The Sound, Music Video Analysis

The 1975- The Sound Analysis

The Sound was the fourth single from the album I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It released by Manchester born Indie band The 1975. It was released on the 19^th February 2016 with its music video release six days following. It is currently The 1975’s highest charting single reaching number 15 in the UK. It’s controversial music video and live performances sparked much conversation in the media due to its outright use of their previous criticisms in an attempt to face the critics head-on and show they rise above the hate they receive.

The music video has a high performance element which is stereotypical to the genre. The camera shows many close up shots of each band member and their instruments to match the fast paced editing of the video which is done to go with the timing of the music. As well as this there is a continuous heartbeat in the background of the music in which the video editing sometimes compliments. In contrast to the upbeat music and face paced editing the band wear all black and dark make-up to give the video the stereotypical moody, indie feel. Often Indie artists add a controversial, political or current affairs issue as a talking point in the video. In The Sound Matty (frontman) wears nail polish, this is breaking down gender stereotypes which is a very relevant issue of the time.

We see the four band members caged in a glass box to perform the song. This gives the impression that the band is under scrutiny and being watched, giving the connotation of zoo animals. The lighting outside the box looking in is bright pink reflecting the energy of the song however its turns bright white when Matty begins to sing making you think of a spotlight on them as they are being watched. This could further add to them being inspected move by move. Matty knocks on the glass of the box as if trying to get free and holds his head in stress, it seems as if the scrutiny is becoming too much for him and he wants to escape.  He later wrights the words ‘Help Me’ on the glass cage as if he cannot deal with being watched constantly. The glass box slowly rises with smoke as if they are being drowned- this shows they cannot cope with the sudden fame and do not know how to handle it.

Out of the distance groups of smartly dressed people appear all looking into the box. They are all dressed head to toe in white clothing giving the impression that they are pure and perfect in contrast to the band dressed all in black. This could be a representation of the idea that you have to be perfect to criticize somebody else. They watch the band and get closer and closer to the box talking more and more as they do as if to say they get further scrutinized with the more fame the accumulate. The lighting turns bright white (spotlight) when Matty sings the lyrics ‘All about me’ as if all focus is on him and he feels all bad press is directly to him.

Perhaps the most stand out part of this music video is the bad review quotes that appear on the screen in pink flashes. The band also edited these quotes onto the screen of their live Brit awards performance causing much confusion and many people to believe they were hacked. It seemed unbelievable that an artist would openly display negative comments about their music. The band have revealed they did this to stand up to the negative press they receive and show how far they have come and how they are no longer affected by this. The words are written on a pink background which is often seen as a positive colour. This almost makes fun of the comments and shows that they are not taken seriously by the group.

In a sudden turn of events now the four band members are set on chairs looking into the box in which is full of the critics drowning in smoke. They seem to be battling harder to get out of the box whilst the band members do not speak only look in towards them. This gives the critics a taste of their own medicine by putting them subject to what they do to others. Although the band members do not speak or judge them but only look on presenting them as bigger people. This highlights the fact they rise above what people have to say about them as they believe in what they are doing and eventually it will put them in a position in which they are free from judgement.

In conclusion, I think this music video has a brilliant meaning behind it and shows that you should never stop doing what you love and that ignoring negative and nasty comments should not put you off what makes you happy.

The Pretender, Music video Analysis

Foo Fighters- The Pretender Analysis

The Pretender was released August 21^st 2007 by American alternative rock band Foo Fighters. It was the first single from their fifth album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. The music video was directed by Sam Brown, one of the world’s most sought-after music video directors who’s work on Adele’s Rolling in The Deep won them the Grammy award for best music video.

The video opens with the lifting light and Grohl (front man) walking toward a microphone in what appears to be an empty warehouse. The room looks to be largely decorated in white representing the balance and equilibrium at the opening of the video. The high angle shot gives the audience the impression it is being filmed by CCTV, this shows there is a higher power administrating authority.

We see a close-up shot of Grohl wrapping a bandage around his hand as if preparing for a fight, this could be a metaphor for the battle he has with authority and order. This is further enforced by the following low angle shot where we see Grohl clenching his fist showing his power. He sings the lyrics ‘keep you in the dark, you know they all pretend’ towards the dark expanse as if singing to someone hiding there. There is a black line on the floor so to separate the band from their opposition .

The fast, jump cut editing gives the video a sense of aggression which matches the anger in Grohl’s voice. The camera pans around the band displaying their anger as they play their instruments. There is an extreme close-up of Grohl’s face which gives the audience a sense of intimacy and puts the viewer in the place of the opposition, this really gives you a feel of the aggression displayed by the band in this video. The red background behind the band is often associated with danger and passion. The jump cuts from high to low angles gives the video a sense of manic tension of stereotyped with rock music and the energy of a rock band.

In the middle section of the video we see the opposing force in which Grohl is singing too. A policeman in riot uniform walks out from the dark space to face head on with Grohl. The police represent order and law which is a total contrast to the bands image of aggression, anarchy and rebellion. The lyrics seem to mock the police officer ‘you’re the pretender’ and ‘what if I say I will never surrender?’. The policeman then continues to pull a shield down over his face- this mirrors the idea of Grohl wrapping the bandage around his hand- both these images show they are preparing for conflict. 

