There is something special about good one sheets. They make you care about the movie even if you know nothing about it. They are first and foremost advertising and secondly but more importantly to me they are works of art that I should want to have up on my wall to remind me of the movie. I still have not seen Monsters (Kurt’s Review) but I can definitely say without a doubt that if the movie is anywhere near as good as the one sheets are then I will love the film. I figured it would be fun to look at each of the posters in turn ending up with the newest alternative poster which is below the seat.

The first poster feels like a fairly classic disaster poster which emphasizes the disaster more than the actors. The downed helicopter and the warning sign are as prominent as the two leads who are walking towards the camera. In addition we even have the male lead have his face have covered by the gas mask. I really give the poster makers and the studios points for being willing not focus in on the characters.

The second poster is my favourite of the three because it reminds me of a Criterion DVD cover. The bright light behind the gas masked figure hides any chance of really seeing who the person is and if you look carefully you can see the reflection of the tentacles within the eye piece. This one shows the viewer that the movie takes place in a bleak world without needing the warning sign or the background disaster.

Finally, just like with the first poster the male lead’s face is covered by the gas mask but in addition so is the female lead’s face. We are also shown an artistic representation of the tentacles which is made even more compelling by the fact that the tentacles are coming out of the gas mask. Perhaps we are looking at a reference to the monsters as being something that is coming out of us as opposed to simply an alien creature or perhaps they take us over. Either way it hints at possibilities. I also love the use of “THIS LAND IS OUR THEIR LAND”.

Any of these posters would make a beautiful addition to my slowly growing collection of one sheets. I do plan on tracking down the Criterionesque poster. Feel free chime in and say which one is your favourite.