The action film “Sherlock Holmes” was released on the 26th of December 2009. I have chosen to study a more recent issue of the Empire magazine so as to ensure that my analysis is a relevant as possible to our coursework, the more recent the issue, the more authentic our cover will be. It is very interesting that the editors have chosen to publish the magazine with most of the title covered by the image. This suggests that the publishes are relying on the popularity of their magazine to sell it on its own, as they assume that the large red lettering, the features of the magazine, the layout, and the first and last letters of the title, will be enough for the audience the recognise that the magazine is a regular edition of Empire. The way in which the title of this magazine is always capitalised and displayed in a large red font is very eye catching, and a signature feature of this magazine. The specific title for the feature of the film “Sherlock Holmes” is displayed in large silvery-metallic letters across the chest of the character shown on the cover. As well as being situated over the top of the feature photograph, meaning that the audience cannot look at the image without reading the text, it is also positioned directly in the centre of the magazine cover, showing that this article is at the heart of this issue. The design and positioning of this title has been manipulated specially to draw the audiences attention, it is shown in capital letters, just like the title of the magazine, to make it as eye catching as possible. Robert Downey’s name is shown directly above the title of the film, displayed in the sentence, “Robert Downey is SHERLOCK HOLMES”, this gives the title even more impact as, by using this statement of fact as a main advertising point it reinforces the idea that the actor actually IS this character, making the film seem all the more real and exiting. Not only does this make the film caption seem that much more dramatic, but it also means that fans of this particular actor will buy the magazine and see the film because they know that he is good, this, along with the image of him I the centre of the page, further promote the film. Other persuasive features of this magazine cover include the fact that the page also consists of other advertisements for films, giving the audience an idea of what other articles this magazine holds. Since not nearly so much information is revealed about these films it gives the audience further incentive to buy the magazine and learn more. So as not to detract from the main photograph and headline these incites are positioned carefully around the edge of the page, to give information without drawing attention from the main piece. They are also carefully placed so as not to obstruct any key aspects of the image. These headlines have been highlighted in white so as to separate them from the image of the “Sherlock Holmes” feature, the way in which they are blocked of in their own boxes show how they are interesting in them selves and do not need the main feature to sell the magazine, making them all the more interesting as they seem individual. The line “Best preview issue ever!” written across the top of the page acts as a tag line as it is almost attached to the title. This sentence is a declarative, leading the audience to believe it instantly, and again drawing them into purchase the magazine. The words “the best” which are featured in this line, although referring only to other magazines within this brand, also seems to subtly apply to others, undermining the competition and making the brand look all the more attractive. This tag line is displayed in silver so as to link the fact that it is the “best preview issue” with the “Sherlock Holmes” film, of which the title if also printed in silver. This subtle colour also allows the font size of the tag line to be large, without the sentence detracting from the main title of the magazine. The dark blacks and blues of the background of the poster not only blend in with the image, but allow the reds and silvers of the titles to stand out. The colours have been cleverly selected to mirror the genre of the film. The dark colours show that it is not suitable for the younger audience, reflecting the more dark and evil characters, whilst the red of the title possibly denotes danger and blood-shed. The silver could also indicate weapons like swords and guns, and also possibly the cold, hard nature of some of the characters in the plot. The costume of the character on the front cover connotes a time period in which this film could be set, along with his hair and accessories. The dark glasses indicate that the character has something to hide; however, the way in which he has lowered them to survey the audience suggests that he has no secrets from them, portraying his as an honest and good character.
Lucy :)
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