Film Magazine Analysis - Total Film

Each month, Total Film provides a range of features, from full-length interviews and photo shoots with established and up-and-coming actors and directors, to major film previews and retrospective pieces. All issues contain the Total Film Interview — an in-depth chat with a celebrated actor or director, along with a critique of their body of work; the Abridged Script - a one-page parody of a recent release and Total Film loves..., a one-page celebration of a film, a scene or a performance.

The barcode is positioned on the right hand side 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 denotes professionalism. The date of release, price and issue number of the magazine appear above the masthead. They are in a smaller font so they do not steal attention away from the main images or cover lines. In addition, they are the last things the target audience of film lovers would notice which is a clever tactic as their attention has been captured by the main image, their interest has been heightened with the cover lines and then the price is the final piece of information they look at but at this point they are engrossed in the magazine so they are willing to pay £3.99 for the magazine. The higher price of the magazine, when compared to weekly magazines, shows that the audience can expect quality and focused attention on the target audience’s interests. The website of the magazine is included under the date of release, issue number and price yet it is in a bigger font. This is not only so the audience can view more information about the magazine and it’s articles but also because people who have newly discovered the magazine can see that it is a reputable company as the mention of a website makes the magazine look more professional. 

The cover line for this magazine front cover is ‘Massive 2010 preview’ which can be recognised as it is the biggest font in the left-side third and it is positioned in the sweet spot so it is the first piece of text that the target audience’s eyes are drawn to. The text is all in capitals which helps make it stand out against the lower text as it establishes it’s importance. Furthermore, the writing is in white which helps it to stick out against the dark background thus, becoming more visible to potential readers. The text above the cover line is read almost as an afterthought as it is neither in capitals or a large font. It does, however, include prominence as it mentions Johnny Depp which would appeal to perhaps a wider audience because he is a popular actor and ‘sex-symbol’ to many women. The whole of the left-side third is started off with a puff which is ‘World exclusive’. The puff stands out against the dark background as it is black writing that is framed in a yellow box. This would capture the attention of the target audience and attract them as they are told that this information isn’t available anywhere else. 

The left-side third on this magazine is all about the main article therefore the information below the cover line is related to the ‘World exclusive’ and there is no secondary lead. The word ‘starring’ fits in with the colour palette of white and yellow but still manages to stand out as it is one of the larger fonts due to it being a sub-heading. The consistent colour palette helps to link the cover together and therefore keeps the reader focused on the information they are viewing. The list below has been carefully selected to appeal to all film lovers as it displays a range of genres from action to comedy. In addition they were some of the most anticipated films of 2010 thus, the potential readers would want to find out about them. This text is smaller again but the colouring helps it to be noticeable as well as the simple layout which makes it easy to read. The use of a plug, ‘and 38 more…’, also helps to tell the reader what they can expect inside plus, it leaves a sense of mystery about what the other films are so it temps the target audience to buy the magazine. 

At the top of the magazine is a banner offering a freebie which would attract the target audience as they are getting free merchandise when they purchase the magazine. The banner is very noticeable as it is above the masthead, in capitals letters and in a large colourful font- all of which help it to stand out from other information. The free gift is relevant to this edition as Iron Man 2 is featured in the 2010 preview and thus, this would be alluring to the target audience as they know that similar goods will soon be appearing to coincide with the release of the new film. The menu strip at the bottom of the front cover gives the potential reader an indication of what they can also expect from the magazine. The names/ topics have been carefully selected and only the most appealing features of the magazine’s contents make it onto the front cover. In this instance, the menu strip includes two big Hollywood names that would appeal to a wide audience as well as the topic of a ‘Blue-Ray special’ which will entice the target audience as they will wonder what the special is. Also, Blue-Ray is a new technology which enhances the film and therefore this would appeal to the magazine’s target audience. 

The main feature picture is very colourful so it is able to stand out against the darker background and therefore it almost creates a 3D effect. This in turn appeals to the reader because the image catches their attention. Furthermore, the character is in front of the masthead which gives him prominence over anything else on the front cover. This indicates that the magazine is so well known that they do not feel the need to make their name more noticeable than anything on the cover. The character pictured corresponds with the cover line which makes the magazine look more professional because everything is related and thus, it is easy for the audience to understand. The person featured in the main picture is in character which attracts the target audience because it indicates that the feature is about the film and not the life of the individual actor. The technical codes, for example the lighting, help to convey the genre of the film and the personality of the character. He is very well lit and colourful which connotates that he is a comical character and the film he stars in is funny as there are no dark shadows or low key lighting which suggests the film is cheery not gloomy.