The camera behind the officer tilts from a high angle to a low angle highlighting a shift in power from the band to the authority figure. There is an over the shoulder shot from behind Grohl showing he is directing his lyrics towards the police officer. More police in riot uniform appear from the dark representing authority gaining more power over the anarchy and rebellion. The camera tracks along the line of officers showing the are numbered further enforcing the idea of their order. There is another extreme close-up of Grohl as he sings ‘what if is say I will never surrender?’, this shows he is challenging the authority figure.

Tension is built using cross-cuts between the police and the band. As the guitar bridge begins to calm the police start to charge forwards, this contrast is known as contrapuntal sound. The dynamics of the music rise again as the red wall behind the band explodes with red paint, this represents the danger and energy of the band projecting itself and pushing away the authority. The band lean in to the explosion and are not knocked over showing they are strong as the police all fall to the floor in defeat. The band are drenched in the red paint as if to reflect the danger into them now. The jump cuts between low and high angles create chaos and show the differing in status now between the police. Grohl smashes his guitar- which is stereotypical of the genre- showing an emotional release as if all his pent-up aggression is finally being set free and the authority is defeated. Once he has done this the room again turns to white as if the equilibrium is now being restored.

Music Video Codes and Conventions

Wasp- Short Film Analysis

Wasp- Short Film analysis

Wasp is a short film made in 2003 by British, female director Andrea Arnold. It follows the story of a low class, struggling mother of four (Natalie Press) and her life in poverty. Many have said that the film has such an emotional impact due to having a female director, proving that only a woman can document the struggles on a woman.

The film feels very real to the audience. This is an effect of using a lot of hand held camera work throughout the production as it puts you in the scene. As well as this many point of view shots are used putting the viewer in the place of the children. Giving the audience the perspective of the children really highlights the dangers they go through in day to day life making you feel sympathy for them and putting the mother in a bad light. During a class discussion about Wasp we found we had many different opinions and views on the mother’s actions and the way she takes care of her children.

I believe that Zoe really does want to take care of her children and sees everything she does as a way of protecting them. When the film opens we see Zoe carrying her children through the streets wearing a nightie and no shoes. This is the first impression we get of her is not a good one. She comes across as angry as she is shouting and swearing around her children but until later we do not understand why. We learn that Zoe is going to confront another mother about the way her children have been treated. Although she does not go about this in a good way by fighting, she does it for the sake and the safety of her children. This may have happened because she has not been taught how to conduct herself in the adult world and sees violence as the only way to solve the issue. Taking her children with her was also a controversial talking point between out group. I think that she took her children with her as there was nobody else to look after them at home, this would be the sensible decision as although they would witness the violence they would not be subject to the dangers of being left alone at home. Others thought that taking them to this scene would be showing them it is an acceptable way to behave as it is obviously not. “All drama is conflict” is a famous quote by Syd Field highlighting that with without a disagreeing issue within a film or story there is no storyline for an audience to be involved in.

Representations of danger are clear throughout Wasp stressing the threats of the outside world and living conditions of the four vulnerable children. Obvious dangers such as the unhygienic housing and conditions of the housing are prominent and obvious throughout the short film. Elements of mise-en-scene such as the dirt in the house and the clothing of the children are there to further suggest this to the audience. As well as this, the issue of the financial struggle of the family and the lack of food (children eating from the floor) show the danger of our failing society representing the UK as derelict. Other dangers are shown more subtly through the background of shots and are not always as easily picked up. An example of this being the dangerous dog waking closely behind the children as they sit on a curb.

The enigma of this short film is the continuation of the wasp metaphor throughout. The wasp is a representation of Zoe. We see the wasp trapped inside the window of the flat trying to get out repeatedly. This is a symbol of Zoe being trapped inside her own life and wanting freedom for herself. The wasp is then let out of the window and we see it fly away, this is an equivalent of Zoe getting the opportunity to go out with Dave, giving her escapism from her own life. Zoe and the wasp share many personality similarities further confirming the metaphor theory, both have a short temper and cause danger to her children (wasp getting into baby’s mouth). Wasps are seen as a pest and an animal with no purpose, is this a representation of Zoe’s place in society claiming she is useless and a nuisance.

Many see Zoe accepting Dave’s offer as a selfish decision and an example of her being a bad mother as she tells her children to wait outside of the pub. I do not see this as a selfish decision but an opportunity to achieve a better life for her and her children as he could support them in a family situation. Dave and Zoe fit with Claud Levi Strauss’ theory of binary opposition. They have opposite lives with Zoe living in poverty and Dave having a job and money.

Wasp raises many questions about the future of the characters. What should happen to the children? Is Zoe a bad mother? I do not believe Zoe is a bad mother and I do think she cares about her children a lot but there is no support network in place to help her. It is obvious Zoe is not being given enough support financially as she cannot afford to feed herself and her children. If she was given a sufficient allowance of child care support she would have the time and opportunity to find employment and a chance to improve her quality of life.

