Film Magazine Research

Film Magazine Conventions/Layout

 

The following review is from the popular film magazine 'Empire' I have annotated the page and noted the layout and conventions of film reviews.

 

 

 

 

I have found that many film reviews are there to advertise the film more then analyse the good and bad points of the film. It is common for magazine reviews to praise films and is used more as an advertising device then anything else. I've found common techniques magazine reviews use include:

• Mentioning films that have been successful by the same Director, producer etc.
• A list that tells the reader some interesting facts about the film.
• They may mention awards the film has received or been nominated for.
• The films website where you can find out more about the film.
• They always leave information about the film out so that the reader is drawn in and leaves them guessing meaning they will want to see the film more.

 

The review above is taken from another popular film magazine 'Total film' As you can see the review almost has exactly the same conventions as the first example. The layout is slightly different but not by very much. This article is once again positive and very little criticism is written about the film.
I feel that these are both two very good and clear examples of professional and interesting film magazine reviews. I think this because they are attractive to look at but also interesting to read by the light-hearted language that is used. The writers of the reviews try to inject some humour into the reviews which I feel is important and also the writers seem to often aim to make the films sound good especially if it has been directed by a recognised director.
I have found in the past reviews often either go two ways. They either praise the film and do everything they can to convince you to go and see it or alternatively they may try to be more controversial and give the film a terrible review and slate it saying it isn't worth watching. This in some cases I feel could come across as reverse phycology as people may want to see it to see how bad the film actually is and to see if the film magazine was exaggerating or not.

Both of the previous examples that I have shown are both quite mature and I would say that they are probably aimed and people 16/17 and up. This is good as it means that it should attract the correct ages to the films.

This example on the other hand taken from 'Unlimited' is a little more light-hearted and could be more related to a younger audience as well as an older adult audience.

This review still has pretty much all of the common film review conventions however the way it is has been drawn out is a little more light-hearted. This kind of review would attracted a younger audience more due to the colours and the fact that the pictures are more relevant and eye catching and the fact that there are more of them in this review.

I feel that our Film review should be more like the first examples as the film relates more to people aged 16 and above. I think this because the themes and plot of the film could be seen as a little complicated and the storyline is quite mature meaning a much younger audience may not like or be interested in the film therefore our film review would be more appropriate for a older audience.