Where the Wild Things Are

The poster that I chose to do a review on is the movie poster for Where the Wild Things Are.  I feel as though this poster highlights many of the core principles we have learned in class, while also emphasizing the mood of the movie.  I think the message of this poster directly correlates with the message of the movie and book: while your imagination may not be active, the memories you once created will never completely disappear.  Consequently, while the main “wild thing” in the book (as well as the focal point of the poster), Carol, is slightly hidden by the large tree, it is impossible for him to hide all of his limbs and part of his head.  This idea represents Max’s imagination by proving that even if the wild things attempt to hide as a figment of his imagination, they will always be there waiting for him to need them.

The poster uses the concept of lines to create an interesting background.  Because these lines are contrasting values, the background is slightly distracting.  The poster also uses texture to emphasize the lifelike nature of Max’s imagination; while the creatures and places he invents may not be real, the viewer is supposed to feel as though they are tangible and alive… the texture displayed in this poster provides a bit of reality to his imagination.

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Smithsonian Annual Photo Contest

I was genuinely impressed by the collection of photos chosen for the Smithsonian annual photo contest at the Smithsonian Castle.  I found it inspiring that many of the photos were taken by amateurs; while many people would not be capable of producing that caliber of work, the photos sent by the amateurs were each intriguing in their own way.  I could tell that the people in charge of selecting the pictures to include in the exhibit must have had a difficult time, because each had an interesting composition… many even had beautiful stories to coincide with the photo.

Although my favorite photograph was different than the one I included in the post, I also enjoyed this one by Gordon Stillman of Richmond, Virginia.  I could only find the photo winners in various categories online, and this winner of the “Americana” section was my favorite of the  six winners.  I think the most interesting aspect of this photograph is that the composition is so busy; it doesn’t quite align with the rule of thirds.  Instead, the column of the ride centers the photograph and the people surrounding it provide an element of chaos, as the blurred background emphasizes the motion of the individuals around the column.