Pretty Woman Poster

Genre Conventions Research: Pretty Woman Poster

The poster for the film Pretty Woman sees two very contrasting characters in that their are portrayed as total opposites of the social spectrum due to their costumes. The image of the woman's costume presents her as being sexualised and provocative, her mini skirt and her long shiny black boots gives the impression that she is promiscuous or may even a prostitute. She is prsented as a fun, carefree character evident in her smile, however because she is showing a lot of skin this could be connte that she is sexual character. The poster could be also playing to sterotypes of young women being party girls and being sexuality active, however this also could suggest that she is of low social standing becouse her costume can be viewed as tacky and unsophisticated again giving the suggestion that she is of low socital positioning . Her character is very much feminised, evident becouse she is wearing pink which is often seen as a feminine colour in addition to the jewelry she wears and her high heel boots. it is evident that she is being highlighted the most of the two characters and the use of the colour pink being used in her costume and the title, reflects this connotation.

In polarised difference, the male character's persona presents him in a suit and tie, immediately denoting that he is some sort of business man. His costume also tells us that he is educated highly and is well groomed and it is also implyed through costume that he is a gentleman. In terms of social positioning it is suggested that he is of high standing and stereotypically such characters would not be compatible because they come from two very different world and this is all conveyed to the viewer through the use of custom. We see the female character pulling his tie maybe to imply that she is trying to bring him out of his sensible and ordered corporate life. This is further supported by the way he is leaning on her, suggesting that she is going to have a major impact on his life and thinking. 

The way the poster presents the two characters as placed back to back suggests that there may be a clash of personalities due to their varied backgrounds. In terms of the white background which has connotations of being pure and peaceful are thrown off balance with her bright pink which again could symbolise that this imposition personifies her character. In terms of conforming to the conventions of posters, this poster is effective in utilising taglines to reinforce and dramatise the genre of the film, in addition to its storyline. Also, the use of the two leading actors/characters could have been used in order for it to act as a 'selling point' for the film, due to the fact that both Julia Roberts and Richard Gere were both very popular actors at the time, and therefore, using them on the poster can draw in a larger audience.