Before we ever see a film, many times, we see its poster. The phrase tells us to not judge a book by its cover, but we certainly don’t always follow that rule. Posters are the book covers of films and they can either encourage our excitement to see the film, bore us with indifference or, at worst, cause us to reject a film. Movie posters are an extremely important aspect of filmmaking and marketing that certainly do not often times get their due. The best of them not only are good marketing tools, but are also good art. So, to honor the artists who excited our imaginations and helped sell the films they were tasked with presenting, here is the Cinema Bros’ top 12 movie posters of 2016:
12. The Lobster
— Jake —
The Lobster has been on my radar for over a year, but I have yet to see the film. However, I think this poster hooked me and articulates the message of the film at the same time. Per the trailer, The Lobster is a darkly satirical take on relationships, monogamy, and love. Colin Farrell’s character embracing an invisible person with a blank stare on his face is minimal and brilliant and reminds me what drew me to this film in the first place.
11. Sing Street
— Sam —
This film, which is set in the 80’s, gets the 80’s portrayal it deserves in this poster. Everything about it is fabulously retro. Obviously the hairstyles and attire are spot on, but the overall color scheme seems very 80’s. It is almost garish in the way that it combines colors. They seem to clash but that’s what makes the whole thing pop. The slogan of the movie is a great addition and is expertly portrayed in the girl’s look of utter boredom. This is just a really fun poster for a phenomenally fun film.
10. La La Land
— Sam —
The colors of this poster are outstanding. The blue of the sky is so rich and deep and almost otherworldly. The brightness of Emma Stone’s dress splayed across that background is breathtaking. The lone lamppost works to add a bit of character to the scene but also stands as a reference to the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain. The symmetry of this point in the couple’s dance adds an overall elegance to the scene at large. This poster perfectly captures the magic of this wonderful film.
9. In a Valley of Violence
— Jake —
This poster coupled with Ti West as director made me want to see this film without even seeing a trailer. I love the old school, Tarantino-esque vibe that the poster throws out, and I also value the simplicity of color scheme and imagery. I don’t expect much more than a fun, escapist experience from this film, and I think the poster conveys that quite nicely.
8. The Witch
— Jake —
This poster features, believe it or not, a main character of the film whose name it bears. The goat, Black Phillip, alludes to darkness and looming evil per New England folklore. I also have to admit, the goat on this poster and in the trailer for The Witch was one of the elements that made me most terrified to see this film. That terror was certainly warranted.
7. Jackie
— Joe —
Out of all the films in 2016, I think the marketing for Jackie has been some of the best. This poster is another example of that. Natalie Portman adorns this sheet in the blood red outfit that recalls Jackie Kennedy in the White House tour video. This part of the poster is quite simple and beautiful. Add the blood red backdrop though and the abundance of red gives off the feeling of danger and dread. Then add the name of the person and movie in the form of Jackie Kennedy’s signature and you have an elegant, simple, beautiful, foreboding poster.
Cinema Bros 