ANALYSIS OF THE CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A FILM MAGAZINE COVER

I have chosen to analyse a film magazine cover from ‘Empire’s’ edition featuring the film ‘Wonder Woman’ which was released in 2017. The cover features a number of conventions which are often repeatedly seen on other magazine covers. The features often relate to the film itself aiding promotion of the product.

The masthead is placed at the top of the page slightly behind the main focal photo which shows the character ‘Diana Prince’ who is played by ‘Gal Gadot’ in the film. This layout is repeatedly used and is easily recognisable by regular readers.

The main focal photo has been placed centrally, her body is positioned towards the reader but she is looking elsewhere. Her hands are held out in front of her forming an x shape which symbolises she is a powerful, independent female who isn’t afraid of anything. The editor may have chosen to use a medium, close up shot to reveal her focused and serious facial expression. Alongside revealing her unusual costume, the colours in particular stand out as they represent the american flag. She is also wearing other pieces of armour on her arms and forehead, this supports the idea that she is a superhero. Interestingly her legs aren’t covered and she isn’t holding any weapon, this could be used to connote how she is not phased or hurt by anything. The editor may have chosen for the character to be wearing minimal clothing as it appeals more to any male audience watching the film. The background is similar to the costume on the main character, one half is a orange/ red and the other is a solid blue. The use of colours may symbolise her movement from a peaceful, sheltered island to fighting in a explosive war.

The chosen typography amongst the masthead, skyline, coverlines and any other information switches between two prominent colours. One being wit and the other being black, this combination may have been used to simplify the already pervasive and dominant cover. The main coverline is the title of the film which has been placed to the left hand side of the main focal image. Slightly above is a secondary coveline which reads ‘World exclusive’ this written code excites the reader as they feel like they are reading something that another person won’t. Any other secondary coverlines are placed around the main focal image, due to them being easily accessible. A speech bubble is placed to the side of the main focal image and reads ‘I got this’, this clever direct address connotes her authority. The skyline runs across the top of the magazine cover and usen written codes such as ‘Secrets’ and ‘Biggest’ which boost the chances of the reader buying the magazine.    

The puff is a circular shape and has been positioned on the right hand side of the main focal image. It offers an exclusive read on ‘Guardians of the galaxy’, this is an additional reason why a potential reader may buy the magazine.

The target audience may vary from film fanatics to lovers of action films. Men may particularly be interested in it as they have used an attractive women on the front cover. Potentially women also as it shows a dominant female.