Analysis of Horror magazines

Empire: analysis 1

The masthead used is always the name of the magazine, here being Empire. The masthead acts as a brand for the magazine by using the same font and size to make it evident for the audience when looking to buy the magazine. The colour scheme and themes are the only conventions that change on each edition of empire, this is because it relates more to the genre of the film advertised.  The masthead dominates the whole top of the page and happens to be in red font, red is a colour we would signify with horror because it connotes damager and death. However not to mention there is flames around the masthead which creates a theme of action and fire.
The main image is the biggest focal point of the front cover and the most recognisable feature. The image here shows one of the characters in the film 'hell boy 2' judging from the sell line, empire have used a medium close up shot which grabs the readers attention most in comparison to other shots. Close up shots are best for showing emotion; empires shot shows the aggression from his clenched fist and violent teeth griting. This creates an affect on the audience as they want to feel fear whilst watching horror genre film, having this intimidating character on the front entices the audience to watch this film. Not to mention he is painted red and has horns coming from his head- signifying that he is a devil. Further more he has dark features such as his hair, this paints a theme of darkness and mystery, some may say he is 'animalistic' with his straw dark hair. He is posed with his fists clenched and has gritted teeth which connotes the strapped anger inside of him, this may be a key question for the audience as to when is he going to let this anger out? This may entice a high volume of audience to watch the film, to see his behaviour progress. In addition the aggressive behaviour we would expect from a devil. His fist on the left looks more 'dense' and 'tough' in comparison to the other fist, this connotes his strength, it is proven by his dominating image. However this image signifies gender roles as men are seen to be more powerful than women. Another key theme shown is contrast in good vs evil as he is seen to be wearing rosary beads around his wrist.

Cover lines have used to encourage sales combined with the main image and other conventions, there are four main cover lines. The cover lines are popular blockbusters who all have well established actors and actresses, this will convince the audience to purchase them.
Empire use a well structured layout similar to many other well established magazines, this enables them to create formality and structure. In addition it helps with creating a brand by having a similar structure each issue.
The colours used are bright, bold and attention grabbing, which also relate to the genre of the magazine being horror. Empire have used red to give the horror element but also used black and white to encourage structure. Also creates contrast between the main image and background.
Main selling line the gold mode of address cover line, "first look" with the additional hell boy information. This has used mode of address because it's allowing the audience to feel drawn into an exclusive look. The exclusivity is encouraged with the use of higher class colours being gold, this creates expense and limited feel.

Fanogria: analysis 2

Fangoria here significantly is promoting slasher films which are targeted at a male base audience from the horrifying violent scenes. Fangoria is targeted at male audience, this is recognised through the use of dark colour scheme and slasher cover lines. Cover lines are used to entice  an audience therefore slasher films promote a male audience. However horror films secondary audience would be ' horror lovers'.
Again the masthead is placed across the top half of the magazine ( rule of thirds). Fanogria gives a sense of the genre as it gives an idea of vampires or it could be considered as 'fan of gore' however Fanogria gives the Sense of mystery. The colours used for this issue are mainly red and white, as previously mentioned red gives a sense of blood and torture, represents the horror genre. The use of white could be used to contrast the colours however some may see it as a challenge in conventions as white connotes innocence. However I believe white is used to outline and catch the readers attention. This particular issue is marketing the release of insidious, the insidious logo uses also red and white, therefore this creates continuity as it links with the Fanogria masthead. Similarly the Fanogria masthead supports the idea of vampires as the F and A is displayed to look like fangs. The brand identity is kept by having the logo positioned in the same place each issue and the same name.
Like most conventional horror magazines, the main image is a medium close up of the main protagonist  or could be considered as the villain ( character theories Vladimir propp). The main focal point is the villain in this photo, when doing additional research it came to my attention that insidious use the same image to market their film. This creates Insidious into a brand, as the audience realise where they've seen that image from or who it belongs too. Therefore  this image is significant to
insidious. It is easily to identify that the sub genre of insidious is supernatural horror because of the eerie individual and supernatural lighting and feel for. Not to mention there is no use of lighting other than from the use of a candle. This image is very dark and has no background which gives it a spooky and horrifying chill to it. Facially the villian is represented to look evil and powerful, through the use of costume she seems to be dressed gothic/grunge. This image symbolises  range of thoughts; she appears to be wearing possibly a vail which creates a key question as to why is this? This entices the audience to watch this film, for their questions to be answered. However the vale connotes mystery as it creates a disguise for her could this be because she is trying to hide her identy. In addition by having a a female as the villian challenges forms and conventions as men  are usually in horror films as the villian.
Cover lines act as a structure for the magazine, they're wrapped around the main image framing it. The cover lines give an insight to the content of the magazine, however they don't give too much away. This influences readers to read the content. The puff relates to the genre as it is in the shape of blood, the puff  happens to be a free poster which readers particularly look for when purchasing a magazine.
The cover lines are still creating the the trend of masculinity, with the use of formal and simple cover lines. The cover lines are smaller than the masthead however they're bold enough to draw readers in. Also with the combined use of colours, the main colours used are white and red, the colours could represent the beginning of a disequilibrium as white connotes calm and innocence and red being the disequilibrium creating something sinister. The release date is also mentioned on the magazine , to inform readers of when insidious is released another key marketing trick to encourage an audience. Evidently the colours used are very conventional in relaxation to the genre of the film.

