magazine analysis

1. The Masthead – This is a white,
standard font covered by the main
image which is actor Ben Affleck
with co-star Rosamund Pike. This
idea of covering the masthead with
an image is a common convention for
film magazines. This can be for a
number of reasons, one being the
masthead is already established and
people will know what it is even
covered. The date and issue number
is also included here which is a
common convention.
The Image – This front cover clearly displays Ben
Affleck and Rosamund Pike. This star appeal targets
fans of both the actors, with strong fan following,
and the ‘thriller’ genre. A full body shot is used
and it allows the audience to see the full setting.
They are on a metal ‘bed’ assuming at a coroner’s
office. A label is placed at the bottom of her pale,
unresponsive corpse. From this image we have no idea
what happened or who these people are, yet we begin
to assume and this is what targets the audience as
they want to prove their assumptions right.
Focusing on the costumes of these characters, the
female is wearing a very simple, white (innocence,
pure) dress, whilst the male is wearing dark/black
(evil, power) clothing. This can help us understand
the characters a bit better and maybe even their
intentions.
The Main Cover Line – The
main cover line clearly
states the name of the film
and the main actor and
director. Again, this is an
example of star appeal and
attracts a wider range of
audiences just from the
actor and director. It is
very bold on the dull
background and it’s used to
give the readers an insight
as to what will be inside
the magazine.
Cover Lines – These are used to
attract the audiences even further,
using buzzwords like ‘preview’ makes
the reader feel as though they are
getting something exclusive by
purchasing this product.
This also cleverly links to the
picture and main story by saying ‘to
die for’. This cover line is placed
directly above some of the coroners
tools and it successfully relates to
anchor audiences.
Buzzword – By
including this
buzzword, it persuades
the reader to purchase
and read about this
film as if they aren’t
they will miss out
because it is
‘exclusive’.