Shutter Island Magazine Front Cover Analysis ...

The magazine 'Total Film' published a feature on 'Shutter Island' which included this front cover. Aside from the usual conventions shown on each cover; such as the masthead, bar code and issue number; the cover is almost entirely taken over by the shutter island style model. The use of the movie's signature red font is not only used to advertise Shutter Island itself, but also on the magazine's other features.

The image of DiCaprio differs from the movie poster's close up, but features the actor's similar grim facial expression and ominous dark blue and grey colour scheme. There is also a swirling mist around his lower body, which is synonymous with horror movies. He is shot at a long, middle angle maing him seem tall and imposing, posed with one leg slightly forward to place emphasis on the gun placed directly before it. His police badge is also clearly visible on his clothes which gives his costume an official appearance, in a typical 50's overcoat. The image of the lighthouse is placed before the masthead, naturally giving it a dominance over the whole cover. This links directly to its significance on the island.

The anchorage text of 'Marty's Madhouse' is a reference to the director Martin Scorsese and links to the mental hospital in which the film is located.