Total Film: analysis 3

the masthead has been placed across the top which is a common and conventional area. It has been placed behind Sherlocks' head, total film can do this as they're known as a franchise or brand therefore by not allowing the audience to see the whole magazine name they're still able to recognise it. It also still is bold and stands out, this is because of the large font size and brand identity. The masthead already gives us a look into the magazine as its 'totally film'. By using 'white' masthead it gives it a sci-fi feel with the use of a blue colour scheme. Not to mention the title still is recognisable and stands out while being behind Sherlock, this enables sherlock to dominate the magazine as he is a well known popular actor, this also helps by having a USP ( unique selling point). By also having the serif font masthead allows it to be recognised easily and allows the audience to access other media platforms from this brand.
The main image is Sherlock Homes, his costume is different to what the audience usually see him in therefore by him now doing horror films it allows the audience to see him in a different light. The main image relates to the main cover line ' all the elements are coming together', this makes me question possibly he could be a detective once again through his old looking costume. The genre possibly even may be related to action or crime. Through the main image it connotes past life, signifying this could be set in the 'olden days' (BC). This is identifiable through not only the costume but the mode of address ' the greatest detective in the world' and  the confident facial expression he seems to be pulling. I consider this to be similar to The Women in Black main image but i consider this image to 'not give too much away'. Symbolically the main image and film title are linked through the chilling colour scheme and visual effects. The background is set in London through the use of iconic tourist attractions ( big ben) there is additional affects such as the mist effect which adds an element of mystery with the narrative and storyline. I think that the film must be set in winter, through all of the evidence presented on the cover. This is a medium close up which shows us his emotion/facial expressions and clothing.
The skyline features upcoming information featured inside, the skyline has featured the 'Z' rule. Total film havent just focused on one film but they have mentioned several to appeal to all different types of individuals preferences and genres.
The four selling lines identify the content of the magazine, it allows the readers to read just only the front page and recognise what is going to be included inside. The light blue glow contrasts the different coverlines such as 'sneaky' or 'basterds' which attracts the audience as they would like to find out more about the stories.

Storyboards

Horror Film Posters analysis

Horror Film Poster: One Missed call 

Title: the title states ‘one missed call’ which instantly draws the reader in because it creates suspense as it may signify a tragedy waiting to happen. The font is also capitalised, over empathising the title. The font appears to be fading which gives an element of fear. The font gives the reader an impression that it discusses molarity. The font is in white which stereotypically we associate with innocence therefore it challenges the forms and conventions of a horror film. The text is positioned in the third layer of the poster therefore it is easily noticeable and grabs the reader’s attention. It has gone for the traditional method of a poster with the film credit underneath.

Iconography: the face of the individual contrasts facial parts. The individual happens to be smiling which challenges the forms and conventions, as smiling is stereotypically used to express happiness and positive body language therefore its done in a spiteful manner. In addition the face has a mirrored screaming girl as the eyes which instantly allows the reader to recognise the genre of the film which happens to be horror. Not to mention having different body parts placed on a face was a very common thing to do in the 70s. The object in which the victim is holding could easily be mistaken for a knife or a phone.

Themes and tones: a tagline features ‘what will it sound like when you die?’ this interlinks to the theme of horror and fear as it asks about the audiences death. Death connotes ‘the end’ which gets the reader wanting to find out more.

Billing block: In most cases the billing block is the best selling point. If readers notice a famous actor that they’ve previously seen starred in a film this could interest them to watching the film. The billing block is the same colour as the title which gives it an organised look, also it merges into the design. It is important to feature the billing block as individuals who are have a strong interest in films will be drawn to the actors.

Synergy/links to other media: the film poster has a link to their website. It has been bolded so it is clearly visible for the audience to see. This is a good method of establishing it as a brand as the audience is able to access other method media platforms to find out information you couldn’t find out from the poster.

Technical codes: The colours used on the victim is a sepia affect which again gives the reader a transport to the past. The face of the person on this cover is fading which gives the sense of the horror and extra ordinary. In addition the dark coloured background instantly links the genre of the film and the targeted audience which would be individuals interested in being thrilled and on edge by horrors. The image has been taken for eye level angle which is a mode of address to be conspicuous and show significance.

Horror film poster: Sinister 

Film title: the title of this film as you can see is ‘sinister’, the term sinister defined ‘giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen’. By the narrative, you are already given a clear genre of the film. By giving it this particular name it emphasises the idea of a supernatural feel which directly draws the audience into watching it and finding out what is ‘sinister’. The font has a dripping effect which creates an image of death and blood, which gives a ghostly feel which plays on the title. The text is positioned centre and has large spacing gaps which means readers can easily identify it is as a brand. In addition text is painted in a dark blood colour which contrasts with the lightly coloured background. Each letter is sharp and pointed which connotes weaponry which creates an idea of ‘the end’ and mortality.
Billing block: the billing block has created consistency by using the same colour as the blood smeared on the wall. The billing block features just some of the actors or actress’ starring in the film; this may entice the audience to watch this particular film because they may have enjoyed a film previously with one of the individuals in. 
Synergy/ links to other media: the poster has the different social media links featured therefore makes the film more reachable and links to the growth in web 2.0 which allows audience to watch the film progress through social media.

