TEXT ANALYSIS

Here is a promotional poster for a feature film; National Treasure.

Below it is an analysis of the codes and conventions used on the text.

The main image shows the protagonist, Nicholas Cage, who usually stars in action adventure films.
He looks ready for action and his body language tells us that he is determined, on the lookout.
His facial expression is focused and he is looking to the left, we see him in profile like he is looking for something out of shot. He is wearing the costume of a modern day adventurer with jeans and a bomber jacket and we can see he is wearing a watch with a map case slung over his shoulder.
(Action)
The colours of the poster are similar to the Indiana Jones movie posters, predominantly sepia tones so the audience might expect this film to be of a similar genre; a fast paced action adventure.

The main character is shown almost in silhouette and this type of low key lighting suggests mystery.
The light behind Nicholas Cage is like a sunrise and  creates the expectation that a revelation will happen
(Enigma)
The positioning of the light near to the map invites the viewer to consider what might be on the map, the audience will ant to know what the character is carrying.
The skulls and fire have connotations of danger and let us know that the action will take place in a dangerous location.
The graphics and main title are written in a font that looks like stone suggesting something biblical or ancient history. The triangle shape behind connotes Egyptian architecture, the pyramids.
The eye of the Illuminati also has mysterious connotations and implies the text will be to do with wealth as this symbol can be seen on the American dollar.
Geographical markers such as the white house suggests the story will be set in America.
The tagline below the main title suggests the hero must do something dangerous and illegal, this invites the audience to sympathise with the character as he pursues his quest.
The flock of birds or bats create an expectation of something being disturbed.
One of the producer's previous films is mentioned at the top of the poster and this reference suggests to the audience that they can expect a film which is similar in quality. The creators expect their target audience to recognise Pirates of the Caribbean and are creating an expectation among potential viewers.
The poster also shows a woman running which implies there will be exciting chase sequences this is a convention of the action adventure genre. The woman looks vulnerable and in need of help, she is showing her cleavage suggesting she is a flirt.
The image of the woman with Nicholas Cage at the top left perhaps suggests romance and they are framed by a clock, this indicates a possible race against time for the main character to win the girl's heart.