Analysing Film Covers

Empire magazine - Inglorious basterds

The title 'EMPIRE' is in red capital letters, it's one of the biggest clearest elements on the whole front cover. The theme of the magazine is mainly red and white with small hints of blue and grey. It all links very well, only a select few fonts are used, all of them being simple and easy to read. The image is what attracts readers the most. It's a striking medium long shot image of brad pitt with a knife. His facial expression is interesting and we can purposely see his neck scar in the picture. This gives a tiny insight into the film the magazine is featuring. It reads 'Inglorious' underneath it which is what most people call the film as 'Inglorious Basterds' is considered slightly rude.

The masthead is at the bottom of the cover reading 'Funny People' featuring actors and comedians names. In the top right corner are a few small pictures linking with what's said next to them 'Greatest Movie Moments'. It gives you a small insight into what to expect in the magazine but you will not know fully unless you buy and read it. The website for the magazine is underneath the title, and the price and date above it. They are in small font as it is not very relevant, it's more for reference. The background is part of the photograph used of Brad Pitt, it's a rocky brown grainy background. It gives it a harsh feel. This Film Magazine Cover is very successful, it's striking and features all the main elements and conventions of a Cover.

Total Film - Sherlock Holmes

The main image is of Robert Downey JR as Sherlock Holmes, it's a striking medium frontal shot. The 'total film' title is in bold white letters and still easy to read even with the image overlapping in front of it. The main colours of the cover are blue, white and black. The ongoing theme makes everything look neat. The title at the bottom reads 'Sherlock Holmes' which is the film the magazine is reviewing, it's easy to know that as there is a picture and the title. They link to one another.

A barcode is featured in the bottom right of the screen and the website and date are just underneath the title in small font. Like 'Empire' magazine, there are small images in the top right hand corner of other films featured in the magazine. This is a very successful film magazine cover.