Summer Project: Preparing for the Coursework

A key media skill is to be able to analyse images using subject specific terminology to decode signs. When analysing still images you have to explore aspects of mise-en-scene and camera. There are links in the side bar that will take you to a fantastic site that will explain these terms in detail.

You task is to analyse the representation of a celebrity across four different magazine front covers. We have included Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez as examples in case you can't find your own one (above posts).

Use the following bullet points as a template to complete an 800 word comparitive analysis. Remember, you should explore the way that the celeb has been represented through the construction of mise-en-scene and use of camera shot.

• What magazines are you analysing and who are the target audiences for each?


• What type of shot has been used and why? What relationship does it create with the audience?


• Describe the costume in detail and what is says about the celeb. Has this changed over time?


• Have any props been used? What do these suggest?


• Describe the celebs body language and facial expression. What mode of address are they using and how would the audience react to this?


• How has colour been used to create meaning?


• What type of lighting do you think has been used? What atmosphere is created?


• What are the connotations of the setting and decor?


• Are there any intertextual references and what are the connotations of these?

Overall do you think that the way the celeb is represented depends on the type of magazine and/or target audience? Has the stars image developed and changed at all over time?