Analysis of Film Magazine Front Covers...

This is an issue of the film magazine 'Empire', which features Will Smith on the cover.

The main image used is a typical magazine cover image which conforms to the conventions, such as being a mid shot, which shows the body language of the cover star but also showing their facial expression. He is also looking straight to the camera which gives a direct mode of address to the audience. He is also positioned in the middle of the page, showing that he is the main attraction of the magazine. Will Smith is wearing dark clothing and is holding a gun which shows that the genre of his film, 'I Am Legend' is an action. The camera is positioned slightly lower than him, showing that he has authority over the audience and contains lots of power and slight arrogance.

The outline of the background is a lot darker than the centre, it is almost highlighted in the middle of the page showing that Will Smith is the star and that all focus should be on him. 

The colour scheme used is very basic with a very dark background, the text has been white and red so that it stands out from the background. The red connotes danger, violence and possibly blood which may suggest that the genre of the film could be horror.

The skyline states that it is the best winter preview ever, which is a big statement and one that will possibly persuade customers to buy this magazine over any other.

The sell lines show other stories that are within the magazine which will hopefully attract a wider spread audience other than just the ones who wish to read about Will Smith.

The strapline includes the titles and images of the upcoming and big budget films which attract people who want to see the films because they will want to read the reviews before paying for cinema tickets to see it.

The masthead is in the colour red, in keeping with the colour scheme and corresponding with the violence in the film. The name of the magazine is Empire which connotes higher authority and prestige. 

Part of Smith's head is covering the title which shows that the producers are confident that the magazine is iconic enough for people to recognise it despite some of the name being covered.