Setting: the background of the poster is dull and basic which the blood now contrasts with the basic colours used. The background appears to be cracking, which connotes many different ideas but particularly the sinister idea that a nightmare is slowly starting to happen. The off white colours used give it a historic and spooky feel, which fits into the horror genre. There is a young girl in an isolated area and the floor and walls are grubby and foul, this connotes innocence and an element of risk as there’s no ‘escaping’. It looks like this is set possibly in a house in a basement or in a room no longer used which emphasises the idea of separation and loneliness. However the location is unknown therefore this will give the readers a sense of mystery which will attract readers to visiting social media sites or watching the trailer for this film. The location for this poster connotes unknown which will help build up readers the expectations.

Iconography: the main selling point is the main image which is similarly as horrifying and shocking. The blood on the wall denotes an evil spirit, which interlinks with the tagline ‘once you see him, nothing can save you’ which creates a daunting atmosphere. The evil spirit has used front on angle therefore his eyes are in perfect eye line of the camera creating an intimidating feel, which immediately insinuates its a horror film . The poster uses the rule of thirds with the image and text. The image dominates everything else on the poster. The evil spirit looks like it has been splashed onto the wall by the little girl’s hand which emphasises the idea of trauma and horror. The blood is red which connotes death and danger. Stereotypically in horror films you would find blood and gore which again you can tell the genre is horror of this film. The little girl is dressed in white, which connotes purity and innocence; therefore they are playing with forms and conventions.
Tagline: the tagline is very significant because it creates a storyline, which interlinks with the image below. This suggests danger is waiting because once ‘you’ve seen him, nothing can save you’. This suggests everything is satisfactory and good but everything will take a turn for the worse once seen. This connotes to the audience the evil spirit will shadow you which makes the audience feel more on edge and eager to find out more.
The selling line: the selling line features two very popular horror films. By including that sinister is from the same producer it will interest more individuals.

Film Poster: Insidious




Film title: the film title is ‘insidious’ which means  proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects therefore this gives the audience a sneak into the plot of the film. The title is bold and capitalised which makes it clearer to see. Being bold  grabs the attention of the viewers. The title is white and distorted which connotes ghostly and ethereal.

Main image: the main image is a young boy with distinct features positioned centre of the poster; this gives an impression of being harmless and pure. This is a stereotypical view of young children as they are seen as being ‘good’, it is empathised by the clothing choices of the boy, he’s seen wearing pyjamas. His face is dark and has an expressionless face, the camera angle has uses direct look out to the audience. However this may result to Claude’s theory of binary oppositions because the boy may be opposite to usual young boys, this will entice the audience to find out more. The main focus point is the boy therefore this could give an idea of what the film is about or based around rather than the haunted house behind him. Stereotypically horror films are filmed in derelict locations and buildings which empathises the idea of the audience wanting to find out more as it is different to ordinary horror films by having it based on a child. The child’s eyes are dazzled connoting paranormal and uncanny, therefore the audience may think the boy is ‘possessed’ which indicates ‘something’s wrong’ this leads the audience to find out what is wrong with him. His body shape on his shoulders and face shape has sharper contrasts which indicate the boy’s power and dominance. He has no colour on his face and his posture/body language is unlike a child of his age which gives an impression that death and the beyond signify importance of the film.
Billing block: the billing block contains the directors and actors positioned at the bottom of the poster. It has used a light and small font to be able to blend in with the colour scheme previously used. The billing block could be the main selling point for film lovers because they may like certain actor or actress featured in the film. The logos are adapted to 'insidious', therefore it is conventional to relate to the certain genre.
Setting: it is set in a haunted neglected house. It is a typical American working class family home. It is detached could this possibly suggest the spilt in personalities? The lighting over the house emphasises the idea of the boy’s power and dominance; this could be over his family or possibly a storm occurring.  The house also appears to be isolated. The atmosphere is dark which complies with the horror element. The darkness of the film gives an impression of the drama that could be occurring in the film. The colours appear to look 'drained' and dark giving an eerie feel for the magazine, also it gives the masthead stand out significantly.
Tagline: 'its not the house that's haunted' this connotes confusion for the audience suggesting well what is 'haunted' then enticing the audience to preview this film, as if the house isn't haunted then what is?  The tagline also links with the main image, as it suggests that the boy must be haunted, code of enigma.
As similarly done by other films they state the age rating for the film, this is a '15' which is who the film is targeted at. The main image happens to be male, therefore this suits the demographics for the target audience being men? however horror lovers are also female. Stereotypically you would expect from a horror film, the protagonist to be a male, this is because women are seen as pure and innocent.