The document analyzes film review layouts from three magazines. It finds that images are the dominant visual element. Text is consistently formatted and key quotes are highlighted. Reviews also provide additional context like similar films, actor profiles, and production details. Overall, the reviews follow conventions to effectively promote the films through consistent and professional design.

1. Film Review Layout and Content

2. CloverfieldReview - SFX magazine- February 2009 The most significant factor upon this design is the use of photo’s from the film. It is the dominant feature upon the page. The images at the bottom of the page are linear possibly interpreting them of equal importance. The main image is representative of the films genre. The text does not overlap the pictures signifying the importance of both features to a successful portrayal of the film. The only overlap is from the second images linking both the narrative and genre together for the audience. The bottom of the page is used to inform the audience of films that possess similar traits and locations (In this case monsters in New York) It helps detail other interests that they make enjoy. It also represents the importance of the genre and the films content. The text is of consistent size and font through out the review. Only key quotes from the film’s narrative and of the creative crew based on the film are bolded and use a different colour. This doesn’t detract attention away from the opinions voiced.

3. Harry Potter Review – SFX magazine – July 2009 The Harry Potter review, like the Cloverfield one has a lot of conventions that are becoming apparent. Images make up the predominant feature of an A3 review page and the typography is consistent with colour, size and tone. This group shot reinforces their importance to the narrative. The image within the centre is imposed by an bright orange lightening bolt. The lightening bolt is a trademark for the film and it reinforces the links to the new film and the previous work. It is a simple method of representing the character and narrative. This review also flows until the edge of the page. In addition to the information and conventions that are similar to the previous review, this one gives character profiles and information from the actors. This information allows the audience to content on a deeper level with the characters and understand the background and information of the film. Although the title for this review is not on the page shown above, the title is crucial. The title takes up the majority of the A3 page. The font uses straight lines linking to the lightening bolt. The word “Potions” is covered with stars reflecting the magic theme. The titles overlaps the picture that takes up an A4 page. This is important for representing the genre of the film.

4. I am Legend – Empire Magazine The title of this film is located at the top of the page conveying the importance of it to marketing the film. The titles is clear and the colour is representative of the predominantly masculine stereotypical audience that this film is aimed at. The font used has straight edges and lines once again conveying the typical audience for this piece. Like the previous magazine reviews the article contains pictures as the key focus. The writing in the review is consistent, the font, colour and size remain the same through out. One difference in this magazine review is the style of photograph used. This photo is deliberately chosen of the production process instead of still from the actual film. This could be interpreted to represent the importance of its production and the time and consideration that went into it. This review also does not have a boarder and is allowed to follow towards the edge. It also has key quotes highlighted in a contrasting colour to show how crucial they are in representing the film.

6. The title should be clear and representative of the film.

7. The writing and font should be easy to read and consistent.

8. Key quotes and feature should be made bold and draw the attention to them.