Poster analysis

• intertextuality with the bikes at the front with lights, and full moon, relates to ET.
• 80s style clothing and hair styles as well as the bicycles enforce the time of when the tv show was based.
• enigma code in reference to the letters on the left top of the poster, when joyce was trying to contact will.
• colour palette for the poster are dark but bold colours which adds to the sci-fi element of the poster and amplifies the eighties time period.
• you can see the shed in the main image where will is abducted finally by the unknown, at the time, monster.
• possibly the research lab/facility the housed the monster and eleven on the right hand side, behind the man wearing a hazmat suit.
• eleven is in the middle of the poster and is the biggest image out of all of them, signifying that she is the main character.
• restricted area sign that also refers to the sign we are shown before will sees the monster for the first time and veers off the road.
• the led-light sign, type font also emphasises the eighties era and draws attention to the title of the show without taking too much away from the main picture.
• looks like a drawing out of a comic book which was a relevant thing at the time and is mentioned in the bet between dustin and will in the first episode
• eleven is in a hospital gown which is what she is wearing when we initially meet her and gives the idea that she is either ill or there is something wrong with her (she is an experiment)
• black around the entirety of the poster shows that they are locked in or trapped by something - could link to will being stuck in the other dimension with is being darker and eerie.

Fandom Theory

Henry Jenkins: Fandom theory

• applies particularly to the range and diversity of representations offered by long form TV drama to 'textual poachers' who wish to use these products to create their own culture, for example via fan sites.
• long-form dramas may achieve cult status, adding to their values for fans.
• this optimistic view of the power of audiences may underestimate the power of the oligarchy of media conglomerate to shape and control television content.

how can this relate to Stranger Things?

• Pinterest
• youtube
• tumblr
• fanfiction websites
• Instagram
• podcast
• non-official merchandise

Todorov's: Equilibrium Theory




Todorov's theory is that in a film or story, the power is in a state of equilibrium (balance.) He believes that as the story progresses the state of equilibrium can change, giving one person more power or authority over another throughout the plot, keeping the audience entertained


1. There is an equal balance and initial equilibrium.
2. The equilibrium is disrupted by an event. (Disequilibrium)
3. There is recognition of the disruption occurring.
4. There is an attempt to repair the damage done by the disruption.
5. A return or restoration of a new equilibrium at the end of the narrative.