Empire magazine analysis- The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs

The main focal point is the man's figure, even though he not directly in the middle. Having this as the main focal point automatically tell the audience that this is a horror film, which is due to the use of mise en scene. The mise en scene of the mask, is a convention which is stereotypical present within a horror as this is because it creates an enigma as we do not know their identity. Having the mask present creates an enigma, which would make the audience want to buy the magazine as it may provide information about who and what the film is about. The medium shot used provide minimal information about the film due to only being able to see the man. The character is also looking straight down the camera lens makes the character seem powerful and dominant due to the forever lasting eye contact. The eye contact makes the audience feel as if he is looking at you, which makes you unnerved, however it could be used to tempt you in buying it as he is monitoring you. This character is an iconic character within the horror industry, 'Hannibal Lecter'. This would be a unique selling point as the audience would know who this is so but wanting to know more.

The film is 'The silence of the Lambs', which is illustrated by the font at the foot of the cover. Compared to other 'Empire' magazine this font is very different due to it being in bubble writing, whereas the rest are in block colour font, which shows how this magazine has developed over the years. The use of this bubble writing allows the editor of the magazine to use two colours, one for the outline of the letter and the other for the centre. The colour was is a musty brown colour, which is similar to the colour of the mask, allowing the audience to know that the phrase is the title of the main image. This musty brown colour connotes dirt, stinginess and upset, which could be the atmosphere that is created during watching the film. Having used this colour for the title of the film, it complements with the colour scheme of all the dark colours used.

There is also a slogan or phrase from the film saying 'Tell me Ma'am, when your little girl is on the slab, where will it tickle you?' This is a very weird and disturbing phrase as we are assuming this was said by the person in the main image; which is disturbing when a creepy man is talking about your own daughter. 

The magazine cover also has a black border around the main image, which allows the red font to stand out. This black connotes death and despair which could be factors which happen within the film. This borders makes the format and the design of the magazine cover neat and eye catching, as the border acts as a frame. 

The puff which is used to grab the audience’s attention, as they offer something for them. On this magazine they are offer '100 covers', which would be a unique selling point as you are getting 100 covers of 'Empire' magazines in one, which is worth it. The puff has a white background which allows it to stand out therefore catching the attention of the audience. 

The skyline of the cover is the phrase 'The 500 greatest movies of all time'. This would attract the audience as they would want to know what they are and see if they would like any of those movies within the contents. Having this for the skyline creates an enigma as you don't know what the films are so it would make the audience by it, to see what they are. Just under the skyline is the masthead of the magazine 'Empire'. From my research, I have found out that 'Empire' magazine stereotypically puts the masthead in the same position, which makes all the magazines associate with each other. 

If I was going to do a horror, I would probably do a magazine cover similar to this as you can see the antagonist clearly and they are the main focal point. I would however, may include a protagonist so the audience could associate themselves with the magazine and the film.