Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Total Film - Inception• The masthead of the magazine if blending in with the

photo and theme of the film. They have done this so that you can still clearly see the title of the magazine, however it does not take attention away from the main photo.

• The price, issue number and website are all in white so that they stand out against the background, however are small and in an inconspicuous place so that it does not attract attention away from the main image.

• The main heading is in big, bold writing in its own type of style so that there is no attention drawn away from it and the sub-heading is in white font so that it is noticeable.

• The barcode is placed in the appropriate place of the bottom right had corner.

• The cover lines attract you to the magazine as they entice readers in by the words “First Looks” and “Everything you need to know” making the reader curious and want to read the magazine. Also, having the cover lines a bright red contrasts with the blue background of the photo allowing them to stand out and be noticed.

• The photo attracts the reader to the magazine as it is black compared to the background which makes it stand out. This is important as it ensures that the reader knows that the magazine is about the film inception and the characters.

• Having the words “The mind-blowing issue” also attracts the reader as it is a pun on the film inception but also attracts the reader in that it ensures that it is going to be a good issue of the magazine.

Empire – The Hobbit• The masthead of the magazine is bright and colourful

compared to the rest of the magazine. This makes it stand out to the reader and ensures that the reader knows what magazine it is. It is also contrasting with the background photo. It also links to the film which the magazine is about as ‘The Hobbit’ is based around a gold ring.

• The price, issue number, date and website are all in white however are in an inconspicuous place of in between the M of Empire. This is so that it fills up the blank space however does not take attention away from the main image.

• The main heading is in a different font to the rest of the magazine so that it stands out against the rest. It is also in the same colour as the title of the magazine and also a couple of the cover lines. This is so that it stands out against the background photo.

• The cover lines attract the reader to the magazine as they use the words “Precious Exclusive” This also links to the film as ‘Precious’ is a frequently used term within the film.

• The photo attracts the reader in that it is related to the film as it shows the main characters. This is important as the ‘villain’ of the movie is blending in with the background whereas the ‘hero’ is in the front of the photo with quite bright lighting. Furthermore, they have displayed a weapon on the front cover symbolizing how there is a need for a defense.

• The cover lines and barcode are also placed on the left hand side to ensure that when the magazine in stacked on a shelf, the cover lines are seen which would then attract the reader to look at the magazine.

Total Film – Jennifer’s Body• The masthead of the magazine is in bright red, bold font

which attracts the reader and contrasts with the photo as the photo is mainly blue and yellow.

• The main photo stands out against the rest of the magazine as it contrasts with all of the other colours shown on the magazine. However, it is not easy to see the blood on the hands as there is writing next to it and next to the blood on the floor.

• Having the words ‘Our biggest preview issue ever’ written in big, bold writing in the top left hand corner of the magazine attracts the reader as they would like to see these previews. Moreover, the words ‘Exclusives’ makes the reader feel special in that they have seen exclusive information.

• The barcode of the magazine is placed in the inconspicuous place of the bottom right hand corner. Furthermore, the website link, issue number and price are all in the inconspicuous place of in between the M in the masthead. This ensures that not attention is taking away from the main points of the magazine.

• Having three photos in the top right hand corner of the magazine attracts the reader as there is exclusive photos of some films however it does not take attention away from other parts of the magazine.

• Having a white background also makes all cover lines and photos stand out as they all contrast. The magazine also has a select colour scheme of the primary colours and the shades. This makes the magazine basic however effective as it draws all attention to the spots where these colours are placed.