Empire Magazine Contents Page Textual Analysis

The December 2012 issue of the empire magazine contents page has the masthead at the top of the page in small. Beneath this the contents page title is in large red and white font that spans across the whole page with the character of the main image overlapping a part of the title. The date for the issue of the magazine is located on the right hand side of the page and it slightly over laps the main image. The list of features of the articles is on the right hand side. The page numbers are on the left hand side of the list in large white text, the article titles are in red and the brief details of the feature articles are in white. The cover line located on the right hand side is in white small font and appears to be isolated from the rest of the page. The cover line that’s in a bubble on the right hand side stand out with the gold box and the black writing that is advertising the film for the main image. Then the 5 small images are advertising the other editions of the December 2012 empire magazine front covers.

The colours of the character in the main image vary from dark shades of navy and black to browns for the fur coat then the metallic silver for the sword and armour. The navy and dark colours show that the character is of royalty and high importance while the fur coat can show that the character is well maintained. The lighting in the image is coming from the right hand side and combined with the fur coat being broad it creates shadows on the left hand side of the character. This shows that the character is a heroine in the film but it can also show a dark side such as greed. The male white dwarf is facing forwards with his eye gaze focusing forwards as well. The anger on his face can show links with his sword being held in front of him. There is no real make up on the main character apart from the possible work done to the hair. The prop that the character is wielding a sword so the audience can see the swords shape and the engraved patterns that transits from the handle to the broad blade. The shape of the sword can show how the setting/narrative that the character is from is a possible fantasy genre or a fantasy hybrid genre film. The photo was taken in a studio therefore there is no real setting but there is a dark navy blue background which links to the characters clothing and royalty. The character is to the left of the centre of the frame with his sword above and his fur coat curling around where the centre of the frame is located.

The shot used is a medium long shot and that camera angle is slightly high which gives a slight effect of looking down upon the character in the main image, which supports his characters role as a dwarf. The character is fully in focus and the background appears slightly out of focus. The photo was taken in full colour, which shows how the film is modern and is not a remake of a black and white film. The photo has a medium contrast effect as multiple areas of the heroines clothing is shaded or is very difficult to see because of the lighting shining upon the fur coat. The lighting is studio produced and is focused on the right hand side of the heroine and this gives the character a expressive mood that portrays his true characteristics and personality. The lighting is soft so that more shadows appear upon the heroine and this compliments the lighting angle. No text is used within the main image which can single the heroine out which supports his character of being a king in the film trilogy that he is in.