Textual Analysis - Total Film

One main feature of every magazine is the title. This is one of the main features of any magazine, because it allows people to differentiate between different ‘types’ of magazines and also different ones within that particular genre of magazine. The name of this magazine being ‘Total Film’ allows the reader to directly identify it with it’s content; being about films. The use of the red against the white highlights the colouring of the picture behind the title and helps it be more consistent.

Another feature which is commonly seen on magazines are subheadings. Under the title of the magazine, there is a sub-heading which gives insight into either what the magazine is about, or how the magazine portrays themselves in terms of quality. Both these things are evident in this magazine’s sub-heading which state it’s ‘The Ultimate Movie Magazine’ as it shows what the magazine is about and also giving an opinion of how good they are at presenting the topic.

Probably the main feature which is on all magazine front covers is a background picture. The picture which is used as the background to most film magazines is taken from the feature film in the magazine. This particular photo is of Johnny Depp playing a part in the film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, which is what this issue of the magazine is focusing on. As well as the picture being the main focus, we can also tell that this film is the main feature because the name of it is central on the front cover, which makes it easier for the reader to view. One main thing to point out is that the character in the picture, seems to be posing for the camera, in order to engage with the reader of the magazine.

The colouring of the text is important in being able to maintain the consistency of the presentation of the front cover. In this front cover, the colouring of the text is mainly white, to show smaller text, and grey to show headings to the text. The fact the text is this colour makes it contrast against the bright colours of the picture in the background. As well as the use of white and grey text, there is also the use of the colour purple, which is used to fill in stars, which act as bullet points and separations between features, and also used to surround other text to add emphasis.

The fact that this colour is used, very cleverly intertwines with the colour of the character's gloves and eyes on the picture. This allows each feature on the front cover to seem relative to each other and make it seem like text and other things such as ‘stars’ haven’t just being added there, but it seems like they belong there.

Another thing that is essential, when producing a magazine, is the addition of a barcode. Although this doesn’t help the magazine company in anyway to increasing or receiving sales, it is required in order for the sales that do happen, to be completed. As well as a barcode, a date is also required for a magazine front cover. This is because it makes it easier for classification or an issue number for the magazine to be made, this is why an issue number is also needed to be placed onto the front cover, near to where the date is. This makes it easier for the readers to know if they have already bought this issue or not, and also to make it easier for them know if it is a recent copy, or if it is and old copy.