A2 Media Coursework

1. Inception Magazine Cover Analysis - Fonts
The font used for the masthead is incorporated into the image as the
letters of the word “film” are represented as the tops of buildings.
This will stand out to fans of the magazine who would expect to see
the usual font used on the magazine title and would be intrigued by
the drastic change.
The same bold,
silver, sans-serif
font is used for the
majority of film
titles on the cover
which helps the
audience establish
the main films
promoted in the
magazine and also
stands out as the
most important
information on the
page as the font
has an eye-catching
shine effect to it.
The text for the Tron
promotion is in a
font placed in a
circular box which
makes it stand out
and separates it from
the rest of the
magazine which
connotes it’s
importance. These
are often used to
promote topics
unrelated from the
rest of the magazine
cover.
Some coverlines are placed in a bolder font than
others, particularly ones that relate to the main
item of the magazine cover.For example the
“mind-blowing” text in the coverline and the
strapline are highlighted in red when the majority
of the text is in white fonts.

2. Inception Magazine Cover Analysis - Colours
This magazine cover uses many conventional colours for
the text such as red and white which are bold yet clear
colours that are often associated with the magazine
meaning the target audience will be familiar with the
design.
The use of silver in the
coverline for the film
Inception connotes class
which automatically sets
the film in a good light
to the reader.
The blue mist at the bottom of the
page and the blue fade on the
buildings in the image create a
mystic feeling to the image which
relates to the theme of dreaming
and dream worlds in the film,
therefore revealing an insight into
the film that will increase audience
interest.

3. Inception Magazine Cover Analysis – Image
The main image is placed conventionally in the centre of the
page which shows how the main coverline supports the
scenes depicted in the image. The image includes the
famous Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio who many
readers would recognise and possibly be fans of, therefore
making both the film and the magazine more popular.
The backdrop of the
image is an aerial shot
of a city and a number
of buildings. This could
be considered unusual
and unconventional as it
gives the image a
supernatural element
that could be
considered conventional
for a psychological
thriller, therefore
appealing to fans of this
genre.
The mise-en-scene is used in the image to
reveal elements of the film, for example his
smart costume gives the character a
professional, classy look and gives the film a
sophisticated feel. Props are also used such as
the silencer for the weapon he is holding which
connotes action and violence which is a typical
element of a thriller.

4. Inception Magazine Cover Analysis - Layout
The top third of the page is traditionally filled with the
strapline and the masthead, which is conventionally the first
thing the reader, will see. The strapline reads “The Mind-
Blowing Issue” which creates a sense of awe and excitement
for the audience. It also relates to themes of the film, which
is based on the mind and therefore helps promote the film
and relates to the psychological element of it.
The main selling point of
the magazine is typically
occupied by the central
image and the main
coverline, which work
together to promote the
film Inception. On this
cover both of these
have a prime, central
location where they
stand out as the most
important features of
the page. The film will
then be the most
memorable thing the
audience will
acknowledge on the
cover.
Coverlines
conventionally fill
the four empty
areas of the
magazine cover in
order to promote as
many features of the
magazine and films
as possible. A
coverline in a
circular box stands
out from the others
and is positioned
above the main
coverline, which
signifies its
importance and
appeal.
It could be considered unconventional to have a
column of coverlines running down the central
part of the magazine but it also works effectively
in linking different articles of the magazine
together. The coverlines are linked together with
conjunctions, which relates the topics of the
articles to the main film, Inception that
encourages the audience to read them all.