Magazine 2 - Variety

Magazine Analysis 2

The masthead of this ‘Variety’ cover sits at the top of the centre third of the page, allowing space for the main focus of attention to be directed at the main image of actor Noah Wyle. He is spread across each third of the cover, in a thoughtful pose that portrays him as a muse, with an ensemble of clothes that blend with the background; a marble wall of pale blues and gold create a royal effect of importance and luxury, suggesting that Wyle has a status of nobleness, alluding to his many nominations for TV awards. A pre-sold female audience who are fans of his ER drama shows may view this cover with respect and awe of Wyle, as he is presented as majestic, formal, and a heartthrob, persuading them to buy the magazine so they can learn more about his new TV show. Unlike other ‘Variety’ covers where the print maintains the colour scheme, the cover lines are in a black font that contrast the lighter tones in the image, drawing audience’s attention to them, imploring them to read the focus of the article rather than singularly be interested in the main image. The words ‘heart stopper!’ are in capital letters, boldly standing out the use of a pun to imply a humorous tone to the magazine that reaches the pre-sold fandom audience as well as a younger female audience who may find Wyle attractive. He is making direct eye contact with the camera, and therefore the audience, which creates the impression that he is luring them in, flirtatiously tempting them to buy and read the magazine. Whilst this is primarily targeted at a female audience due to the female gaze, and lighter colours, a male audience may be reached by inspiration of Wyle’s style. His outfit is mainly masculine with a blazer and shirt, however has feminine attributes with the pale colour choice, and mesh undershirt - this may appeal to male audiences who are struggling with their identity and femininity. Wyles conveys the message that femininity can be sexy, and doesn’t confirm your level of masculinity. The cover line in smaller print tempts how Wyles ‘resuscitates this TV season’, engaging TV and media fans who are eager to watch a new show - the name drop of ‘The Pitt’ immediately intrigues readers to find the TV show and see what it is about, implying a synergetic relationship between Wyles’ career and Variety in this particular magazine. This suggests that his cover and article is more of a promo for his new tv show, rather than an insight to him or his views, as typically seen in a Variety magazine - because of this, we can assume this edition is more promotional than articulated to pre-sold Variety fans.