Richard Dyer

 

Richard Dyer

 

 



Analysis of a Music Video

Analysis of a Music Video

This song is by Kodaline, and is called 'High Hopes'.

This music video is purely narrative, as it does not include images of the band singing, or their instruments. The lyrics match the storyline of the video, and make the audience go on an emotional journey with the two characters whilst the song is playing as a non diegetic soundtrack. Thus the star element of the piece is the two characters, instead of the band itself. This suggests that Kodaline want their audience to believe and feel their lyrics, rather than rely on an extravagant performance.

The video begins with a wide establishing shot, that shows a middle aged man trying to fill his car with smoke so that he can suffocate to death. The car is an isolate spot thus shows that the man is desperate and his emotions are raw and painful. The middle aged woman then runs over the hill in a wedding dress, with her supposed fiancée trailing behind her. The fact that this is story about going back and choosing the person you really love is easily conveyed, as the two characters develop their relationship as the song builds to a crescendo. The age of the characters is interesting, and suggests that Kodaline want to attract a wide audience, and not just younger fans.

The shocking factor of the ex-fiancée shooting the two characters is unexpected and ruins the peaceful bliss like tone that has been previously represented. This however, does link with the song, as "the world keeps spinning around" shows the two characters alive and together in hospital, even after being shot. It changes the tone and mood of the video, into something more thoughtful and poignant so that the audience are left feeling connected with the characters and as a result with the song and the band. 

Analysis of a Music Video

Analysis of a Music Video

 

 

 

 

This is the music video for the song 'Little Lion Man' by Mumford and Sons. It is from the genre of folk rock thus there are certain aspects of this video that link to the stereotypes of this genre.

 

The video is purely a performance, with the star element being the lead singer. The band are lip syncing whilst playing their instruments, thus linking to the genre of it being all about the making of the music. There are numerous close up images of the bands instruments, and them singing thus accentuates the idea that it is more about the making of the music rather than an extreme over the top performance. The wide sweeping shots show the band to be performing on a stage to no crowd, despite the building being reasonably large. Again this emphasises the idea of them believing more in the power and pleasure of the music, rather than the performance.

 

The muted light and silhouettes used creates a soft atmosphere that goes with the lyrics. As the song intensifies and reaches a crescendo the lights become brighter and bolder, thus conveying the raw emotion of the words used. The handing lights from the ceiling create the idea of a local bands gig, and not a global stage. This makes the audience feel included and creates an intimate relationship between the song and the audience. The song is about a man who "fucked up" his relationship and  how his "heart is on the line". The soft dim lighting conjures a feeling of desperation and that the band is pouring their heart out alone. But as there is no audience shown, the individual viewing the video is made to feel like the sole viewer thus again creating an intimate nature. The band is putting emphasis on the lyrics of the song, as to them, this is the key element of their work.

 

The band is dressed in soft colours, with waistcoats and denim which link to the folk and rock genre their music belongs too. This goes with the setting and the lyrics and again allows the audience to focus on the lyrics of the song, rather than the performance aspect. 

Analysis of a Music Video

Analysis of a music video

 

 

 

 

 

This is a Miley Cyrus song, called 'We Cant Stop'.

 

Miley Cyrus, who was a Disney Channel child star has re launched her singing career by changing her image. She has transformed from an innocent young girl to a successful rebellious music star. This change is clearly portrayed in this video, and the audience is supposed to feel shocked whilst also revelling in the idea of nonconformity.

 

 

This song has a strong narrative element. It shows young adults partying hard, and breaking many of societies conventional rules. This links with the songs lyrics 'This is our party, we can do what we want to'. Many of the images shown are quite strange and therefore accentuate the theme of rebellion from the norm, and not caring about what others think about you. Some of these images include, dancing life sized teddy bears strapped to people backs, dolls, stuffed animals being treated as real pets, and a cross made out of French fries. The image of a girl shopping her pretend fingers off, is equally odd, but yet entices the audience into the world of being yourself, despite what others expect of you.

 

The star element of the video is the artist, Miley Cyrus. She lips syncs throughout and there is no show of any instruments used throughout. To emphasise the rebellious theme she is dressed in

skin tight white outfits that leave little to the imagination and her dance moves are equally provocative thus are challenging the images of her as a young girl. The close up camera angles on certain key areas of her body are mainly targeted towards male viewers, therefore again implying that she is openly trying to provoke her male audience. The open display of tattoo's, alcohol and sex are all part of this anarchic star element that Miley is putting forward. The use of literally a 'money sandwich' is shown and links to the idea of not caring about anything but having a good time. The use of gold chains, big nails and gold rings are part of the pop culture and show a degree of wealth and 'gangsta' image. The other people in the video are equally sexualised and thus are shown to be involved in this nonconforming behaviour.

 

There is product placement at the beginning of the music video. There is a beats speaker which is suggested to be playing the track that everyone is dancing too. 

Start of A2 syllabus

Start of A2 syllabus

 

 

 

After sitting the AS Media Studies exam, we have now turned our attention to learning about the music industry. This will be a change from film, but hopefully just as interesting.