Shutter Island Front Cover Analysis

Total Film published by Future Publishing, is the UK's second best-selling film magazine. They have featured many acclaimed films from the 1990's including 'Lord Of The Rings The Two Towers', 'James Bond', 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory' and many more. 'Shutter Island' is displayed on the front cover of the 2nd best-selling UK magazine, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese's leading actor as the main prominence. Despite following the conventions of an ordinary magazine; bar codes, masthead, tag lines, puffs, buzz words etc Total Film magazine dedicates its front cover to the film 'Shutter Island'.The use of the red font of the film title; 'Shutter Island', is used for the different puffs and taglines surrounding the main film promotion, which puts mainly emphasis on the key film being advertised.

Following the connotations of the genre of 'Shutter Island', being a thriller, the mist surrounding DiCaprio suggests a feel of isolation, fear and solitude, which is most approved with the horror and thriller genre. Which contradicts DiCaprio's stance, and the expression on the actor's face. The long middle angle shot sees DiCaprio standing tall almost without fear, looking mascualine in his suit; with his police badge clearly noticeable, one leg is infront of the other to put emphasis on the hand gun which he carries. This  His head is bowed almost into his chest which indicates the aloneness and his imperceptible fear. Yet, his stance suggests a bold and fearless character. The Lighthouse is placed before the masthead, which again is to overpower 'Total Film' magazine, and to highlight its significance in the film. This magazine front cover does not follow the same image scheme as the poster in which 'Shutter Island' is promoted for. Both show different approaches to the film 'Shutter Island'.

As 'Shutter Island' is a major film, the importance of it capturing the attention of the audience is of vital importance. Hence the fact it takes up the majority of the front page, which is an advertising technique aimed at an audience to promote the film. This approach distinguishes Film magazine from its competitors. The main image dominates the masthead, with DiCaprio's head and the lighthouse both hiding the masthead; which gives DiCaprio and the lighthouse major significance in the film. Anchorage text is used 'Inside Marty's Madhouse', which highlights the key features of the film: the director, the location of the film being a mental hospital and the main character DiCaprio being in that assylum.