Analysis Of Film Magazine Front Covers

 Analysis Of Film Magazine Front Covers

The title of the magazine “TOTAL FILM” is in capitals and in bright colours so it stands out and in turn draws in readership. The tagline “The ultimate movie magazine” also assists in attracting an audience as it  a mark of quality communicating that it is the best which makes people more likely to buy this magazine than other movie magazines.

The colours and background of this magazine cover shows bright green grass and also flowers this suggests that the magazine was probably a summer issue. This is confirmed further down the poster with the main cover line being: “ULTIMATE SUMMER PREVIEW”, this is all in capitals so it catches the readers eye and draws them to buy the magazine. There are several other cover lines positioned across the page to make the audience want to buy the magazine in order to read about a particular story featured inside.

The film which is covered most in the magazine is “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, this however could be used to attract an audience that would not typically buy a magazine such as “Total Film” as “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” is a children’s film. This is also assisted by the main image being of Johnny Depp because of his role as the main character in the film. Johnny Depp’s name is also in capitals on the right hand side of the poster which suggests that he is well known and will draw people both to buy the magazine and to see the film. His mode of address is direct, so engaging with the audience immediately. His code of gesture suggests he is greeting the reader and inviting them into the magazine.

On this magazine the masthead includes the name of the magazine which is bright red to stand out from the dark background of the front cover but also to stand out on the shelves. The price, date and issue number all positioned above the “M” in “EMPIRE” which is a convention of the magazine, a small font is used as this is the least important information on the page and the part readers will look at last.

The main cover line uses a bright green, the colour green is used as it is a colour worn by the joker. The “Joker” graffiti style font which makes it stand out, it also provides readers with an insight into the character of The Joker as graffiti has connotations of crime and mischief. The word also denotes that the person in the main image is the Joker.  

The main image is of The Joker who is portrayed through visual codes: his make up and smile show his evil nature which again gives readers an insight into his character. He also has direct eye contact which addresses the readers and attracts them to the magazine. The use of a long shot for the main image allows readers to observe the posture of the joker which suggests he is scheming. The Joker's head covers part of the title of the magazine this suggests that the magazine is already well established and has a loyal readership.

The banner at the top of the page is white as it stands out from the dark main image, because it is positioned at the top of the magazine it is clearly visible when on shop shelves which will draw in readers. The overall feel of the front cover is dark and foreboding, reflecting the themes of the film and giving connotations of its content.The logo for The Dark Knight is also used as it will catch the eyes of fans and make them want to buy the magazine. The sell lines are also written in white to appeal to the reader and attract them to the magazine.

For my final magazine analysis I will be looking at Total Film's front cover of Sherlock Holmes

The strip at the top of the front cover shows images from several films that are also covered in the magazine and a cover story. This broadens the audience appeal drawing people to the magazine and shows them what is in the magazine that may appeal to them. The use of Iron Man 2 as one of the films also links it with the main feature on Sherlock Holmes as Robert Downey Junior stars in both films. The bold text next to the images is used to attract the audience and make it stand out on a shelf. The blue text fits in with the colour scheme of the front cover as it is predominantly blue and white. The masthead is big and prominent and stands out against the blue background, this is to make the audience more likely to remember it and make it stand out. The website is located just below the masthead linking the magazine to the internet and allowing its audience to learn more about the magazine online making the magazine more accessible. 

Robert Downey Junior is the main image on the front cover because this issue of the magazine is about Sherlock Holmes, the new film he is starring in. Placing him on the front cover attracts his fans and makes reader more likely to purchase the magazine. He is also in his costume for the Sherlock Holmes film; the blue colour on his costume is used for the reason the colour scheme for the front cover is predominately blue. In the background behind him are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, iconic images of London which suggests London might be the location in the film. The background is out of focus ensuring that the attraction is the main image of Robert Downey Junior.The text in the centre uses the words "world exclusive" implying it has information its rival film magazines might not. The quote below it “All the elements are coming together” also makes the reader curious as they wish to learn the context of it and creates an enigma this means more people may be likely to purchase the magazine. "Sherlock Holmes" in large font stands out on the front cover and instantly shows what the main article will be about attracting fans of the popular book series to read the magazine as well. The blue and white text stands out against the magazine and fits in with the colour scheme. The text below it uses a well-known phrase associated with Sherlock Holmes as he is frequently called 'the world's greatest detective" linking it in with the main theme. The four cover stories around Robert Downey Junior give tasters of what is in the magazine, so the reader will know what to expect while the blue font links with the colour scheme. The black text below each make them stand out more.

The magazine appears to be gender neutral although the use of blue could suggest a more male audience as blue is conveniently associated with males. The magazine also seems to appeal to a broad audience.