Textual Analysis of Posters and Magazine Covers

Magazine Covers

Denotations:
Main image of woman dressed in rock/punk attire
Baseball bat and gun
Pink and white text
Empire masthead 


Connotations:
The pink text represents compassion, femininity and underlies a sign of hope which relates to how she is quite girly with pink in her hair, but also maybe has high hopes that she can save the world as shown in the cover line. It also has negative connotations such as being a colour signifying a lack of self worth and self reliance, which could mean she doesn't trust herself on her own to have power so she needs her 'squad' to help her out with her battles. The white colour chosen for the 'suicide squad' can convey freedom but also a sense of surrender. The fact that the font we see has no holes made out for the letters could represent that she is bold however isn't quite as open as shed like to be, showing her true self from what she has been turned into. The main image used (covering three letters in the masthead) shows that she is in control and one of the important characters in the film, with her facial expression representing her as a playful and excitable person. The masthead is covered in paint splatters to bring the aesthetics in of everything being chaotic and blown up as we can see an explosion in the corner of the page. This would appeal to a younger audience as it appears to be quite fun and bright to attract people to look at the front cover if they saw it in an environment where they are distributed. 
The background however is clear behind her, not blurred and we can tell that it is some sort of caged up surroundings which supports that she is crazy and can convey danger and supports that she is a dangerous being. This clearly represents the film and cover as being a fantasy/crime type film with the weapons she is holding and the way she is dressed, almost as a young girl who is quite vulnerable and wants to go back to her past lifestyle.

Denotations:
Main image of man wearing suit
Weapon (gun)
White main cover line
Yellow masthead
Blood splatters

Connotations:
The theme of white and grey colours on this cover are very apparent. Grey can be associated with being emotionless and dull and can also have underlying meanings of mystery, lighter greys can also carry some attributes of white which is why this theme works well. White can represent sincerity, protection and purity linking to the expression on the mans face as he is very sincere and is protecting himself with a weapon to stay safe. There are blood splatters in the background of the main image to connote that someone may have committed a crime and now they are in danger which is a typical convention in the thriller genre. Red connotes energy, war and danger but also can mean love and desire. The white/grey background links back to the expression shown on the mans face in the main picture which is quite sinister yet dull, and the white impacts the cover as a whole making the main image stand out more as the colour white used has a slight glow around him. There is also some low key lighting used on one side of his face to dramatize the fact he is hiding and wants part of him not to be seen. The man is wearing gloves clearly to make sure his identity is kept hidden and so his fingerprints are not found anywhere on the gun or anywhere. We can see raindrops on what looks like the back of a car he is hiding behind which is a typical feature in thriller films to have fast cars and action, and it also completes the gloomy setting with the rain and blood around him. 

Denotations:
Main image
Cover lines
Main cover line
2 banners

Connotations:
From this magazine cover, the first thing we are drawn to is the font colour which is a bright luminous green writing which has connotations of healing powers and relates to Deadpool himself as he has healing powers and can self heal. The bright and bold font of the masthead and main cover line is captivating and catches the eye, mainly of a younger audience also highlighting the important parts they want you to read on the front cover. The 'O's in the main cover line Deadpool are in the same shape as Deadpool's mask which look endearing and link back to the theme of the magazine cover. The main image of Deadpool placed forwards over the mast head creates an emphasis on the issues theme, and the way he is also holding a water pistol takes the seriousness out of the cover as he looks like he is seen as a joke and a funny person making it more fun for the target audience. The contrast of the bright city behind him with a dull grey sky could have connotations of him being big in the city however, 


Poster Analysis





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