Total Film: Sherlock Holmes Edition

How is meaning being represented at connotative and denotative levels? The subject is shown through the use of a mid shot, commonly used in film magazines and any promotional packages. The misty in the background is acting as a back-drop for the subject and establishing the location and time era of when the movie is set. The subject is positioned in the middle of the page with the rest of London in the background, but he is more dominantly and takes up a large proportion of the page.The misty blue hue used in background connotes ambiguity and enigma which in this context, is representing the detectives love for mysteries and possible dangers because obstructing the view of the background would connote the sinister underworld of crime which

Sherlock Holmes is famous for investigating.

How are non-verbal communications (gestures, facial expressions) being used? Facial expression: A half smile is on the detectives face indicating possible smugness or satisfaction – this could be seen as a non-verbal tool used to foreshadow a possible event that would be bring a certain level of satisfaction to the leading detective, possibly a solved case. The character also has his hands in his pockets. This is used to represent his relaxed state and arrogance which is partially due to his genius. It can also be interpreted as the character challenging the audience or the antagonist in the film that is being promoted. The fact that nothing is obscuring the audience’s view of the character is conveying his supposed superiority and significance.

What can we tell from the positions of characters or objects? The character is represented as having an air of importance as he is positioned above the masthead despite the institution being a well established film magazine. This could be partial to the fact that Sherlock Holmes is a universally liked character and iconic as well as having a significant impact in the world of literature and novellas. Despite London being considered to be a metropolis of wealth and opportunities, the character is put into focus whereas London in the background is warped by the fog/smog. How have clothing, props, mise-en-scene, sets and setting been used? The velvet overcoat with the blouse, underneath (assuming it’s silk) speak of wealth and a prestigious social circle and the colour scheme of the characters outfit works well in conjunction with the mise-en-scene to ensure he blends in; representing the same message

through both his clothing and mise-en-scene, which is mystery and intrigue. There are barely any props such as weapons used on the cover which could connote his strength (maybe intellectually, but definitely physically)

How have typeface, font size/colour, register and language been used? The serif font used adds to the illusion of century old style often associated with detective work and this in collaboration with the mise-en-scene of the cover and the subjects clothing emphasises said point. What is the tone of the text? How does it change? The moment you look at the magazine cover, your attention is directed to the main cover line which says ‘Sherlock Holmes’. The main purpose of this is to inform the audience of the movie title and acting as an incentive for buying this particular issue of Total Film Magazine. 3 different font sizes were used to highlight- redirect the audiences view based on their level of importance. The sharp quality of the text used on the magazine cover exudes attention and focus and this is supported by the confident position of the character/subject.

What genre? How can you tell – what conventions? The movie being advertised is of the Action/Adventure and Mystery genre. This is evident through the mise-en-scene where the foggy mist (of blue Icy colour indicating frigidity which has connotations of danger and death, in association of rigor mortis which settles in corpses). Also, the fact that under the main cover line, it says ‘crackling the case of the world’s greatest detective’ implying the mystery that comes along with solving crimes. Also, the statement that the detective is being treated as a case connotes crime and ambiguity once again hinting at the genre. The movie is set in the 19th century and this is evident through the subjects clothing which appears to be tailored and custom-made emphasising the era when tailoring and custom made attire was the norm and popular.

How the text and image of integrated onto the page? The integrated text placed on top of the main image is suggestive to the fact that the main image is associated with the provided line of text – this informs the reader or potential buyer (audience) of the the main image and feature of the magazines issue is.