An analysis of a 'Empire' magazine front cover which features The Dark Knight as it's main headline.

1. FILM MAGAZINE FRONT COVERS
ANALYSIS

2. THE BASICSThe date of release, price and issue
number of the magazine appear above
the masthead and are discreetly
positioned amongst the magazine’s
name. They are the smallest font on
the cover so they are the last things the
film loving target audience would
notice. This is done purposely as their
attention is captured by the main
image, headline and cover lines and
the price is the final piece of
information which they have to search
for but by now they are too interested
in the contents of the magazine and
willing to pay a higher price.
Furthermore, a smaller font is also used
so this less important information does
not steal attention away from the main
images or cover lines. In addition, the
higher price is linked to the frequency
of publication which is evidently
monthly as the date is ‘January 2008’
which does not specify an actual day.
The price, when compared to cheaper
gossip and weekly magazines, shows
that the target audience can expect
quality and focused attention on their
interests rather than information on
the actors’ personal life.
The website of the magazine
is included under the
masthead. The website is in
the same colour as the
masthead which shows that it
is immediately related to the
title of the magazine. The
website is featured not only
so the audience can view
more information about the
magazine and it’s articles but
also because potential
readers new to the magazine
can see that it is a specialized
magazine as the mention of a
website makes the magazine
look more professional.
The barcode is positioned in the bottom left corner in a
vertical fashion so it does not obstruct or steal focus away
from the main image. The barcode is often necessary for the
sale of the magazine and therefore it is a requirement which
shows authenticity.

3. THE TOP & LEFT-SIDE THIRD
The banner at the top also acts as
the puff as it proclaims it is a
‘World Exclusive’. The positioning
at the top indicates to the target
audience that the headline will
revolve around this selling point.
The iconic Batman emblem is
featured on the front cover as it is
a logo for the Batman franchise
and therefore the target audience
will be interested in the contents
of the article. The logo stands out
against the bright light behind it
which also gives heavenly and
heroic connotations, however this
bright light makes the banner less
noticeable as it blends in to the
bright light and therefore it may be
difficult for the target audience to
distinguish some of the text.
Nevertheless, most of the white
text stands out against the black
background which makes it easy
for potential reader to notice.
The font of the headline fits in with
the contents and theme of the front
cover which is the Joker. The text is
in a font which has connotations of
cards which the target audience will
know fits in with the subject of the
front cover. ‘Joker’ is in the brightest
colour and in the biggest font which
denotes to the audience that the
character in the main feature photo
is the Joker. The phrases ‘meet
the…’ and ‘one-on-one’ gives the
audience a sense that they are
actually going to get to know this
character which will then in turn
increase their enjoyment of this new
film as well as giving them a feel of
exclusivity.
The white text below the headline stands out against the neon colour palette and this,
as well as the quote below, tells the reader what to expect inside the magazine if they
purchase it. The quote gives the reader an insight into the feature as well as giving
comical effect with the juxtaposition of ‘mass-murdering’ and ‘clown’. The text is in
front of bright graffiti which fits in with the established colour palette as well as
reflecting the mischievous character of the Joker as graffiti has connotations of anti-
social behaviour.

4. THE RIGHT HAND SIDE
The plug on the magazine states that the magazine includes
a feature on the complete works of the Coen brothers
which would appeal to the target audience as they are
popular and successful film directors. The information is
framed which helps it to stand out among the headline so
the target audience have a well rounded idea of the biggest
features in this edition. The colour also helps it to stand out
amongst the other information as it is a bright neon colour
that fits in with the colour scheme, thus linking the whole
front cover together.
The menu bar of other cover lines is positioned on the right
hand side rather than on the left as, on this front cover, it
would make the left-side third too crowded. They are
positioned under a puff which attracts the audience
because it is in a larger font than the cover lines as well as a
a bold colour so it stands out and reveals what else the
reader can expect in the edition. The attention of the
audience is drawn to the menu bar as it is marked my a
neon graffiti cross which makes the information more
noticeable as well as fitting in with the colour scheme. The
menu bar attracts the audience even further as it stated
that the magazine features ‘world-first looks’ which would
prompt potential readers to buy the magazine as they won’t
get this information anywhere else.

5. IMAGE
The main feature photo captures
the audience’s attention the
most as the headlines all relate to
it. Furthermore, the audience can
establish eye contact with the
character that is being
interviewed in the edition as he is
looking directly at the camera
which therefore e engages
potential readers. The actor is
dressed as his character which
indicates to the reader that the
‘one-on-one’ will be about the
film and his character rather than
the actor himself- a point that the
target audience are less
interested in.
The actor’s expression and his
body language show that he is in
character as well as indicating to
the reader what kind of
characteristics he has. This also
hints to the audience what they
can expect in the upcoming film.
The technical codes, such as the
lighting, show that this character is
dark as his face is shadowed yet his
hands are well lit- possibly showing
that they are dangerous and
therefore must be watched. These
technical codes are supported by
the setting of the main feature
photo which appears to be in a
prison from the bars displayed in
the background. All of these mise-
en-scene elements help reflect the
personality of the character that is
featured in the magazine and who
the audience get to ‘meet’.
The character of the Joker appears in front of the masthead as well of the strip of pink
graffiti behind him. This gives him prominence over and indicates that he is more
important than anything else on the front cover. Furthermore, it connotes the
magazine name is so popular that they do not need to make their name more
noticeable than other information featured on the cover.

6. IMAGE
The main feature photo captures
the audience’s attention the
most as the headlines all relate to
it. Furthermore, the audience can
establish eye contact with the
character that is being
interviewed in the edition as he is
looking directly at the camera
which therefore e engages
potential readers. The actor is
dressed as his character which
indicates to the reader that the
‘one-on-one’ will be about the
film and his character rather than
the actor himself- a point that the
target audience are less
interested in.
The actor’s expression and his
body language show that he is in
character as well as indicating to
the reader what kind of
characteristics he has. This also
hints to the audience what they
can expect in the upcoming film.
The technical codes, such as the
lighting, show that this character is
dark as his face is shadowed yet his
hands are well lit- possibly showing
that they are dangerous and
therefore must be watched. These
technical codes are supported by
the setting of the main feature
photo which appears to be in a
prison from the bars displayed in
the background. All of these mise-
en-scene elements help reflect the
personality of the character that is
featured in the magazine and who
the audience get to ‘meet’.
The character of the Joker appears in front of the masthead as well of the strip of pink
graffiti behind him. This gives him prominence over and indicates that he is more
important than anything else on the front cover. Furthermore, it connotes the
magazine name is so popular that they do not need to make their name more
noticeable than other information featured on the cover.