kiss of the vampire media language

Question 1

what does the capitalised, wood like font of the title have connotations of?

Answer 1

the vampire genre as it references a coffin or stake with the blood drip on the V like a fang- iconography

Question 2

how do the costume and teeth of the male vampire present him?

Answer 2

stereotypical- appears threatening, aggressive and dangerous which reflects strong patriarchal views of the 1960s of men as more powerful- carrying woman

Question 3

what does the facial expression and body language of the male vamp connote?

Answer 3

uncharacteristically wide eyes and defensive body language- connotes fear and vulnerability which could reflect shift in gender expectations just happening in the 1960s

Question 4

how do the costumes of both women sexualise them and why is this done?

Answer 4

tight silk dresses and exposed skin objectify them to appeal to the male gaze- increasing seen in the media

Question 5

how and why is the first female presenter as a ‘damsel in distress’ ?

Answer 5

potentially unconscious- carried/supported by male to victimise her and connote his strength and control

Question 6

how does the body language and facial expression of the female vampire subvert stereotypes of women?

Answer 6

raised arm and barred teeth present her as powerful and egressive- positioned above man as the potential aggressor

Question 7

how is the body language of the second male unstereotypical and how does it reflect society at the time?

Answer 7

kneeling and potentially unconscious- submissive and vulnerable- reflects shift in societal views and castration anxiety

Question 8

how does the credit block reflect gender roles and the patriarchy in the 1960s?

Answer 8

only 1 female name with heavy representation of men in the film industry- presents how it was harder for women to get these jobs and be recognised and credited for them

Question 9

how do the characters and title create enigma codes?

Answer 9

suspense created through the connoted relationship between the 2 vampires and their victims (emphasised by the word ‘kiss’ in the title

Question 10

how does Barthes symbolic codes theory apply to the poster?

Answer 10

horror, darkness and fear are more widely reinforced through signifiers such as the moon and the male victim’s ‘submissive sacrifice’ gesture code.