Week 2: Language of Advertising

Empire Magazine releases monthly editions providing its readers with all the information regarding high topic films. Looking at this issue, you can see that Empire is focusing this month cover solely on the anticipated Game Of Thrones release.

At first look, the obvious blue and white theme is used throughout the cover. This cold aesthetic echoes the well-known words of warning given by the fictional house Stark: “Winter is coming” which has been a presented through every season so far. This makes the audience believe that the much-anticipated threat of “winter” to be finally here.

In terms of verbal signs, the page cover is very minimalistic. This makes sure that the focus is not drawn away from the action and imagery of the piece.

The comic-like art style would appeal to the larger fanbase of the series, being more of a “nerdish” group. This is typical of the fantasy genre due to the works of writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The art and genre promise the idea of adventure and heroic challenges.

At the foreground of the cover, you can see an army silhouetted by the light in the centre of the page. In focus, you can see six characters with their backs to the audience. This draws in the attention of the audience as the detailed figures may present some idea of their identity (providing information about what will happen in the coming series). However, the contrasting dark lighting on these characters reinforces the prospect of mystery, which makes the audience question the morality of this army. Are they the last line of defence? Or are they the enigmatic force brought upon us by “winter”? Keen fans of the show will notice the shadow of a giant among the army, and two horsed soldiers perched on cliff edges either side of the army. This hints towards previous shots in the series where the enemy is presented in the same powerful pose.

Bringing your focus to the centre of the page, you can see a flying dragon blasting down a huge ice structure (known as “The wall” throughout saga). Since series one, The Wall has always been referred to by its strength and size, defending the kingdom from the threat of the Wildlings. The fact that the dragon is destroying such a symbol of stability not only enforces the power of the threat, but also creates a metaphor for what the audience can expect from the upcoming series: Winter is coming, and it’s going to leave a huge impact.

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One thought on “Week 2: Language of Advertising

  1. I am guessing you may be a fan of GoT? It is always useful to work with material that interests you as it makes it so much more meaningful. However, the flip side to this is that you can risk falling into description which is what is happening here. You describe the cover to me but I can see that. What, and more importantly to the task, how does it mean? What mechanics are at play that construct this meaning? Can you bring in aspects of semiotics – signs, signifiers, signified etc and apply any of this terminology here? When you do, what does that tell us about the WAY this texts constructs meaning? And to whom? You have some good ideas – I would just like to see you apply more of a framework to them so you generate deeper and more critical insight.

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