Double Page Spread Analysis

As part of my research and planning, I have analysed three double page spreads in terms of image, content and pace. First of all, this first article is from a recent issue of NME and features Bobby Gillespie. The main image used is a striking shot in which he is looking straight at the camera, this is very effective because it makes it look as though he is having eye contact directly with the reader. Considering the DPS doesnt have a title, it becomes quite clear that the domonating image speaks for itself. If I was to change this article, I would add a title because it's more intriguing. However, the way NME have just used an image makes it individual and different to the layout of other magazines. The way Bobby is represented emphasises the genre of music he produces; long hair, slightly unkempt, but indeed gets away with it because he's in a suit. It shows two sides to his personality. Of course the article has drop caps to indicate the beginning, and the questions are in bold which will seperate it from the answers, so the reader will know who is saying what in the interview. Columns are used to break down the text and make it look neater, in a sense, it makes it look easier to read rather than being in huge chunks of writing. 

There is a pull quote which is in a larger font and in a different colour, the colour is pink to co-ordinate and identify with the suit that Bobby Gilespie is wearing. The colour palette used is limited and is chosen in harmony with the colour of the image. Certainly a dramatic pull quote if I ever saw one; 'we're headed back to the 19th century. Being watched, cuts and rights taken away. Everything is attacking the poor.' It's highlighted because it is thought to be an appealing quote to the reader, the type of language is quite formal as it' referring to a political matter, however the rest of the article is quite relaxed and informal, considering the talk of drugs and alcohol in the introduction paragraph. Quite a lot of artists who are featured in NME tend to have strong political views which are presented through their songwriting to appeal to their fans. The article is varied between first and second person, obviously first person is as though he is reading out his diary, whereas second person is as though he is talking to the reader, which makes it a lot more personal. Some readers may like the use of second person because they may feel they are getting spoken to directly.
 The pace is quite slow, with use of colloquial language to show it's a conversation. A lot of short sentances are used which could indicate a fast pace, for example; 'That's what we're about.' I like the use of colloquial language and the pace of the article, it's personal and enjoyable to read without being hard on the brain. You can understand it and refer to what's being said, instead of it being really fast pace and not getting the oppertunity to take in the point of the article. Swearing is also used, which adds to the informality and also the target audience.
A pun is included in the introduction paragraph, referring to one of Primal Screams (Bobby's band) songs; 'we don't like the idea of being preached at when we're trying to get our rocks off.'

This second article is also from NME, it's an interview with Paul McCartney. Straight away it is different from the other DPS considering it has a title and a dominating image. The title is a quote from the interview, which is in a large capitilised bold font to instantly stand out to the eyes of the reader. Directly underneath, sits a small enigma code in an italic, smaller font.

A lot of blue is used in this double page spread, similarly, both articles co-ordinate with the outfit of the artist in the picture. In this case the colour is blue, which connotes tranquility and relaxation, a complete opposite for a rock and roll star, but still sophisticated and carefree. I love the body language in the main image, the way the guitar is presented over his mouth hints that he is speaking about his music and that only. The way he is presented is sharp, smart and experienced, which couldn't be more true considering McCartney was in The Beatles. I would personally add a caption to this picture, something which explains it, however NME have chosen to again let the image speak for itself.

One whole page has been used for the image and the other page includes all of the writing in four columns. Two other images also on the page with the writing to break the text up more and make it look easy to read. No quirky angles or drop caps are used, which makes the article seem more formal than fun and represents the age of the person featured in the article. I like the composition and flow, the way the images are added as more detail and to represent the text elements. When reading the text, the pace is faster and more dynamic with no swearing. A pull quote; 'Kings Of Leon sound great, know what I mean?' appeals to the audience, showing part of Paul McCartneys interests in modern day music and who he approves of. This is more colloquial and includes a rhetorical question, it is clear that this has been spoken and not written. The pull quote is in a display font, as well as the title and enigma codes, whereas the article itself is all in the same usual plain font. I would consider using the font in my own DPS because it makes the important parts of the text stand out without using bright colours which could distract the reader.

 

This article is also from NME, featuring Liam Gallagher. The interview is presented in three columns, with a dominant image which conveys the whole subject of the article. This shot is quite powerful and makes the reader aware of who the interview is about. His body language is quite loud as he holds an old copy of NME towards the camera, leaning forward slightly as though he is getting closer to the reader. His facial expression is quite moody and careless, which shows his personality and attitude. The clothes and props are all key to the interview. Liam is wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans, with his hand in his pocket to emphasise his relaxation. The fact that he is wearing sunglasses is mysterious, because the reader can't see his eyes. There is in fact a caption at the bottom of this image; 'hold on mate, theres a bluebottle on the lens' is a comical reference to the way he is posing with the rolled up issue of NME in his hands. A pull quote is again used as the title of the double page spread, with the enigma code underneath. The strap line is typed in a gold don't which indicates Liam's wrath and importance to the music industry. I like the way the speech marks around the text are in good to indicate that the words spoken have came from a very important person. NME are making Liam Gallagher look like a modern day rock and roll God through their use of colours. The quote also promotes the magazine, as it states that this famous artists buys only NME, therefore it must be good. They've advertised their magazine through one of their articles. It's obvious that the article is going to be informal and colloquial due to the swearing in the title. The way Liam is described as a 'drop dead rock n roll loon' uses alliteration which rolls off the readers tongue. I think the use of text in articles is important and will definitely use puns, rhetorical questions and shock tactics to make it more interesting and intriguing. The article is written completely in first person, which focuses completely on Liam's point of view. As usual, the title and strap line are all in display fonts, whilst the article itself is in a copy font which is easier to read and clearer. To separate the questions from the answers, parts of the copy font are in bold. Drop caps are used to direct the reader to the start of the article, it is in gold to co-ordinate with the colour palette of the article which is black and gold. I like the way the gold is used to represent him as being special and shows that he is respected by the magazine, such as the pull quote which refers to the famous Britpop feud between Blur and Oasis. In the article, various amounts of repetition are used; 'I like winding me kids up, I like winding me mam up, I like winding me missus up.' It's clever the way it has been written, as it emphasises his accent and dialectic manner, the use of 'me' instead of 'my' and also words such as 'innit?' Really capture his Mancunian twang and informality.

 The pace of the article is fast due to the language used, the energy and the swearing makes you automatically read it in that way. I personally prefer slow paced articles, but the pace of this fits in with the main point, to show Liam Gallaghers personality off. I like the way the interview is extremely laid back and therefore an enjoyable read for the target audience. The informal text sounds more friendly and appealing which is what inspires me about NMEs articles.