The Dark Knight - magazine covers

Empire produced many different magazine covers for the release of the film "The Dark Knight". These are two of them that show the main characters.
These magazine covers are a good example of adapting the cover depending on the theme and type of character, and links to the characters to enable the audience to connect.
The two covers have different colour schemes, but both keep the same layout and titles, so that the two can be recognised as linked to eachother.
With most other magazine covers, the photo of the character covers some of the title. However, here, the text is brought to the front and the image to the back to highlight the title, the fact that there are two covers to collect, and the film title. This is effective as it is may not be what the audience expect from a magazine cover.

Inception - Front Cover Analysis

• Inception is the main film advertised in Empire magazine, with unique selling point Leonardo DiCaprio in the centre of the cover.  Due to Empire being a well known magazine, there is no need for the title to be fully shown.
• At first, the use of red typography hints danger, blood and horror; however the representation of Caprio in a suit brings a sophisticated style. The audience expects fast paced action and a dangerous plot line.
• One of the key features of this front cover is the mention of Christopher Nolan- he is a well known director and has a large fan base following his productions of the Prestige and Batman. This magazine cover reaches out to this audience in particular.
• The reader is immediately focused on the title of the film, due to the capitalised, red typography - It particularly stands out due to the black and white background. The background follows the narrative of the film, as it is a photographically represented image of a city, which is where the film is set, and brings feelings of excitement, exploration and hidden secrets.
• In addition, surrounding Leonardo DiCaprio, are mentions of other blockbuster films. They are slanted and look like they are being pulled back to the centre of the front cover, fitting in with the genres –action, surrealism and deception.

Empire Front Cover Analysis

Empire

The main colours used on the front cover here are all typical colours of “the joker”. Your eye is immediately drawn to the photograph and the word “joker on the left side in green, as he is the main focus of the cover.

He is presented as threatening, with the use of make-up, costuming and camera techniques. Most people already know about the iconic joker, so not much information would need to be presented in order to attract readers’ attentions.

The fact that the photo is covering part of the title of the magazine is recognised as being typical of well known magazines, such as “empire”.

The adverts and other features of the magazine are layed out in quite a random order, which could reflect the mind of the joker. Is seems as though it is quite busy, and doesnt follow all the expectations of a typical magazine cover, as there is a large empy gap on the left hand side. The way the words "meet the joker" are written is in a threatening way, as though it is an anonymous letter made with newspaper cuttings. This also has links to the film, as he leaves notes for people throughout the film.
The splodges of random colour over the front cover of the magazine may criminal activity, which also links to the joker's role in the film they are promoting.

Sherlock Holmes - Front Cover Deconstruction

• Holmes is represented as the dominant male, intimidating and violent; as depicted by his stern facial expressions and the cuts on his face and hands. In addition, the character is positioned in the centre of the page, with small advertisements surrounding him – he is the main focus, and his beady eyes particularly hint threat, confidence and anger.
• His character positioning creates intrigue amongst the audience, as Holmes looks like he is planning something (as hinted by his hands).
• Due to Sherlock Holmes being portrayed in a ‘rough, tough’ way; one would assume that the film is purposely created for adults and older children, due to the connotations of violence and danger.
• Sherlock Holmes is a well known narrative, therefore the film creators have a desired target audience – he is known as the ‘world’s greatest detective’. By creating a different slant, or ‘rebirth’ of the story; portraying Holmes in a contrasting way; the audience are appealed to watching the film. It stands as a teaser, as the audience are intrigued about the ‘new’ version of Holmes.
• The title ‘Sherlock Holmes’ is striking due to its capitalisation, its position in the middle of the page, and the contrasting colours to his costuming.