One Bad Appal: The Parasite Cover and Spoilers in Criterion Cover Art

[wagesoffear98]

Is it just me, or is that Parasite cover kind of a major spoiler?

Spoiler

The Morse code messages

are probably one of the most important plot points in the entire film, and the pre-release press for the film went out of its way to keep them secret, so it feels strange to me that they'd be so upfront on the Criterion packaging.

[mfunk9786]

It's a "spoiler" like a two second image from a key scene in a movie trailer is a "spoiler" - sure, once you've seen the film it's got meaning to you, but if you just saw it without having any of the context behind it, it doesn't spoil anything at all.

[Big Ben]

Is it just me, or is that Parasite cover kind of a major spoiler?

Spoiler

The Morse code messages

are probably one of the most important plot points in the entire film, and the pre-release press for the film went out of its way to keep them secret, so it feels strange to me that they'd be so upfront on the Criterion packaging.

Only if you've seen it. I imagine most people won't know anything about what it actually means and if they do they won't know the context.

[domino harvey]

The cover is spoiled all right but not that way amirite high five guys

[wagesoffear98]

Only if you've seen it. I imagine most people won't know anything about what it actually means and if they do they won't know the context.

The cover is spoiled all right but not that way amirite high five guys

True that. Glad most of us can agree that it's just a bizarre design choice - the poster itself is already simple enough to be distinctive and memorable, so adding so many extra bells and whistles onto it just feels like it's defeating the point.

[mfunk9786]

Another example of this spoiling notion is the 45 Years cover - it is a massive spoiler for the film even though that image is never seen in it, but if you're looking at it you have no idea why whatsoever and so it doesn't matter

[criterionoop]

Another example of this spoiling notion is the 45 Years cover - it is a massive spoiler for the film even though that image is never seen in it, but if you're looking at it you have no idea why whatsoever and so it doesn't matter

Is it really a spoiler if that information is given within the first 10/15 minutes of the film?

[therewillbeblus]

Another example of this spoiling notion is the 45 Years cover - it is a massive spoiler for the film even though that image is never seen in it, but if you're looking at it you have no idea why whatsoever and so it doesn't matter

Is it really a spoiler if that information is given within the first 10/15 minutes of the film?

You could make a case for it. I have a friend who is adamantly against seeing trailers or knowing basically anything about a film going in other than genre- at least anything that can be 'revealed' even if it's a barely-delayed plot point. Also, think of all the movies where seemingly main characters get killed off right away within the first 10/15 minutes!

[fdm]

Really dislike spoilers myself... at any level.

[swo17]

Literally all of these covers include spoilers for things that are in the movies

[Andrew_VB]

"there's morse code in this film" is not a spoiler

[mfunk9786]

Another example of this spoiling notion is the 45 Years cover - it is a massive spoiler for the film even though that image is never seen in it, but if you're looking at it you have no idea why whatsoever and so it doesn't matter

Is it really a spoiler if that information is given within the first 10/15 minutes of the film?

This reply is really a pretty good indictment of anti-"spoiler" sentiment at large, because merely receiving the framework of the information is in no way the same as experiencing the information in the proper context, which doesn't occur until the end credits roll. "Spoiling" the film would only happen if someone explained the entire plot to you in great detail. Or like the morse code, as swo mentioned - merely knowing there is morse code in the movie means nothing until you experience it in the proper context. People need to relax about all this spoiler stuff and stop treating actual films like Disney products designed to feed viewers a little more lore until the next sequel

[Michael Kerpan]

If one fanatically believes in the concept of "spoilers" discussion of movies (beyond descriptors like "it was really keen" or "it sucked") is well-nigh impossible.

But, in any case, that cover sucks.

[therewillbeblus]

Literally all of these covers include spoilers for things that are in the movies

Belmondo smokes butts: Spoiler of the year

[mfunk9786]

Literally all of these covers include spoilers for things that are in the movies

Belmondo smokes butts: Spoiler of the year

First there was Greek civilization. Then there was the Renaissance. Now we're entering the Age of the Butt.

[domino harvey]

Turns out Samuel L Jackson was giving us stock advice in Jurassic Park

[mfunk9786]

What's the closest thing to a big/egregious spoiler in the history of Criterion's covers? Now I'm curious...

[CSM126]

Who could forget the Citizen Kane laserdisc with “IT’S A SLED” printed across the inner gatefold…

[DarkImbecile]

The reveal that Cluny Brown is a robot?

[Big Ben]

The cover spells Parasite in Morse Code apparently. Which is kind of neat I guess.

[therewillbeblus]

What's the closest thing to a big/egregious spoiler in the history of Criterion's covers? Now I'm curious...

For All Mankind shows

Spoiler

man successfully walking on the moon, thus spoiling history

[therewillbeblus]

In all seriousness, there are plenty that aren't exactly spoilers but retain significance only after viewing, eg. Moonrise Kingdom, The Game, though the polar opposite of a spoiler (which still maintains a similar effect) is Kiss Me Deadly, since the cover depicts a scene that never occurs in the film. The first time I saw it, I was waiting for that moment to happen and when it failed to present itself, became hung up on the false advertising. I eventually got over it.

[FigrinDan]

What's the closest thing to a big/egregious spoiler in the history of Criterion's covers? Now I'm curious...

The cover to A Night to Remember is VERY spoilery.

[Feego]

The cover for M gives away the killer!

More seriously, the cover for Ordet pretty much reveals the finale, but first-time viewers wouldn't realize that. Simon of the Desert also gives away a surprise late-film image.

[black&huge]

let's not forget pickpocket's cover spoiling the entire goddamn movie.

But Punch Drunk Love using a still from the actual ending shot of the film is all I got.