Analysis of a magazine cover The layout used is the ‘route of the eye’, this

makes sure the audience see all the key elements on the front cover. The masthead, main image and some cover lines all appear on this route. All these things will entice the target audience to buy this magazine so are placed on the route to make sure they buy

this product.

The general colour scheme of this front cover is black and white however few things are

written in red. This allows the things written in red to stand out and catch the audiences eye.

Red signifies power, danger and strength – this is represented by the male on the front

cover as he looks very dominant and powerful. Black also signifies power and evil.

It also creates a modern effect making the magazine look up to date. However the white connotes purity, good and peacefulness. This

contrasts with the other colours on this magazine cover creating a more positive

effect to the magazine.

The main image is a close up of Chris Pines face. This allows the audience to see his

facial expressions and emotions. He looks quite evil and serious which could represent his role in the film. He is a well known actor

therefore the audience will be able to recognise him. He looks like an intimidating and dominant character which allows the

audience to know that he plays a vital role in the film.

The masthead is written very largely at the top of this front cover. This is so it stands out so the

audience know what magazine they are reading. It is written in black and white, these

colours contrast each other therefore this stands out and is very clear for the audience to

read. It is written in capitals which makes it look very bold and important. The cover lines are displayed around the main image on the sides of the front cover which is conventional

for a magazine cover. The main coverline/film is also written very largely – this is because it is one of the main things that attract the target

audience to the magazine.

The text throughout this whole front cover is in a sans serif font. This makes it easy to read as it is bold and eye catching. It also creates a modern effect making it appear up to date attracting the target audience.

The language used on this magazine cover makes it clear that it is targeted at an older teenage audience. For example one of the

coverlines reads ‘F**K THE RECESSION’. This phrase shows that the person writing this

doesn’t care about the recession and they’ll do what they want which is typical teenage

behaviour. Also the word ‘fuck’ is very aggressive and powerful. ‘The boldest and

coolest film of 2009’ is another phrase used. The words ‘boldest’ and ‘coolest’ attract the target audience because they are words that create a positive effect. The word ‘coolest’ is also underlined making it eye catching, this appeals to the teenage audience because they stereotypically want the newest and

best things.