Main Task: Double Page Spread Textual Analysis

Colour Scheme

In this double page spread, there is a definite theme in terms of colours used and chosen. In this case, the colours orange, white, black and brown are used. These colours could be used deliberately to represent the character of Pete Doherty - the subject of the article. The black and browns used are dark colours that could symbolise Pete's negative experiences and qualities - such as being a heavy drinker and such. In contrast, the colour white is usually used as a sign of purity which could connote to us that Pete is now sober or starting over. The colour orange is the only bright colour and it is used on the word 'good' to make this word stand out. This colour also attracts the reader and does not clash with the other colours used.

Image

The left side of the page is taken up by the image of Pete Doherty. The musician has been photographed in front of a grungy looking brick wall and was taken outside at night. This could connote to us that he has a dark side to him or enjoys the nightlife. He is posing in direct address to the camera - and therefore the reader - making eye contact. His non-verbal communication is ambiguous which suggests that he is not happy nor sad. His blank expression could also connote carelessness or dissatisfaction. Another sign of carelessness is his appearance. His fingernails are dirty and he is dressed in a dull, brown top. His hair appears to be greasy or wet - from sweat, perhaps - and overall this presents him unpleasantly to the reader. His only props are two alcoholic drinks. This could support the genre of rock as it is sometimes associated with alcohol and drinking however, more importantly, it is telling us what the article is about. Another image is almost unnoticeable on the bottom right corner of the right page. It is a picture of Pete and his band performing however the small size in comparison to the larger image connotes that Pete feels that his alcoholic/druggy lifestyle is perhaps more important to him than the music.

Subject Name

The name Peter Doherty is not highlighted clearly on the DPS although his first name (and nickname) 'Pete' is used and his band's name 'Babyshambles' is also used.

Quotes

A quote from Peter: "People say, 'Oh, Peter used to be your singer'. I'm like, 'What are you talking about? Used to be?!" is placed in the middle of the page on the right and is important as it presents Pete's current reputation in the music business.

Drop Capital

There is a large drop capital used at the start of the article in the top left hand corner of the right page, showing the reader where to start reading from. There is another smaller drop capital mid-way through the article on an 'F', showing the reader where to continue reading.

Headline

The headline is positioned over the image on the left page and says 'In good health'. This can be seen as ironic as the image does not support this headline - grasping the reader's interest and attention further. The headline is in all capitals and it is bolder and larger than every piece of text - other than the drop capital.

The By-Line, Strap-line, and Stand-first positions are not clear as many magazines do not follow the exact same structure. However, the journalist and photographer's names are both visable. There is a short introduction that anticipates the article positioned on the image underneath the headline and the article is written in the form of three narrow columns. It is also written informally - a general characteristic for music magazines.