Film Magazine Analysis

Total Film Magazine

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1. Main Image; Total Film have used Johnny Depps character Willy Wonka on the front cover. With a medium close-up shot, the main image is most definitely the most prominent aspect of the page. Due to Willy Wonkas characteristic top hat, the image is layered behind the masthead, this is to make the masthead clear but could also connote secrecy of the character. He is hiding behind the masthead as just below we can see his eyes giving a look of secrecy to the audience through direct address. Colour coordination is cleverly used in the main image; the purple colour of the gloves has been digitally used as the eye colour. The purple is a resonant colour across the page, purple in media can represent luxury certainly appropriate as Willy Wonka is in charge of a chocolate factory. Possibly from Total Films main image of Willy Wonka, it reiterates Lazarsfeld and Berelsons audience theory of the media determining what we see, is the purpose of film magazines main stories on films being imminently released to influence and determine how we perceive and see the character before we view the film.

2. Masthead; I denote the Total Film masthead is always large printed sans serif font which connotes informality and a contemporary magazine which would appeal to younger audiences. The masthead is so large it looks as though it makes a statement across the page; we are the best magazine for film news. The colour white for the masthead is a good choice as it connotes it is a unisex magazine, unbiased in terms of the colouring of the magazine. 3. Pug; Is not too ostentatious, pugs such as those only appear on more working class gossip magazines. I denote the pug includes five stars which appear to rate films, but cleverly including that as though to rate the magazine. It has the conventional sticker effect which efficiently summarises the purpose of the magazine. 4. Selling Line; Adheres to the conventions and is short but concise in its one line persuasion for people to buy the magazine. Its purpose of using the word ultimate is to rubbish rival film magazines such as Empire. 5. Main Cover Line; I denote Total Film has incorporated an alliteration Grab your golden ticket to make their cover line catchy and having an obvious link to their main film of the month. The type of Jonny Depp is significantly larger as to really reiterate who their cover star is. The thin type face of the grab the golden ticket appears more classy and expensive whereas the bolder, thicker type face of Johnny Depp conflicts with that as it appears less elegant/expensive.