Magazine Analysis-

I have chosen to analyse the magazine cover for Superman. This is because it's being advertised on a very popular magazine as well as being a world wide favourite!

Firstly, the title of the magazine is called 'EMPIRE' in which is located at the top of the magazine in block capitals. The colour scheme works effectively as the title is a vibrant and strong red. This reflects the red in Superman's cape as well as his logo. The name of magazine is placed in the centre at the top of the magazine in a large font size, to stand out to audiences when placed on shelves. The name being presented in red works really well when advertising Superman as it's used its famous well known colour. There is also a red outlining around the magazine which links to the idea of Superman and his logo. We also see 'EXCLUSIVE' at the bottom of the magazine in red to draw viewers attention to the sentence at the bottom. The magazine has used the phrase 'THE MAN OF STEEL RETURNS' in block capitals to stand out hugely among everything else going on, on the cover of the magazine. This suggests that directors are creating a new film which will appeal hugely to fans all around the world. Being displayed in white is effective as if it was red, I feel it would be too much and not stand out as much as the name of the magazine is in such a large size. This phrase works well when selling the magazine, fans will pick it up and get excited about the new film, it will also include details about release dates etc which gives them all the information they need.

The image on the cover of the magazine is a close up of Superman himself. He is looking out into the distance which makes him look brave, powerful and superior. He is shown wearing his costume which includes a blue body suit with the logo centre on his chest with a red cape. His costume makes him look extremely cliche to the typical 'superhero'. This conforms the action genre as there is usually a protagonist in which saves people and the world. Superman is portrayed by an attractive looking male, this helps sell the film as female audiences like to watch films with someone to look at. The male audience also like the protagonist to be a male as they feel it's a lot more dominant and powerful as well as being able to relate to the story. Superman looks extremely fresh and pampered which helps show his good and heroic characteristics.

There is price label located in the top left hand corner under the magazine name. This enables audiences to see how much the magazine is so they can buy it. There is also a date by the price as it shows how recent the magazine is. Viewers will only look at the price once and won't want to pay anymore than £3 as they can read the same information online as technology is always evolving. As Superman has such a huge fanbase I feel most people will buy this magazine due to the explanation that he's returning.

At the very top of the magazine it explains there are film reviews and a guide inside. This also helps sell the magazine as audiences like to see what other people say about films before going out and spending money on something they haven't heard anything about.

Magazine Analysis-

I have chosen to analyse the magazine cover for Indiana Jones, this is due to the film being widely popular all around the world as well as having a unique selling point and being extremely successful.

Firstly, the magazine advertising the film is 'EMPIRE', this is displayed in block capitals at the top of the magazine. The name has this placement as when being positioned on the shelf in shops audiences are able to see the popular magazine brand. The colour scheme for the magazine name is the same as the 'Indiana Jones' logo, this is because they want to base the whole of the cover around the film and create a more engaging perspective for viewers and audiences. There is also a badge above the 'M' stating '25 YEARS OF INDY!', this tells audiences why the film has the cover of the magazine and is celebrating the success as a whole. The red, orange and yellow tones in the name connote power, fire and authority which reflects the action genre strongly. Overall, the magazine is a famous brand which attracts many different types of people, being so large and striking also helps stand out making buyers pick up the magazine, leading them to understand the concept of the cover.

Along with the name of the the magazine, the logo for Indiana Jones is also red, orange and yellow tones which connote the same amount of power and superiority. This is effective as Jones, himself is a strong minded, brave and impressive character who is portrayed in this light. The name of the magazine and logo work well together when advertising the content as well as selling the magazine.

The image on the cover of the magazine is Indiana Jones himself. The close up shot is effective in showing his facial expressions as well as his body language and costume. The colours presented on the cover are also red, orange and yellow tones as they want to portray Jones as almighty and influential as he stars in an action/adventure film. His costume shown on the cover is a hat, unbuttoned shirt and jacket. The outfit looking not spectacular conforms to the idea of a action film and being prepared to get dirty in order to stop the antagonist. His outfit implies he is a traveller looking for people to stop and help save people. The props shown in shot is a rope, this can be used for violent use as well as using it intelligently. The actor who portrays Jones is Harrison Ford. Being a good looking character, this may appeal to the female audience as well as male as they enjoy a film being based around a male protagonist as they feel they can relate. Women may also pick up this magazine due to his looks then realise what the magazine is advertising and buy it as Indiana Jones is such a massive franchise with a huge fanbase.

There is also a price and date located on the magazine. Once audiences have been lured in by the title and image they will look for the price and how recent the magazine is. This doesn't have a massive impact on the magazine, however, audiences won't want to pay huge amounts for the magazine. The price must be reasonable as no one will pay more that £3 to read about a film they can read about online.

The magazine effectively appeals to audiences as it includes persuasive words including "The truth about INDY". This successfully attracts audiences attention as fans like to know all about their favourite films and characters. This magazine explains on the cover how you will learn more about the character and celebrate the franchise which has being extremely popular for many years.

Film Poster Analysis- Die Hard

I have chosen to analyse the film poster for Die Hard, this is due to the image and phrases working together to inform audiences of the action film. I feel the colour scheme, font, phrases and photography all successfully display action.

The title is displayed in block capitals in the colour red, this indicates blood, power and confrontation. This is effective when presenting the action genre as it successfully draws in the audiences attention and engagement. The creators of the film poster have also framed the stars name above the title in block capitals. This is practical as it tells audiences who it stars immediately which can have a unique selling point for fans of Bruce Willis. The white colouring for the characters name helps it  stand out among the dark black background. At the bottom of the poster they have given information about the release date, however, as they have only given a month it will keep audiences engaged and remember the film so they can find out the exact date closer to the time. At the top of the poster there is a phrase which is useful when showing the characters power and significance. The noun 'Terrorist' is so strong and controlling that it makes audience expect crime and torture which reflects the action genre. The phrase becomes more exciting and thrilling when it states "Just the way he likes it" as it presents him as a authoritative and forceful character. The white writing throughout the poster is effective as its eye-catching and distinctive.

