Typography Deconstruction

Typography Deconstruction

‘Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed’

Different film genres have different styles of typography that they will conform to and adapt to make it effective to their feature. In the horror genre, the use of uneven and scratchy text is often used. The genre itself has several subgenres but the use of typography is always similar and the use of this type of font is common. Different adaptations of the font are used and different effects are layered but it will always give the same idea of a creepy or unsettling story.

In the drama genre, there is often the use of capital letters that is spread out to give it a straight spaced out look that created a neat image. This usually contrasts to the difficult situations in the film, diverging from ‘normal’ as there is some sort of conflict or tension.

Iconography can be used and is increasingly more popular in the generally new trend of superhero movies. It is used for a more dramatic effect as the audience is expected to know what the symbol used means and it will be more dramatic than the title.

Action films can vary as to what font or orientation they use for their typography. The use of capitals with certain letters longer or larger than others is a popular choice for a bold statement and an effective beginning.

Use of even text, not always capitals but bold, like a statement are used for urban drama films. Often distressed, this suggests the themes in the film if a character is in an uncomfortable situation, it could also represent violence as it seems’ worn down’. This seems reflective of the usual themes of the film which include the same sort of violent conflict found in the rougher areas of cities where the films are based.