Music Video Textual Analysis

Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk

Shot type and camera movement: long shot, shallow focus

Analysis

This shallow focus shots concentrates on the woman’s body whilst we see the line of intimidating males watch her walk. This shot can relate closely to the male gaze as the aim is to draw attention to the female body; the fact that the long shot cuts off her head gives her no identity meaning it reduces her to just a body. This objectification of women is extremely common in pop music as it is the convention that attracts so many views. The males are seen as dominant and, because they’re stood in a line, they come across like a group of animals hunting on prey. Whilst the woman is showing a lot of flesh, the males are fully clothed head to toe proposing that only women are seen as sex objects and are there for any male to look at or admire.

Music/lyrics: ”Girls hit you, hallelujah” Edit/transitions: The editing in this section is quick and frequent. This mirrors the upbeat tempo and beat of the song and represents the quick to judge attitudes of men towards women’s physical appearance.

Shot type and camera movement: mid shot, handheld

Analysis

This mid shot uses the beat of the song to match the action that takes place on screen. The main subject (Bruno) and the backing dancers clap to the beat which enhances the bass of the song; doing this builds up the tempo to excite the audience before the beat drops. Dance routines are a common convention of pop music videos as they add the fun, party feel and, in this case, allows the audience to feel involved and excited.

Music/lyrics: “Cus uptown funk don’t give it to ya”

Edit/transitions: the cuts in this section are extremely fast and no other transitions are used. This helps the video to build up tension and lead up to the chorus; the tempo matches the cuts, as the beat changes the shot also

changes.

Shot type and camera movement: close up, shallow focus

Analysis

This close up shot reveals the main subject dominating the shot. These close ups are extremely common in pop music videos and enable the audience to establish who the main subject is. Using this with the high lighting and the shallow focus helps us identify that the main character us the most dominant and powerful of all that feature in the video. The star of the video is frequently referred back to in close ups whilst also being seen at the front of all group shots and dance routines.

Music/lyrics: “cus uptown funk don’t give it to ya”

Edit/transitions: this fast cut to the close up continues the fast and exciting pace of the video. The editing is mostly handheld which forces the audience to feel part of the action and as if they are watching there and then.

Shot type and camera movement: panning mid shot

Analysis

This mid shot focused on the main subject, Bruno, with the backing dancers in a blurred focus shows off their dominance as a male group. This shot is seen in a party/club venue and the lighting using blue and red connotes an exciting, dance atmosphere for the audience. We are able to establish the location from this colouring immediately as these colours contrast completely with the natural lighting used on the street; this relates to how most pop music videos involve two contrasting venues. In this case, the venue expresses Bruno and the other members as fun, party boys who enjoy entertaining. We see a skill side to them as the panning mid shot showcases that it is a live performance meaning they can grasp the attention of an audience whilst dancing and singing well too.

Music/lyrics: “don’t believe me just watch” Edit/transitions: the editing used in this section is slower than before and uses pans to show off the group on stage. This contrasts with the party scene as we would expect fast and exciting cuts, however, doing this allows the director to fit in dance routines and exaggerate the groups chilled out vibe and carelessness/freedom.

Shot type and camera movement: tilt movement, long shot

Analysis

This technique is used in the build up to the chorus. As the tempo begins to increase, we also hear a drum beat in the background and each time this is heard along with Bruno singing “oh!” a tilt of ninety degrees is shown and finally a whole spin on the last “oh!”. Doing this adds to the whole fun and disorganised feel of the video; pop music videos do not need to have a narrative or an order to them and this is a great example of one that shows neither. Because the movement matches the beat and tempo, it enhances them and brings the music to life; we are able to identify a slight dance routine done by Bruno as this is happening which adds to the fast pace build up to the chorus.

Music/lyrics: “oh, oh, oh, oh!” Edit/transitions: the editing in this section uses extremely fast cuts and pans. This gives a disorientated feel for the audience and speeds up the tempo. Using this tilt editing forces the audience to feel free and gives them a sense of chaos and rebellion.