Entertainment magazine is not soley focused on horror or scary movies, but it can be argued that Harry Potter movies are frightening at some points. This is a special edition front cover as only Harry Potter is featured (apart from the strapline linked to Stephen King). It is quite common for a film magazine to do this occasionally when they want to pay tribute to the release of a significant film- the final instalment of Harry Potter fits this bill.
The main image of Harry Potter dominates the cover of the magazine. The image itself is not an overly posed position with careful lighting and make-up, but could be a still from the movie. The shot seems to be taken from a higher angle and the character is looking just above the camera, which makes the audience wonder what he is looking at. In the image Harry Potter's wand is poised and raised (notably in the left hand third where the audiences eye is drawn to first), suggesting that he is ready for action and can be victorious. Pose-wise, he leans forward, again as if ready for action. Determination is etched on to his face meanwhile. The idea of battle is reinforced by the main sell-line, which reads 'The end is near', which could relate to the final showdown between Voldermort and Harry.
The costume 'Harry' is wearing appears to be the costume worn in the movie, which makes it seem like he just stepped out of the movie and onto the magazine cover. The costume he's wearing consists of jeans, a t-shirt, a checkered shirt and a hoody- these are all clothes that the majority of people can wear and find easily. Therefore making the character more relatable and realistic as they are ordinary items of clothing. His make-up appears to be made up of subtle bruises and battle scars, with a few smudges of dirt- again making it seem as if 'Harry' himself is real and will fight against evil and just stepped out of a battle.
The background has interesting yet simple features, such as dark clouds- a convention I have seen present throughout all mediums of media promoting horror movies. Dark clouds can foreshadow an evil or bad event occurring- something that will without a doubt happen in a horror or frightening movie. The mist that enshrouds Harry could suggest that this is one of the darker films within the Potter franchise. This could indicate the fact that his life and his world are threatened by darkness. It should also be noted that the blue background does create a cold and errie mood. The background also adds a magical and powerful element, while showing that the character will not be affected or deterred by the harsh environment surrounding him.
Like most lifestyle, fashion and other magazines this cover includes a masthead, a puff and a large dominant sell line. The strap above the masthead reads 'Exclusive Stephen King Excerpt'. The word 'Exclusive'- in yellow font- is a buzz word that encourages the magazine to sell, as it suggests this information can not be gained elsewhere. The masthead and sell line text are coloured white- this could suggest that the magazines is factual and that they have not created false stories or accusations. There is a puff in the left hand third, where the human eye is drawn to first, and the words 'Harry Potter' are also yellow- making them stand out from the rest of the magazine. If a person glances momentarily at the cover they are likely to see the words 'Exclusive' and 'Harry Potter' and if they are fans of 'Harry Potter' or want to know or be the first to read something 'exclusive' they are likely to buy the magazine.
The sell line informs the audience the name of the movie 'The Deathly Hallows' - so if audience members have seen the trailer or are fans of the movies then they will be drawn to the magazine. The biggest font on the cover is part of the sell line which reads "The end is near" - this will help draw in the audience, as the end of the Harry Potter movies and the final battle between Harry and Voldermort, are iconic. The end of an era is approaching!
The magazine cover overall shows an image of the main character in a strong stance, looking slightly worried but determined to defeat evil. If the audience member is a fan of Harry Potter then they will definitely be drawn to the magazine cover and probably by the magazine.
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