I have created a movie poster for the film ‘Road to Perdition’ directed by Sam Mendes and starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig & Jude Law.

 

My composition describes two of the major themes that run throughout the film: that of the relationship between father and son, and the prevalence of death.

 

There are three father-son relationships in the film: that between Sullivan (Hanks) and his son Michael, between Sullivan and Rooney (Newman), and between Rooney and his son Connor (Craig). To emphasise this theme, Sullivan’s pose creates a pyramid shape over the other characters in the composition, showing his dominance over them, and his determination to protect his son from becoming a killer just like him. Sullivan’s arm is hanging over Rooney, the father-figure, clutching a gun to reinforce his taking charge and the lengths he is prepared to go in order to achieve his goal, despite any emotional difficulties.

 

The other major theme I have communicated is the prevalence of death. In the film, water is used as an accompanying motif whenever a death occurs. I have adopted this idea shown by the rain and the water dripping from each of the men’s hats. Sullivan is sheltering Michael from the rain under his coat, safeguarding him from any harm and violence, whilst bearing the burden on himself.

 

I have used a muted palette with many subtle greys, and harsh backlighting to communicate the dark and brooding feel that is central to the film. The rain also helps in depicting the cold look of the 1930’s and the emotional states of the characters. Warmer colours have been used on Michael to show his innocence and disconnection from all this violence.