The image displayed on the poster is a close up shot of the main character. The props in the shot are a gun. This immediately conforms to the action genre as the gun connotes death, violence, chase and action. In the background of the image we can see tall buildings which implies a city location. This is extremely cliche as most action films are set in the city with high professions and expensive lifestyles. The close up shot is effective as you are able to see the characters facial expressions. He appears concentrated and determined which demonstrates he's ready to attack. We can also see sweat drops on his forehead which shows his hard working and tenacious personality. His clothing also looks fairly dirty and grotty, this suggests he has been through a lot to get to where he needs to be. The body language of the character looks like he is sneaking upon the antagonist, this conform to the action genre as they typically include a chase between the protagonist and antagonist.

Film Poster Analysis-Avatar

I have decided to analyse the poster for the film Avatar. This is because it links to the action genre as well as being an engaging poster for fans and audiences. I feel the poster works well when displaying the title as well as the photograph. The poster isn't overcrowded, however, still explains a lot to viewers.

The title is presented in the center at the bottom of the poster. The white colour scheme stands out among the dark background shade. The font is also effective as it's in block capitals with sharp edges. This conforms to the action genre as it suggests death, pain and weapons. The poster also includes 'From the directors of Titanic', which is a unique selling point as Titanic is massively popular all around the world. This enables audiences to prejudge the film and compare it to the titanic, making them want to see the film.The white in the writing makes the white spots on the Avatar take your eye, which makes you sympathies with the character giving it prevalence. The size of the font is appropriate also as it doesn't take attention away from the image or cover up important areas of the photograph.

The main image for this poster is half a face shot of an Avatar. This is significant as it enables audiences to see what an Avatar looks like before seeing the film. The colour scheme is very dark including rich blue's and greens. This gives a mysterious and eerie effect to the film as the colours connote power, masculinity and authority. As the character is presented blue, it demonstrates the use of CGI, which is usually extremely impressive in high budget unique films. This will help sell the film to viewers as technology is evolving and improving all the time. I feel the poster looks effective as it only shows half the face, which makes it more compelling and interesting. The use of the dark colours also helps the face blend into the background making it appear perplexing and mysterious.

Research Targets

Mention representation, genre, narrative, mise-en-scene, camera, editing and sound in your approach to analysis of trailers to add to posts and evaluate those in your chosen genre.  Magazines and posters need to be analysed further - push yourself and evidence your high ability.

Film Poster Analysis- Casino Royale

I have chosen to analyses the poster for Casino Royale from the James Bond franchise. James Bond is hugely popular all around the world mainly due to their impressive story lines and imposing use of technology.

The title is presented in block capitals with a white colouring. There is also a shining light located on both 'O' in the title. This is effective as it stands out amongst the dark and gloomy background as well and connoting innocence and purity. The creators have also used a symbol to represent '007'. They have used a diagram of a gun which demonstrates death and murder which links to his profession of an assassin for the British secret service. The release date is also located at the bottom of the poster to inform viewers of when they can go see the film. This is an important aspect being such a well known film as audiences all over the world would want to see this film in the cinema.

The photograph for this particular poster shows James Bond standing in the foreground holding a gun. This is effective as it implies his duties and that the film is based around shootings and killings. This conforms the idea of an action genre as they include weapons and newly designed technology. James Bond is wearing a expensive looking suit which reflects his profession and being part of the MI5. His bow tie being undone signifies connections to the lady standing in the background implying they may be in a relationship. As James Bond is standing in the foreground it shows he is the main character and the most important, it gives him prevalence as well as the audience connecting with him the most. He is shown looking out into the distance which shows power and authority, the lighting is also focusing on his face to make people engage with him the most. The location of this poster is outside a casino connecting to the film title 'Casino Royal'. This connotes money, wealth and power which conforms with the stereotypes associated with action films.

The lady in the background is shown to look a lot less powerful and strong. This is due to male characters and males in society being far more dominant than females. She is wearing a long black night gown which implies she may be romantically connected to James Bond. The dark colours of her dress and hair demonstrate mystery and suspicion. She also looks slightly misleading and not innocent. Her presence in the poster is also quite questionable as nobody knows who she is or what her significance is, she may be the Bond Girl in the film.

Film Poster Analysis-Matrix

I have chosen to analyse the film poster for Matrix, this is due to the film being a action genre as well as conforming to the genre in the film poster.

Matrix is a science fiction action film written by The Wachowskis. Reality is stimulated, called 'The Matrix', their body heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source.

The font on the poster is present in block capitals in the colour white, this is effective as it stands out fluently among the dark eerie background. There is a purple outlining of the font which connotes power and authority. This reflects the objects and weapons which appear in the poster as they are superior and dangerous. The actors names are placed at the top of the poster to inform audiences of who stars in the film, this helps increase the number of viewers as fans are able to immediately see who plays a part in the film. The release date is also located at the bottom of the poster giving viewers all the information needed to connect with the film.

There are three male characters existing in shot compared to one female, this is intended to attract a wider male audience due to the main protagonist being male. They are able to relate to them and view the film on a personal level. This also demonstrates bravery, power and dominance as males are usually displayed as patriarchal and more authoritative. The female character subverts the idea of a weak female due to her body language and outfit. She is shown to look supreme and forceful as well as the males. All characters have dark eyes which makes the film appear more mysterious and suspicious, it attracts audiences to want to know more and see the film. The characters are also all dressed in black and wearing leather, this establishes that they are all fairly obscure and subjective.