Semiotics

It is evident from simply looking at this image that the star (DiCaprio) is by far the most important person in the film. 'The Wolf of Wall Street' follows the rags to riches story of Jordan Belfort, a Wall Street trickster who uses the power of confidence to swipe money in the most illegal of ways. We can analyse this promotional poster using 'Semiotics'. Semiotics is study of the way in which images show denotations and connotations.

Denotations

•  the literal or primary meaning of a given thing, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the thing suggests
  
  

The denotations of this poster are that a large out of control party is occurring and the man at the centre is not involved.

Connotations

an idea or feeling which a thing invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

The connotations of this movie:

The connotations of this movie give a more extreme view to the person viewing it. We understand from the way the character dressed that he is of high importance. Also,  the way in which the camera has captured his stance that he is a proud man and possibly the owner of the chaos occurring. This is also supported by the colours he is dressed in. Golds and black connotate importance and wealth. We can also see from the dwarf behind that the chaos is not limited to formally dressed that he is dressed in. Gold and blacks connotate importance and wealth. We can also see from the dwarf behind that the chaos is not limited to the formally dressed business men but is in fact an open party. Not limited to dwarfs, the audience can see a dressed gown woman meaning the business men mix business and pleasure in the work place. Even the text and the way it is displayed connotes importance. For example the use of the capitalized 'WOLF' screams power to the viewer.

All in all, the poster portrays exactly what it is intended to.