Thursday 6 September 2012

ANALYSIS OF MUSIC VIDEO 1 & Research Into Conventions of Alternative Music Videos

Conventions of existing music videos of the alternative genre in terms of:

Cinematography (camera shot distances / angles / movement /framing / focus)

Editing (montage / continuity / transitions / special effects etc)

Mise en Scene (colour themes, props, costume, body language, lighting, set design, location)

Sound (diegetic, non-diegetic, soundtrack, voiceover etc)

Form (performance / narrative (storyline) / lip-syncing etc




The opening shots have a wrapper blowing in the wind and the sound of the wind is emphaised to make the atmosphere very eerie and mysterious. In the opening shots candles are blown out which I think symbolises darkness but also connotes loss of hope and direction. The pink wiritng contrasts with this eerie scene it stands out and connotes a girly innocent feel. The typography looks like the word 'SHAMPAIN' is handwritten in blood dripping down so therefore it does fit in with the scene somewhat and adds a personal yet creepy touch.  Again, the full moon behind this writing connotes mystical elements for example myths and warewolves. It creates a lot of tension alsmost like a horror movie. These opening scene is very common as it almost works like an establishing shot, it sets the scene yet does not show the protagonist and gives the audience an idea of what they are letting themselves in for.

The narrative storyline of Marina metaphorically drinking Shame and Pain, is portrayed well as you through the range of shots the audience understand what is going on in the plot/strory line. The frequesnt use of lip syncing is a common convention in all music videos this is where the artist is portrayed to be singing along to their song. Not only do the voices have to be in sync with the music, I have noticed that scence flashing or for example in this video Marina's eyes opening are all in time with the beat of the music. What I have noticed in the music video is that it really does pay attention to the lyrics, for example the lyrics "inside a lonely bed" Marina is laying on a bed.
A motif of shots are used such as the rubbish at the start blowing around and then we see it blow over Marina's head which indicates she is outside. This wrapper is blowing around in slow motion to emphasise it's significance and it encourages an audience to be more empathetic to the event. Here instead of feeling hatred and humour towards Marina we, as an audience, feel sorry for her.

All music videos and especially this music video contain a wide range of camera angles, shot distances and movement to keep the video busy and entertaining as they have to keep the audience interested in a (usually) repetitive song for 3-4 minutes. In this music video I have noticed a lot of shots are cantered and overlap each other to give a hazy dream-like effect. Camera movement often reflects the moods of a song for example if something is sad and depressing the camera movement will be slow however if that music then speeds up the movement will become faster and more busy. . This also applies to edit cuts, since the song is fast paced the cuts are quicker and the shots are busier to reflect the tempo.

In most music videos there is usually a lot of dancing in groups or alone to make the music video exciting and eye catching Another characteristic of music videos is their length which is generally 3-4 minutes long. Music videos use a lot of fading for edit transitions in order to make it more smooth and therefore relate one shot to the next. Blackouts are used for dramatic effect for example to reveal Marina on the step as she wakes up from her slumber. 

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