Slumdog Millionaire - Attracting Audiences

There are many ways in which Slumdog Millionaire has attracted audiences, the marketing being the most obvious, but also its narrative and themes, and even the setting.

As Slumdog Millionaire was distributed by two different companies there were two different posters which gave off very different images of the genre and themes in the movie. The American poster attracted audiences with its dark and edgy appearance, its use of colour is intriguing and interesting, leaving much to be desired as the poster itself at first glance seems mysterious and does not tell you much about the film letting the idea of the film sell itself, it also lacks star names which could be a draw for some audiences like the Explorers who are interested in finding something new and away from the mainstream, the use of Danny Boyle's name could also be a draw for many people as he has a very distinct movie type and an almost cult following of fans.  While the UK poster marketed the movie as a feel good hit of the summer with bright and bold copy, a white background and a set up promo photo, this gives the movie an overall happy and light tone as the confetti around Jamal and Latika connote happiness and celebration, this may draw in audiences who are looking for a feel good rom com type film with a happy ending.

Both posters give off very specific ideas about the film and audiences may be drawn to see it to see if their expectations of the movie are met or challenged, some will want their expectations to be met and have the film be typical of its genre while others will be looking for something to challenge them and show them something they have never seen before or at least something away from the mainstream movies.

The trailer gives hints of the films narrative structure which may also attract audiences as it could be a type of film making they have never seen before, the enigma codes presented will leave them with may unanswered questions about the story and they may be intrigued to find out what happens and how it ends, others may have figured out the plot and just want to see if they are right about the movie. The film being set in India may also be a draw for some audiences as they may not not much about the country or seen it be represented in such a way, this could be to reinforce their preconceptions of India or challenge them and show them a whole new side they have never seen before.