Task 2 - Part 2

This is a cover for Empire Magazine which went on sale July 2010. The front cover is of a famous movie star, Leonardo DiCaprio. The main image is linked to the film “Inception”, as stated in the main coverline, and also includes the name of the film maker – Christopher Nolan. This is to broaden the target audience of the magazine from movie lovers to those who specifically enjoy films made by Christopher Nolan.  As well as this, the use of popular film series’ – “James Bond” and “The Matrtix” attempt to gain more interest from readers who enjoy those films.

Instantly the cover is eye-catching by the layout of the cover lines. It is attempting to create a three dimensional look on a two dimensional page and does so very well. This allows the magazine to stand out a lot more than the other conventional magazines; especially ones which are in competition with sales.

The magazine is a well-known name: Empire, which is the main masterhead of this cover; and all covers of this magazine. It is apparent in every issue along the top of the cover in large, red, sans serif font. It is stated as “The World’s Biggest Movie Magazine” but is under the masterhead in very small font which is hard to see; this is quite bizarre.  However some may argue that it does not need to be stated as the best as it is known worldwide and is very popular.

The cover does well not to include any other images on the it, this allows the audience’s eyes to be instantly drawn to the large man in a suit. Unlike most magazines, the main model does is not looking directly at the audience. A reason for this may be to give the audience an idea of the character in which the actor plays in the movie and giving them more reason to read on.

More movies are advertised in the numerous puffs/plugs to widen the audience to those who are general movie lovers as well as those interested in a particular film.

Overall this magazine cover is unique in layout and use of the main image. This makes it attractive to a large range of audience. The dark colour scheme and certain films which are advertised suggest it is a more male orientated magazine but the audience for not only this issue but all issue is generally those who love cinema.