Task 5 - Analysis of magazine front covers

In this blog post I will be analysing numerous magazine covers and detailing what representation is being used on each as well as how the cover lines relate to the audience of the magazine, of whom I will also be addressing. I will also be focusing on the main image and masthead in particular in my analysis of the following magazine covers:

Empire Magazine November issue - Interstellar
In this issue of the worlds most popular film magazine, the focus is on the new science-fiction film by Christopher Nolan titled Interstellar. The film stars recent Oscar winner Mathew McConaughey as the lead actor and he is hence the choice for the publications main image, as seen to the left.
In my view, the target audience is 18 - 45 years of age and primarily male. An indication of why I think the primary audience is likely to be male is the content of the cover lines. For example, one of the cover lines details the 15th anniversary of the start of the American television drama 'The West Wing' staring Martin Sheen. This televisions primary audience was male at the time of its original run. The majority of star wars fans are also male (a story detailing the secrets that link the sci-fi television series to the films is mentioned in another cover line).
   I also think that the primary audience is likely to be above the age of 18 as a cover line at the bottom states 'The scariest movie of the year revealed', if this is the case then it is likely to be classed as an eighteen by the bbfc for its horrific images and likely strong language, therefore the publisher is trying to entice an audience of at least eighteen. Star Wars, originally released in 1977, would likely appeal to an older audience of around late thirties to early forties and beyond due to its release date alone (the majority of those who viewed the original trilogy were children and teenagers, of whom would be around these ages now). The mention of the Star Wars Television series which is viewed mostly by pre-teens, would suggest a desired appeal towards a younger audience. However, it is unlikely that they would be purchasing the magazine themselves.
   The masthead of the magazine is the publications name and logo: 'Empire' (stylised as 'EMPIRE' here). In this instance in particular, the logo has been stylised to match the corresponding 'Interstellar' title. Both of these elements are in the space evoking style to mirror the films sci-fi genre and setting of outer space.
   It is most likely that this magazine cover would not appeal to those of fundamental religious beliefs as the film showcased revolves around finding other habitable worlds and lifeforms. Other scientific theories such as The Big Bang are also rumoured to be key features of the unreleased film. Whilst this may not prevent these people from seeing the film, it is likely to appeal less and have an oppositional reading as it is non-relatable to their beliefs.
   In this case McConaughey is making full eye-contact with the audience, therefore inciting them into the magazine cover.

Rolling Stone - 'The Bomber'
When released, this issue was received with a lot of criticism for its portrayal of the Boston marathon bomber as a rock star type of figure who is idolised. The worst criticism came for the fact that it was likely that the magazine knew of the controversy this cover would create, yet still decided to run with it, hence offending family members of and the victims themselves of the bombing. In my opinion, the use of the main title: 'The Bomber' glorifies the radical islamist terrorist as it almost sounds like the nickname of an idolised sportsman or someone who does good for recognition.