British directors are known for their use of realism. These films are often more popular in Britain than any other country as they are complex and deal with real issues of the UK. Popular examples of this are “Trainspotting” by Danny Boyle and television series such as Skins. Although many believe this is not an accurate representation of the UK. My view is that if this sector in society is being represented in the media it must be a realistic view. Although I do understand that the situation may have been exaggerated for dramatic effect or that it is showing a very rare underclass in society and that is very uncommon.

In conclusion, I think that Wasp’s emotional impact is a result of the realism used and the frequent hand-held camera work putting the audience in the production. I also think that the character of Zoe has received a lot of criticism due to her situation being under represented in society and the average person not understanding the struggles of life in her circumstances.  

Short Film Codes and Conventions

Codes and conventions of a short film

Length

A short film will most commonly last between 3 to 20 minutes, however the length varies greatly and can last as little as a minute and up to 40. Short film competition Depict! specifically asks for films lasting 90 seconds, playing on the idea that feature films will usually last 90 minutes.

Storylines

The storyline of a short film is usually kept quite simple as there sis not much time for development. As well as this, there will also be little dialogue as too much conversation would take too much time.


Characters

It is most common for there to be only around 1-3 characters in a short film ass there is not enough time to get to know too many people. If there were any more characters it would distract and take time away from the storyline and cause confusion.


Twist

There is often a twist at the end of a short film which the audience will find shocking. This is usually due to the fact there is not enough time to create a complex storyline.


Niche Audience

Short films have a lot smaller and niche audience than mainstream due to the creative nature, length and simple storyline. Although largely accessible, many are not aware of short film. This is largely due to popularity decreasing through the 30’s onwards, and the limited access in mainstream forms such as prime time television and cinema. Short film also varies in genre and style and will appeal to a much more specific audience.

Emotion

Short films are used to convey a strong emotion to the viewer whether this is laughter, pleasure, sadness or anger, sometimes making comments on morals or society in the process. Short films can be a lot more powerful in this way as it is easy to make something appear differently to how it is or to get the audience thinking about a particular topic without having the time to make up their minds while watching, leaving them to contemplate after the film has finished. There will also usually be a stronger connection to the characters as they are shown closely throughout, with the creativity allowing for more humour and pleasure.

Documentary Analysis- AMY

Analysis of AMY by Asif Kapadia

The documentary opens showing archived and real-life footage of Amy Winehouse’s childhood and young years. This gives the audience validation that the documentary is real and factual. It also will intrigue the audience into the personal life and the childhood of somebody incredibly famous which will intrigue viewers making them want to watch on. Opening with this kind of scene shows the audience that the documentary has lots of footage that will not have been seen before. This will attract viewers as they will feel some exclusivity. Her fans will especially be excited by this as it will be something they have always wanted and will feel as though they are gaining personal access to Amy’s life.

The footage used of Amy’s early years is chosen purposely to show Amy is a particular way. The footage shows her singing and having fun representing her as an innocent and care free character. The director will have done this on purpose as everybody knows what sadly happened to her later in life but would have wanted to show that she came from a happy background. As Amy unfortunately passed away from drug abuse showing her in a innocent light will make the audience empathise with her.

The non-diegetic music played over the beginning of the documentary is performed by Amy herself. This is common in music documentaries as it will remind the audience of the wide back catalogue they have and can also encourage people to watch the documentary when they hear a song they recognise. The music will also set the tone for the beginning of the documentary. If they music was to be happy and light, then it would suggest the documentary will be easy to watch. If, like this, the music is slightly more downbeat then it suggests the documentary will deal with more serious topics and could be upsetting.

Overall, in the first ten minutes, the audience will learn that the documentary is about the life and career of Amy Winehouse. The footage of Amy always singing suggests that the documentary will speak lots of her love for music and that it was her passion. However, the slow and quiet music shows that it will also focus on her harder years leading to her death.

Codes and conventions of a documentary

Voiceover

The voiceover in a documentary is often autorotative making it seem as though it is reliable. It will make the audience believe the person has some specialist knowledge. An example of this kind of voiceover is David Attenborough or Trevor McDonald.  

Real life footage

A documentary would use real life footage as they are proposing that the information they are giving is factual. However, the voiceover used can often make the footage seem real in the way it is described when in fact the images may be showing something completely different.

Archived footage/ photographs

Old video footage or even photographs can be used to enforce the authenticity of a documentary. If an audience is to see old photographs of an event they are more likely to believe it than if they are just spoken to about it.

Interviews

Interviews are crucial in documentaries. The interviewee is often someone effected by an event or someone knowledgeable on the subject of the documentary. It is often the case that the interviewer has a conflicting opinion to the interviewee to make interesting viewing. An example of this is many Louis Theroux documentaries when interviewing extremists such as the Westborough Baptist Church.

Titles and text

Titles are often on the screen of a documentary. This is an easy and effective way to give the date and event or context to a photograph shown.

Sound

Non-diegetic sound is often used in documentaries as a sound bridge between scenes to make the information flow and connect clips together. The music however is often in relation or used to give subliminal information to the viewer. An example of this is throughout Supersize Me childish music is played to undermine McDonalds.