Reading an image - media codes

 

Technical Codes:

The lighting is harsh which highlights his furrowed brows and the camera shot is a close up which shows the intensity of his expression. He is staring at the camera which shows direct address to the audience. The overall advert is two images stitched together which could represent his past and present.

Written/Verbal codes:

In the anchorage text the O's are filled in connote to 50 cent's gunshot wounds and the title/Slogan shows a reflection on his past. Also it's unclear about what is being advertised which suggests it could be a limited edition product.

Symbolic/Non-verbal codes: 

His facial expression is angry and serious and the slogan exudes confidence and strength. The colour scheme is monochromatic and dull which could be reflective of 50 cent's bleak history of crime which is further emphasised by the fingerprints which could symbolise history and identity. The logo is associated with celebrity culture and identity since the brand is reebok which is a fashion brand that is associated with the 80's and 90's which would likely also interest 50 cent's target audience. He is wearing jewellery which conveys that he is a product of success, shows he is seen as an idol to fans and illustrates his 'rags to riches' story. The advertisement  uses 50 cent and his story to reinforce capitalistic ideologies and to overall sell their brand.

Narrative codes:

The slogan is quite vague which creates an enigma code. Also the black and white colour scheme creates a sense of mystery. The fingerprints could be an action code as they connote to police involvement and 50 cent's identity. And the text 'No plan B' conveys unknown future actions or life trajectory which is both an enigma and action code.

Technical codes:

The lighting is high-key. It is a pack shot to show the audience the product that is being advertised.

Written/verbal codes:

The slogan is a rhetorical question to the audience that asks whether or not if they have had any Weetabix which could act as a call to action for the audience to purchase the product. Furthermore, the brand name 'Weetabix' has a play on words of the word wheat which allows the audience to have prior knowledge of what the product contains. Also all the typography is sans serif which is used to be viewed as more approachable and less serious which would appeal to the mainstream target audience of families.  

Symbolic/Non-verbal codes:

The main colour is yellow but the supporting colours are red and blue which are all the primary colours which brings a childlike feel to the advert which is likely used to advertise to children and families since that is a cereal's brand target audience. 

Narrative codes:

An enigma code could be the rhetorical question to the audience since it could pose a question that the audience has to think about to discover the answer or it could be seen as an action code since it's convincing the audience to take action and have Weetabix.