Research & Planning: Magazine Cover Analysis

This cover uses a variety of codes and conventions to project the genre of psychological thriller.
     A main focus for this particular cover is the use of colour.  Fluorescent greens and pinks add a psychotic feel, adding to the  yet the cover still sticks to a three colour scheme of red, black and white for the main aspects of the cover (such as the mast head and articles at the bottom of the page).  This projects the brand "Empire" and allows the audience to recognise the magazine as these aspects feature in almost every issue.
     Another factor to consider is the Joker character featured as the main focus of the cover. Notice how he fits in with the pink and green colour scheme of the titles and headings yet is positioned between the masthead and the titles in the foreground.  This ties the page together and adds a feeling of depth to the cover.  The use of a long-shot puts the audience in the image, adding to the depth and creating a three dimensional effect.
     The typefaces shape and colour both match the character and the genre of the film featured.  This links the entire page together adding depth to the cover and creating a visually appealing image that will attract an audience.
     You can tell that this is a magazine front cover because:

• It has a masthead
• It contains articles 
• It has sluglines
• It has a main focus (The Joker)
• It has a barcode 

Sight and Sound Magazine has a slightly different approach to film.  The colour scheme is black, orange and white/grey and, when combined with the typefaces, gives the magazine a much more "art-house" look.  This gives the impression that this magazine appeals to people who are knowledgeable of film and see it more as an art form. 
    The mid-shot of Ewan McGregor out of costume shows how this is a much more personal "about the actor" - like article, rather than just his characters.
     The simplicity of the cover adds to the feel of a personalised magazine that links you directly to the actor him/herself.  Once again adding to the feel of a much more educated magazine, appealing to a much more specific fan base.
     You can tell that this is a magazine front cover because:

• It has a masthead
• It has a positioning statement
• It contains articles
• It has sluglines
• It has a main focus (Ewan McGregor)
• It has a barcode.