Violent Cop
その男、凶暴につき
| |
|---|
| Poster Origin : | Japan |
| Poster Size : | Japanese B2 / 515 x 728mm |
| Poster Year : | 1989 |
| Poster Version : | First Release |
| Film Origin : | Japan |
| Film Director : | Takeshi Kitano |
| Film Year : | 1989 |
The stark, uncompromising design of this poster serves its purpose with no frills and no apologies. It is direct, and achieves its aim with ruthless efficiency. It doesn’t need warmth or emotion to succeed; a true representation of the Violent Cop.
The barren layout is distinguished by a beautiful allegory that defines Kitano’s intriguing character study - Officer Azuma’s utter frustration.
The credits are presented in a single block of neatly arranged type across the centre, which appears to obstruct or constrict Azuma like a fence, ropes, or maybe a straightjacket. Rules and bureaucracy are a constant hindrance, and his superiors who believe he is crazy would sooner have him restrained, disarmed and disabled out of harm’s way, like a confined lunatic. He stands alone, a law unto himself, as disdainful of the system that governs him as the felons he tries so hard to outdo. In the end the system proves to be his true nemesis; he is barred from administering his own effective brand of justice, and the petty but powerful rules are the one thing he cannot overcome.
I rarely like modern, digitally produced, or photographic posters, but this one is so striking and well executed it stands out from the crowd.