Textual analysis of Rolling Stones magazine

Textual analysis of Rolling Stones magazine

The Model, Robert Downey JR, has been photographed rather close up. The image includes his face and shoulders. As the photo is close up, we see his facial features and expressions very clearly. From his eyes and slight frown, Robert looks intrigued and quite sad about something.

The main image is usually what will catch the audience’s attention to begin with as it is what takes up the majority of the front cover. If people are curious to find out what has made Robert look intrigued in the photo. They would carry on reading the cover lines. The biggest cover line reads “To Hell and Back with Robert Downey JR.” This cover line will insinuate to the audience that Robert is at a time in his life that has not been easy for him (hence the word ‘Hell’ being written with a capital letter for emphasis). This cover line has clearly linked with the photo as the stubble on Robert’s face could signify the ‘rough’ time that he has been through.

The intrigued look in Robert’s eyes could be because he is looking for somebody to help him, or he’s curious what his life will be like now that he has been to hell and back.

The colours of the text around the sides of the magazine are all substantially plain and dull. This has been done purposefully to create emphasis on the main image. Robert is wearing orange a bright, bold colour that makes him stand out from the text surrounding him.

The masthead ‘RollingStone’ is made up of three colours: Black, grey and white. Although these are rather plain colours, the way that they have been arranged makes it look as though the masthead is in 3D effect, it makes the reader notice which magazine they are looking at, creating a better chance of the name sticking in their head for future purchases.

The layout of the cover lines, masthead and boxed in writing causes no obstruction in the viewing of Robert Downey JR’s face. The text is all neatly placed around Robert so that you can see everything you need to for example facial expressions.

The target audience for this magazine would be an older generation as the price, at £3.50, is quite high for people who are younger and may not earn as much. Also, there is boxed in text that speaks about a campaign which could also be aimed at an older age group who may be more interested, they may also have more of an interest in politics and ‘how the democrats can blow it’.

As we, Robert Downey JR is not the youngest celebrity around and he often appears in films that may appeal to an older generation who would then be encouraged to buy this magazine if they are a fan. Slang terms are usually used amongst teenagers and this magazine speaks rather formally, possibly not attracting the younger audience as much a magazine which uses slang may do.