Film Preview: Sicario (2015)

Page Revisions:

(June 21, 2015) Original
(August 2, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Posters (#3-#8) / Page Redesigned
(September 13, 2015) New Posters (#9-#12)

Release Date:

September 18, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “In Mexico, Sicario means hitman. In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elite government task force official to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past, the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.”

Poster Rating: B / B- / B- (5) / A / C (3) / C

Review: (#1) It isn’t much, but it’s a fascinating image, one that we haven’t seen in poster designs, at least not recently. There’s enough detail in the walls of this tunnel to create a layer of depth and the symbolism it represents is fascinating. (#2) This is far from symbolic, but it’s a beautifully detailed design that will capture a lot of attention even if it doesn’t explain a lot about the film it’s representing.

(#3-#7) Leave it to a major Hollywood film to show indie filmmakers how to handle a hand-drawn poster design. This series of five is far superior to most of what comes out of the smaller film market. While some of the elements are rudimentary, they have a visual and color style that is unmistakably interesting.

(#8) Save the best for the last. This complex design takes a style that has been oft used, but seldom as interesting, rich or detailed as this. This is a fascinating, gorgeous construction.

(#9-#11) Three more character posters that aren’t nearly as vibrant or compelling, leaving the audience to better grasp the stars, but without suitable visual subtext. (#12) It’s always been fascinating to see how studios shift into generic overdrive when a film is closer to release. This design, which is presumably the final poster, isn’t something you want to look at and is certainly not something that makes you say “Hey! I want to see that.”

Trailer Rating: B / B

Review: (#1) Emily Blunt commands this trailer like the star she is, but is there enough here to engage would-be audiences? It’s not certain, but considering the current film environment, I could see this going over exceptionally well.

(#2) There isn’t a lot that’s different to this second trailer. It covers mostly the same ground. Sets up mostly the same premise. And ultimately leaves the audience interested, though wondering just how original it can be.

Oscar Prospects:

Denis Villaneuve may finally have a vehicle that’s Oscar capable. With the rising star Emily Blunt in the lead, and a cast of strong support, this could be a dark horse contender for one of the political commentary slots at this year’s Oscars.