Exam Practice

Analyse the front covers for both GQ and Saga magazines commenting on: visual codes, layout and design, language and mode of address


The magazines Saga and GQ have both concentrated on issues demonstrating an older actor. This is shown by the use of the main image on both magazines. However, Saga presents Michael Caine dressed in a suit and wearing glasses. From this, it shows the significant change in his life from where he once lived as a boy. As a cockney actor, he is now presented as a smart and proffessional man. The simple backdrop used behind the picture allows the audience's focus to rely mainly on just Michael Caine. It also shows the background as a less elaborate design, showing the roots of Michael Caine's past, rather than the flashy life style of stereotypical hollywood actors. Juxtaposition is used by the actors pose. Although he is seen dressed smartly, he stands with his hands in his pockets, releasing a more laid back vibe. This could suggest a part of his childhood remains with him despite him now being a world class actor.
The magazine uses a limited set of colours; black, white and a cherry red suggesting its simplistic layout. Although there is one main image, other issues are included at the sides of the magazine to entice the reader and involve more information to draw the audience in. The word 'plus' signifies although there is other features to the magazine there is also many other articles that will appeal to the audience. Anchorage is used to link the text to the image used. It reveals how the actor has gone back to visit the meant streets of his childhood. A qoute used allows the audience to grasp an idea of what the article will entitle. It also relates to the elder generation being scared to go out. This allows the audience of 50+ to recognise the feelings of other people the same age of them.
The strapline 'The UK's bestselling monthly magazine' senses an idea of its popularity.
         The American magazine GQ embraces Clint Eastwood as 'Badass of the year'. The actor is wearing denim on denim and sitting on a stool in a relaxed pose. Never the less, the actors expression shows a more defined anger in his face, relating to the mysterious and 'hard fighting' exterior that is usually portrayed in his films. His outfit suggests a western american style and is relaxed by the top buttons being loose and sleeves rolled up. The magazine focuses on a 'Men of the year' issue by listing other actors included in the magazine. This offers a variety of other actors the readers might take interest to, which broadens their audience. By relying on two main colours which are used in the masthead, orange and white are included alternatively to make a particular word or issue stand out. 'And our obsession of the year' is written in bold orange writing to reveal the 'hint' in a white font. The build up of what that obsession could  be is made obvious to the reader until you read the smaller font that only reveals limited information, this forces the reader to find out the magazines obsession.
The magazine also includes a statement 'Look sharp, Live smart' below the masthead. This suggest what type of audience the magazine is aimed at. The alliteration used makes the statement more memorable and inforces the audience to be both smart and sharp in dress wear, as well as intellectually. The title 'The best stuff 09' suggests an informal style to the magazine, as well as the most important features of that year. They focus on cars, food, music, gadgets and much more. This reveals the importance of materalistic objects and the 'finer things' in life, compared to any tragedies that may had appeared in 2009. This gives a light hearted feel to the magazine.