TEXUAL ANALYSIS

 





DENOTATION – The denotation of this magazine cover consists of a contrasting photograph of a black man dressed in all white. The man in the photograph has a scar on his left cheek. In the photograph, the man is striking a confident pose with his hands in his pocket. Surrounding the man is a series of cover lines. Although there is no central colour scheme, the magazine contains a lot of white/grey and orange.

CONNOTATION – The man in the photographs pose is a cool and confident one which would suggest that this magazine is for cool and confident people which is important as this magazine is targeted at the urban youth who all want to think of themselves as cool and confident. In addition the title of ‘college lifestyle’ indicates that this magazine is aimed at college students. The scar on the models face gives the impression that he has gone through hard times in his life.  The white on the magazine cover and on the man also gives the impression of purity and in some cultures wealth.

MISE-EN-SCENE (COSTUME) – A white long sleeve shirt, a white belt with a silver buckle and a pair of white trousers. The costume could be seen as extravagant because white is not usually worn from head to toe like this. The costume also could define the man in the photographs wealth as white is seen as a rich mans colour in some cultures.  

MISE-EN-SCENE (SETTING) – The setting is a white sheet background; maybe in a studio. The white background creates the effect of a calm, serine paradise similar to a haven.

MISE-EN-SCENE (LIGHTING) – The magazine cover is shadowy and has low key lighting shining on the left side of the model.

MISE-EN-SCENE (NVC) – The models pose and facial expression non-verbally communicates coolness and confidence which promotes the look and the design of the whole magazine.