FILM MAGAZINE FRONT COVERS

ANALYSIS

THE BASICSThe date of release, price and issue number of the magazine appear above

the masthead and are discreetly positioned amongst the magazine’s name. They are the smallest font on

the cover so they are the last things the film loving target audience would

notice. This is done purposely as their attention is captured by the main

image, headline and cover lines and the price is the final piece of

information which they have to search for but by now they are too interested

in the contents of the magazine and willing to pay a higher price.

Furthermore, a smaller font is also used so this less important information does not steal attention away from the main images or cover lines. In addition, the higher price is linked to the frequency

of publication which is evidently monthly as the date is ‘January 2008’ which does not specify an actual day. The price, when compared to cheaper gossip and weekly magazines, shows that the target audience can expect

quality and focused attention on their interests rather than information on

the actors’ personal life.

The website of the magazine is included under the

masthead. The website is in the same colour as the

masthead which shows that it is immediately related to the

title of the magazine. The website is featured not only

so the audience can view more information about the magazine and it’s articles but

also because potential readers new to the magazine can see that it is a specialized magazine as the mention of a website makes the magazine

look more professional.

The barcode is positioned in the bottom left corner in a vertical fashion so it does not obstruct or steal focus away

from the main image. The barcode is often necessary for the sale of the magazine and therefore it is a requirement which

shows authenticity.

THE TOP & LEFT-SIDE THIRDThe banner at the top also acts as

the puff as it proclaims it is a ‘World Exclusive’. The positioning at the top indicates to the target audience that the headline will

revolve around this selling point. The iconic Batman emblem is

featured on the front cover as it is a logo for the Batman franchise

and therefore the target audience will be interested in the contents of the article. The logo stands out against the bright light behind it which also gives heavenly and

heroic connotations, however this bright light makes the banner less

noticeable as it blends in to the bright light and therefore it may be difficult for the target audience to

distinguish some of the text. Nevertheless, most of the white text stands out against the black background which makes it easy for potential reader to notice.

The font of the headline fits in with the contents and theme of the front cover which is the Joker. The text is in a font which has connotations of cards which the target audience will know fits in with the subject of the

front cover. ‘Joker’ is in the brightest colour and in the biggest font which

denotes to the audience that the character in the main feature photo

is the Joker. The phrases ‘meet the…’ and ‘one-on-one’ gives the

audience a sense that they are actually going to get to know this character which will then in turn

increase their enjoyment of this new film as well as giving them a feel of

exclusivity.

The white text below the headline stands out against the neon colour palette and this, as well as the quote below, tells the reader what to expect inside the magazine if they

purchase it. The quote gives the reader an insight into the feature as well as giving comical effect with the juxtaposition of ‘mass-murdering’ and ‘clown’. The text is in

front of bright graffiti which fits in with the established colour palette as well as reflecting the mischievous character of the Joker as graffiti has connotations of anti-

social behaviour.

THE RIGHT HAND SIDE

The plug on the magazine states that the magazine includes a feature on the complete works of the Coen brothers which would appeal to the target audience as they are

popular and successful film directors. The information is framed which helps it to stand out among the headline so

the target audience have a well rounded idea of the biggest features in this edition. The colour also helps it to stand out amongst the other information as it is a bright neon colour that fits in with the colour scheme, thus linking the whole

front cover together.

The menu bar of other cover lines is positioned on the right hand side rather than on the left as, on this front cover, it

would make the left-side third too crowded. They are positioned under a puff which attracts the audience

because it is in a larger font than the cover lines as well as a a bold colour so it stands out and reveals what else the reader can expect in the edition. The attention of the

audience is drawn to the menu bar as it is marked my a neon graffiti cross which makes the information more

noticeable as well as fitting in with the colour scheme. The menu bar attracts the audience even further as it stated

that the magazine features ‘world-first looks’ which would prompt potential readers to buy the magazine as they won’t

get this information anywhere else.

IMAGE

The main feature photo captures the audience’s attention the

most as the headlines all relate to it. Furthermore, the audience can

establish eye contact with the character that is being

interviewed in the edition as he is looking directly at the camera

which therefore e engages potential readers. The actor is dressed as his character which indicates to the reader that the ‘one-on-one’ will be about the

film and his character rather than the actor himself- a point that the

target audience are less interested in.

The actor’s expression and his body language show that he is in character as well as indicating to

the reader what kind of characteristics he has. This also hints to the audience what they can expect in the upcoming film. The technical codes, such as the

lighting, show that this character is dark as his face is shadowed yet his hands are well lit- possibly showing

that they are dangerous and therefore must be watched. These technical codes are supported by

the setting of the main feature photo which appears to be in a

prison from the bars displayed in the background. All of these mise-en-scene elements help reflect the personality of the character that is featured in the magazine and who

the audience get to ‘meet’.

The character of the Joker appears in front of the masthead as well of the strip of pink graffiti behind him. This gives him prominence over and indicates that he is more

important than anything else on the front cover. Furthermore, it connotes the magazine name is so popular that they do not need to make their name more

noticeable than other information featured on the cover.

IMAGE

The main feature photo captures the audience’s attention the

most as the headlines all relate to it. Furthermore, the audience can

establish eye contact with the character that is being

interviewed in the edition as he is looking directly at the camera

which therefore e engages potential readers. The actor is dressed as his character which indicates to the reader that the ‘one-on-one’ will be about the

film and his character rather than the actor himself- a point that the

target audience are less interested in.

The actor’s expression and his body language show that he is in character as well as indicating to

the reader what kind of characteristics he has. This also hints to the audience what they can expect in the upcoming film. The technical codes, such as the

lighting, show that this character is dark as his face is shadowed yet his hands are well lit- possibly showing

that they are dangerous and therefore must be watched. These technical codes are supported by

the setting of the main feature photo which appears to be in a

prison from the bars displayed in the background. All of these mise-en-scene elements help reflect the personality of the character that is featured in the magazine and who

the audience get to ‘meet’.

The character of the Joker appears in front of the masthead as well of the strip of pink graffiti behind him. This gives him prominence over and indicates that he is more

important than anything else on the front cover. Furthermore, it connotes the magazine name is so popular that they do not need to make their name more

noticeable than other information featured on the cover.