Analysis of Film Magazine Cover

The layout used by 'Total Film' is very significant in the way they are looking to entice anybody that sees the magazine into buying a copy. The clear 'Total Film' masthead is in its conventional position in the center-top of the magazine cover. The main feature of the magazine has been given the central location of the cover and because of this positioning strikes the viewer straight away. The head of actor Russell Crowe slightly obscures the view of the masthead but as 'Total Film' is such a well recognised magazine this is irrelevant as people will identify with the brand of magazine without having to look too clearly.

A very rugged, brown colour background shot taken directly from the film really identifies the reader with the film 'Gladiator', the feature of this edition of Total Film magazine. The colour scheme is quite bland in-fitting with the Roman Gladiator's, the topic of this hollywood blockbuster. Both sandy and white colours are used for sections of text and once again these are infitting with the genre of the film.

The image of iconic Hollywood Actor Russell Crowe is very important for the look of the magazine cover as it is what will stand more than anything else when the magazine is on the shop shelf. The 'Hunky' image will attract female fans who find Russel Crowe to be very handsome. Also the way in which he stands in such a masculine pose, much like in the style of Clint Eastwood in his Spaghetti Westerns will make male viewers idolise this character due to his presence in a 'tough guy' role.

There is lots of coverlines on the front cover besides the bold title, one stating the actor's name and also the name of the film's director. This provides the reader with some background information about the film and this could lead them to gaining a greater interest and thus buying a copy. Also a quote used on the cover stating 'I Cant Handle My Drink' is very carefully placed on the left hand side as this is the side people will read when the magazine is on the shelf of a store. Immediately after people have read such an intriguing quote they will want to know more and thus more likely to purchase a copy of the magazine. In the bottom right corner of the magazine cover there are small rectangles which are bright red in order to drag attention towards them, famous movie icons Nicholas Cage and Arnold Schwarzenegger are mentioned and this will entice yet more people to buy.

A pug is used offering a chance to view a new Samuel L Jackson movie for free, this is yet another example of a great selling point as in this case the purchaser of the magazine will feel they are getting a real bargain as along as a quality magazine they are also getting a great cinematic experience for thrown in for free. 'Total Film' has also used a header stating another great offer gained through the purchase of the magazine. An offer of a free CD stated in the header is another exceptional piece of advertising which promotes the magazine to everybody that listens to music.

Having the date and price of the issue underneath the masthead in small font is again good as it adds to the professional look of the magazine. The small font takes peoples eyes away from the price, and to other parts of the cover that encourage the viewer to buy rather than discourage.