Man on Ledge

*The buildings on top and bottom of the frame mirror each other.

*Yet the visual weight feels as though it resides at the bottom of the frame. This is not only because of the figure in the bottom of the frame, but also because of the non-diegetic type that names the film, which itself is above six smaller frames which contain close-ups of other figures.

* A contrast is interesting here. The six individuals reside safely, even snug, within their respective frames, while the figure on the ledge in exposed and dangerously adrift in his larger frame.

*The eye is drawn toward the lighter space in the center of the frame. Indeed, this makes it seem as the man on the ledge, too, is pulled into this space.

*One more thought about the figures in their individual frames. We notice that they are grouped together horizontally at the bottom of the frame, set apart from the man on the ledge. Indeed, he is alone on the ledge, and they are grouped against him.

My take: This advertisement is meant to give the viewer a sense of vertigo. It is also intended to create narrative curiosity: will he or won’t he jump? I think it’s interesting that we don’t see the face of the man on the ledge, when he, I suppose, is the star. If the studio execs are trying to cash in on his star power, I’m afraid they’ve failed.