Magazine Cover Analysis - (Sight & Sound February 2013)

• The feature article photograph features Jamie Foxx looking into the camera and pointing a gun. This conveys that the film (Django Unchained) will have action in it. This in turn, makes the film look attractive and exciting.
• The feature article photograph also communicates that Django Unchained is a Western film, due to the clothes that Jamie Foxx is wearing.
• The background of the image conveys a sense of adventure and is aesthetically pleasing. The bright white of the snow and the mountains contrasts with the green and brown of Jamie Foxx's outfit. This, coupled with the fact that his hat is layered over the masthead, make him stand out, and make it seem as if he is jumping out of the page.
• The cover has a white border around it's edge. This appears more formal and seems more serious, suggesting that the magazine has a more serious readership.
• The masthead has a 3D effect which also makes it appear as if it is jumping out of the page. This stands out well against the white background.
• A sense of house style is communicated with the red, yellow and white text on the cover. However, it is not easy to read the red text on the green background of the clothing. However, without it, there would be little brand identity.
• There is virtually no puff on the page, which implies that the magazine does not need to try so hard to sell itself. This could mean that it appeals to a smaller, more loyal audience.
• The plug on the page consists predoninantly of director's names. This implies that the magazines audience are more sophisticated, and they have a genuine interest in film, rather than the actors that star in them.