How do Dua Lipa’s aesthetics and presence affect the reception of this spy comedy full of intrigue and humour? Is Argylle a good film?
The Argylle, directed by Matthew Vaughn, is an upcoming spy film set for theatrical release on 2 February 2024. The main plot revolves around writer Elly Conway. She discovers that the fictional spy character from her books, Argylle, is based on a real person in the world of international spies. The film combines elements of intrigue, humor, and action. It presents a wide range of characters. These characters oscillate between the worlds of literature and reality. The poster draws viewers in with its color scheme. It features a rich character setup and symbolism that hides potentially multiple meanings.
Denotative analysis
Denotative analysis refers to the immediate, surface elements of the poster, that is, what can be observed without a deeper context. In the poster we see several figures, each of whom seems to represent different archetypes of the spy world. The main attention is drawn to the book held by the red-haired character, which is the visual focal point and suggests that the literary dimension of the plot will be important. The title Argylle and the slogan ‘The greater the spy, the bigger the lie’ evoke the theme of espionage and intrigue. Also noticeable is the geometric motif, reminiscent of Argylle-style patterns (rhombuses), which may refer to the protagonist’s name. The image of a cat in binoculars is also a significant detail, suggesting the humorous aspect of the film and the elements of mystery and fun.
Connotative analysis. In search of answer: is Argylle a good film?
On a connotative level, the poster refers to the classic motifs of spy cinema, but with elements of caricature and exaggeration. The characters look somewhat theatrical, which may indicate the parodic nature of the film. The golden colour scheme and stylised costumes may symbolise the glitz and glamour of the spy world, which is both exclusive and overdone. The book in the centre of the poster suggests that the boundary between fiction and reality will be a key theme of the film, and the motif of a cat looking through binoculars reinforces the mood of mystery, but in a somewhat mocking tone.
Commutation test
The commutation test involves changing certain elements of the poster to see how this affects the perception of meaning. For example, changing the book held by a character to a gun or other spy attribute could change the interpretation of the poster from fiction and literature to a more traditionally sensationalist one. Similarly, removing the cat could dilute the humorous aspect of the poster, making the film’s message seem more serious and dramatic. The introduction of darker colours could make the poster more dark and mysterious, instead of bright and lively, which currently suggests fun and lightheartedness.
One of the main characters is played by pop culture icon Dua Lipa. Her presence on the poster in a gold gown reinforces the connotation of luxury and style.
Is Argylle a good film? Myth analysis
Myth analysis according to Barthes involves decoding hidden cultural narratives. In this case, the Argylle poster may represent the myth of the spy as a superhero. It also reflects the upper classes, where lying and intrigue are the norm. The styling and arrangement of the figures suggest that the spy world is not only about danger. It is also about fashion, power, and the game of appearances. Furthermore, the myth of the cat as a symbol of secrecy and cunning may play a role. The cat in the binoculars is a symbol of attentiveness and perspicacity, qualities often attributed to spies and detectives, but at the same time it brings a humorous element, breaking the convention of serious intrigue.
Analysis of the Argylle poster suggests that Matthew Vaughn’s film is full of action and humor. It combines elements of comedy and spy thriller. The film deliberately plays with genre conventions. This may attract audiences looking for an exaggerated, parodic version of spy cinema. However, it may disappoint those expecting realism and seriousness. One of the main characters is played by pop culture icon Dua Lipa. Her presence on the poster in a gold gown reinforces the connotation of luxury and style. Additionally, her participation may attract younger viewers by connecting the worlds of music and cinema. Lipa’s presence also signals that Argylle is a more stylised, aesthetically sophisticated film, deviating from classic spy films.