonly associated with vampire films that is likely present in the poster?
Dark colors
Multiple choice: Which of the following elements is typically highlighted in horror film posters? A) Bright colors B) Blood C) Comedy
B) Blood
What is the primary purpose of a film poster?
To promote the film and attract an audience
True or False: The poster for ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ likely includes the film’s release date.
True
Short answer: Who is the target audience for horror film posters like ‘Kiss of the Vampire’?
Fans of horror films
What type of imagery is often used to convey suspense in a horror film poster?
Shadows and silhouettes
Fill in the blank: The ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ poster may utilize _____ to create a sense of fear.
contrast
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common color scheme for horror film posters? A) Pastels B) Bright primary colors C) Dark and muted tones
C) Dark and muted tones
What element of design is crucial for attracting attention on a film poster?
Typography
True or False: The title of the film is usually the most prominent text on a poster.
True
Short answer: What emotion is typically evoked by horror film posters?
Fear or suspense
Fill in the blank: The use of _____ can indicate the film’s tone on the poster.
imagery
Multiple choice: What is a common motif in vampire film posters? A) Sunlight B) Garlic C) Bats
C) Bats
What is the significance of the tagline in a film poster?
It provides a memorable phrase that encapsulates the film’s theme.
True or False: The poster for ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ may include reviews or ratings.
True
Short answer: How does the composition of a poster influence viewer perception?
It guides the viewer’s focus and creates a narrative.
Fill in the blank: The color red is often associated with _____ in horror posters.
blood
Multiple choice: What visual cue might indicate danger in a horror film poster? A) Flowers B) Chainsaws C) Balloons
B) Chainsaws
What is the role of the film’s credits on the poster?
To acknowledge key contributors like the director and actors.
True or False: The design of the ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ poster can impact its marketing success.
True
Short answer: Why are facial expressions important in horror film posters?
They convey emotional reactions and set the tone.
Fill in the blank: The ‘Kiss of the Vampire’ poster likely aims to appeal to _____ fans.
horror
Context
1960s is often seen as the start of women’s sexual liberation.
Sixties feminists campaigning for equality between men and women in wider society.
A 1960s audience would be familiar with the codes and conventions of monster movie film posters (females usualy the victims).
Product Context
Produced by Hammer Film Productions.
Hammer had, by 1963, other ‘monster movie’ franchises e.g. ‘The Mummy’.
Codes and Conventions and Media Language
Capitalised font in title with ‘wooden’ styling has connotations of coffin/stake.
Painted main image - highly conventional for films of the era. Links to Christopher Lee’s ‘Dracula’.
Gloomy, grey, black and brown colour palette reinforces the films scary conventions.
Attacking bats, the vampire and the blood are all key visual signifiers for the genre.
Semiotics, Roland Barthes
Suspense is created through enigmas surrounding the connoted relationship between male and female vaampires.
Barthes’ Semantic Code - images of bats + their conventional association (vampirism and horror in general).
Symbolic Code of horror reinforced - signifiers e.g. moon and the male victims ‘submissive sacrrifice’ gesture code.
Structuralism, Claude Levi Strauss
Binary oppositions - opposing representations of the vampires and their victims.*
Romantic connotations of “kiss” opposed to the stereotypical “vampire”.
*Vampire himself being uncharacteristic through his gesture codes, protecting himself from the female vampire.
Theory of Representation, Stuart Hall
Mark of quality combined with the iconography represent ‘Hammer Film’ institution - apply to the common genre conventions of a horror.
Dominant patriachy is constructed using inequalities of sexual stereotypes.
Theory of Identity, David Gauntlett
Female vampire could act as a role model for women struggling against male oppression *link to context.
Theory of Identity present for women who want to conform to the stereotypes.
Men may want to create their own identity externaly by dressing similarly.
Identity can also be shaped by role models in the media.
Feminist Theory, Liesbet Van Zoonen
The female vampire - contributing to social change, representing women in non-traditional roles.
Women’s bodies on the film poster are being objectified - core element of western patriachal culture.
Visual and narrative codes construct the male body as a spectacle (muscles/clothing) - this enforced the male/female gaze.
Representations Constructed
Women wear pale dresses - reinforce their femininty and highlight the curves of their bodies.
Gesture code of male vampire holding female passive victim by one arm highlights his power/masculinity.
The second woman’s gsture codes are more aggressive - submissive pose of her male victim represents her in a non-stereotypically dominnt way.
Male characters represented as muscular and manly whereas women, innocent. However, this movie poster opposes these stereotypes whilst also reinforcing them too.
Gender Representation
The film poster reinforces traditional gender roles with women portrayed as victims and men as protectors or aggressors.
Stereotypical Conventions
The use of bats, blood, and moon in the poster align with typical horror movie symbols, appealing to audience expectations.
Power Dynamics
The positioning of characters on the poster reflects power dynamics, with the male vampire depicted as dominant and the female characters in submissive poses.
Cinematic Influences
The visual style of the poster draws inspiration from classic horror films, paying homage to the genre’s iconic imagery.
Cultural Context
The representation of masculinity and femininity on the poster reflects societal norms and values prevalent during the 1960s.
Genre Expectations
The poster’s design elements align with audience expectations for horror films, signaling the genre and setting viewer anticipations.
Symbolic Imagery
The use of bats and blood symbolize themes of darkness, danger, and supernatural elements commonly associated with vampire lore.
Narrative Tension
The poster’s composition creates suspense by hinting at the conflict and relationships between characters, enticing viewers to explore the story.
Visual Aesthetics
The color palette and imagery evoke a sense of mystery and fear, typical of horror genre visuals, enhancing the poster’s impact.
Character Archetypes
The poster reinforces traditional character roles, with the male vampire embodying power and danger, while the female characters represent vulnerability and allure.
