Semiotics Study on Poster Film The Pursuit of Happyness

Abstract

This study concerns on Semiotics fields. The problems of the study are what signs that represent film The Pursuit of Happyness on poster; what meanings are contained in the poster of the film; and how is poster design of The Pursuit of Happyness attracting the audience’s attention. The research aims to find out signs that represent the film; to find out meanings that contain on poster; and to find out how the design used to attract attention of the audience. This study uses qualitative method. The findings of the study shows that there are 9 signs on the poster namely white background, the shining light between two main characters, the use of colour and size on two words (‘pursuit’ and ‘happy’), the position of some words, the symbol of father and son, gesture of the two main characters, the appearance of two main character, facial expression and the intention of the slogan ‘inspired by true story’ as well as Christmas 2006. Each sign has meaning. The way illustrator attracting audience’s attention is very smooth. Although the poster looks simple, the visual and the way s/he uses the colours. By the name of actor, the slogan, and the design, the illustrator is successful in building people’s enthusiasms on the film.

Keywords: film, poster, semiotics

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/54-06

Publication date:March 31^st 2019