The picture editor has used a black and white shot to give
the image a sharper definition, this is important because Lana Del Rey is a big
star and she needs to grab the attention. She is winking, at the reader, which
suggests a mischievous and flirty attitude, which is synonymous with the model.
The background is of the national flag of America, this shows patriotism but
could also connote a desire to challenge authority. The playful nature of Lana
Del Rey is juxtaposed with the solemnity of a national icon. The additional
facts, highlighted in blue, add further interest for the reader; this
reinforces Lana’s popularity ‘A STAR IS BORN’. Also the blue colours connote
freshness and purity, a new star has burst into the music industry. There is
also a sense of honesty established about her already, on the front cover she
is described as the ‘true face’ of a modern American icon. She truly represents
America hence she is a positive and influential role model. Lana deserves to be
admired for her huge success ’MISSION Accomplished’, the word ‘accomplished’
appears in gold, connoting that she has brought illumination to America. The
drop caps are also in gold so the theme of success is carried through the
article. This links with Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory,
seeking models of good behaviour and aspiring to be like them. This along with
finding personal identity, the readers may find an air of determination after
being presented with Lana’s dramatic success, she is a more realistic version
of a superstar due to her background and upbringing, sticking to her roots;
this also helps the consumers to identify with her and her situation. Also the
consumers may just enjoy her music and since she is so popular, may use her as
a basis for social interaction.
This double page spread includes conventions of a stereotypical magazine:
The text in columns defines a clear layout for
the reader, the typography is small which may be tricking the reader
into thinking there is more of the article as it appears that only two thirds
of one of the pages is filled with text. Drop caps have been used, the
first one, ‘C’ for ‘Cheryl’ is overly large and is cut off by the other
featured image, it is bold and vivid in red, adding a splash of colour
to the page as the images use a lot of black, and a lot of black text can be
boring for the reader. The layout, sectioning off a whole
page for a large image is stereotypical of a magazine such as this. A
very similar image has also been seen in the contents page but this time no
shadow is behind her, her body is positioned to the front and her eyes although
aren’t giving direct address are seen to be looking in towards the
article which directs our attention. This is a cleaner and more striking image,
revealing a little more to her this which is also the intention of the article.
The image is mid-shot, which shows other things in greater detail such
as the studs on her top, also her facial features etc. but does not show her
fully, this may infer that there is more to be learnt and discovered about her.
The image in the contents page shows the whole of her body but she is
positioned almost as if she is coming out of the page, the bottom of one of her
legs cannot be seen. This image puts Cheryl in the spotlight which is effective
as the article also does this; the white background also starkly contrasts
with the sharp, glossy dark image. Pull quotes – the quote from
Cheryl herself is a rhetorical question, which brings the attention and
connection from the reader as they feel involved; the readership is being
directly addressed. The article, according to Bulmer and Katz Uses and Gratifications
theory, may be intended for personal identity, the connection with the reader
may make them learn something about themselves, maybe they are alike Cheryl and
also don’t know what they look like anymore.
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