Music Video Analysis

By James Powell

1st Video-My Mistake Were Made For You- The Last Shadow Puppets

• Mise En Scene- • The costumes used are mostly casual clothing including leather jackets and jeans for the

male leads. However the women who appears in the video is dressed in a far more feminine fashion wearing what appears to be a white dress with either fur or feathers. The setting is

an exterior park, although it is clearly and interior set made to appear as a location. Furthermore very few props are used only a car and 2 guitars (acoustic and electric) appear in the video. The low level lighting used stays consistent throughout the video adding to the eerie tone of the song. The performance seems quite deadpan and serious with the vocalist

looking directly at the camera giving a stern look further reflecting the songs content.• Camera-

• Even though the video is filmed in the style of one continuous shot several different angles are used within the video. For example the video opens with a long shot of the car lying of

its side that tracks into a two shot of the leads. Further on in the video a mid angle is held of the vocalist that tracks out as he walks placing emphasis and importance upon him as the lead singer of the group. Importance is further placed upon the band when they are stood

in a stand and the camera arcs around them as they play. However within this video no close ups are used.

• Editing-• Almost no cuts are used within this video due to the continuous nature of the filming,

however there has possibly been some re-touching things that include lens flare being included. Also there is possibly some exaggerated colours in particular reds and orange

glows. • Sound-

• No diegetic sounds have been added to video it is only the song used.• Evaluation-

• In terms of the genre the conventions are fitted accurately in this video. The genders are only really represented through costumes which, like I said previously, is a traditional representation with feminine clothing used for the women and traditional masculine

materials such as leather used. The low level lighting also reflects the genre as it seems more realistic and gritty.

2nd Video-Time For Heroes-The Libertines• Mise En Scene:

• Like the last video the costumes are very casual and normal featuring leather jackets and jeans as

• the primary costumes. The setting is incredibly diverse, whilst most of the exterior shots seem to be from a city centre’s parks and town the interior shots range from hotels, cars

and stages. The props used like the last video use instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars as well as a drum set but also more rebellious items such as cigarettes and alcohol to communicate that the band is more anti-establishment and possibly provide a more working class appeal. The lighting is also inconsistent as the interior performance and hotel shots feature more low level tones reinforcing the more gritty and rebellious attitude however the exterior shots one interior of the car seem well lit and more high

key. The performances in this video seems more playful as it follows the group through the town.

• Camera:• Although the video uses a more handheld style they are still able to utilise various camera

angles and shot types. This video, unlike the last, also uses frequent close ups and although the transitions are admittedly longer due the style of execution they are still

recognisable as camera movements. In addition the movement of the camera seems to follow the band even through large crowds, communicating the lead performers to the

audience.• Editing:

• The editing within this video is very fast paced and sharp. The quick edits match the pace of the song and the use of split screen adds a unique and different feel from most music videos and furthers the pace. Very few visual effects are used adding to the more natural

and indie feel that the song presents.• Sound:

• Like the previous video this uses only the songs and does not add any other effects or overlays.

• Evaluation:• In terms of the male representation this video shows a traditional representation of the

rebellious stereotype through the use of Mise en scene and editing. The genre however is also reflected through the use of fast paced editing.

3rd Video- Fluorescent Adolescent-Arctic Monkeys

• Mise En Scene:• There are two types of costume in this video due to the narrative. The first are the actors

that are dressed in the bright and colourful clown costumes that break traditional representations of men, however the second group is far more conventional using long

over-coats and casual wear such as jeans. The setting is almost entirely exterior and only partially interior as it takes place within an abandoned construction site. There are many

props used within this video however(like the costumes) they are all very narrative based, items such as lighters, chains and a briefcase and so may not necessarily reflect the any conventions or genres. The lighting in this video, unlike the others, is all quite clear and bright showing a more natural effect to the other videos. Again, unlike the

other videos there is no clear performer in this video • Camera:

• This video features far more variety in terms of angles and shot types than the other videos. For instance the video opens with a point a view shot that further includes over

the shoulder shots. In addition long angle shots are used to display power and rivalry within the video between the two groups.

• Editing:• Like Time For Heroes the videos editing is fast paced to match the song but also in this

case the narrative of the music video. There are lot of jump cuts used especially during the fighting sequences in conjunction with slow motion and subtitles as to not interrupt

the action or pace of the video.• Sound:

• As I said in the editing section, subtitles are used in place of any dialogue or sound effects to maintain the videos pace. However at the beginning of the video there is some short

diegetic sound.• Evaluation:

• In comparison this video is not as strong in terms of reflecting or representing the conventions of the genre as the previous two videos. A different variety of camera shots are used and some of the Mise en scene choices such as costume and lighting are not

the conventional realistic portrayal of other indie rock videos.

4th Video-Songbird-Oasis• Mise En Scene:

• The costumes used in this video are less casual featuring a long black over coat, in addition the setting is entirely exterior taking place in a public park reflecting the natural

acoustic sound of the song. Furthermore the prop of the acoustic guitar is quite conventional to the genre and acts as the main aid to the leads performance. The

lighting is again very natural and clear even further reflecting the mood and tone of the song but not the conventions of the genre.

• Camera:• Lots of low angle mid shots are used during the performance sections in conjunction with

frequent use of close ups and occasionally extreme close ups. For the more narrative sections almost every shot is a long shot showing the lead walking through the park. In addition the video also utilises depth of field during the close up shots to further place

emphasis and isolate the lead towards the audience.• Editing:

• For the most part the editing style is consistent in continuity especially within the narrative section in the beginning. However during the narrative scenes there seems to be an element of jump cuts to speed up the story through the park. No re-touching or

visual effects have been used to keep the feel natural similar to that of the song.• Sound:

• Unlike the other music videos this one uses an element of diegetic sound. During the narrative section at the start you can hear the engine of the car and certain keys sounds

of doors shutting etc. However when the music starts the diegetic sounds end.• Evaluation:

• This video, like the last, breaks many of the indie rock conventions in terms of lighting and use of sound. And because of the use of a single lead in very neutral actions no real

attitude or representation is displayed.

5th Video-Song 2-Blur

• Mise En Scene:• Again the costumes used are very casual with most of the band wearing t-shirts and jeans

communicating a more pedestrian or public feel to the music. In addition the video seems to be set in a performance room with quite low level lighting adding to the realistic and gritty feel of

the song. In addition all the props are extremely conventional with a lead guitar, bass, drums and microphone instantly communicating that they are a band in conjunction with the costumes clearly showing a more indie rock them or vibe. However differently the performance in this video is much more energetic and exciting with far more movement and emotion displayed

through the performer. • Camera:

• Whilst playing the instruments most of the shots are either mid or long shots however the performance shots are mostly close ups really focusing on the lead to show both emotion and

importance on him. Furthermore unusually the video features only static shots without any movements.

• Editing:• Like the shots and angles the editing is quite basic using simple cuts and holding continuity. But

the pace of the editing did significantly speed up with the pace of the song reflecting it visually with the more dynamic lighting and sharp editing.

• Sound:• The song features no diegetic music only using the audio from the track.

• Evaluation:• A very conventional indie rock music video with basic and realistic uses of costume, edits and

props to communicate a more harsh and direct video.

Conclusion• In conclusion I have learnt that to make a conventional indie rock music video I would have to

include:• Vey little diegetic sound (if any at all)

• Casual and everyday clothing• Instruments to match the song

• Possibly low level lighting if using an interior location • Keeping lighting natural if filming an exterior shot

• Use a good variety of angles and movements when filming both narrative and performance shots

• And make sure the performer makes direct address to the audience