Music Video Analysis

 Music Video Analysis

Narrative - Music video

What you watched?

The narrative based music video I chose is called Take Me To Church by Hozier.

What you thought?

I thought the music video was beautifully executed, the cinematography had lots of mid shots and close which enhanced the tension and anxious atmosphere the narrative built. The black and white colouring I thought emphasised the shadows which made the music video have a more sinister look that went well with the video's dark meaning.

The storyline itself was heartbreaking, I thought the way in which it unfolded with a non linear structure and quick cuts going back and forth between the characters created a fast pace which enhanced the worrisome and fearfulness I felt for the characters. I loved the imagery of fire being cut throughout scenes as it worked very effectively both metaphorically and emotionally, as at the end of the video we witness one of the character's being murdered near a pit of fire, foreshadowing visually what is it come. Overall, I thought the narrative style of this music video worked perfectly as all the symbolism and topics created a hauntingly realistic and empathetic story that intertwined with the lyrics very well. 

Why was it made in that style?

I believe the music video was made in a narrative form because the lyrics are representative of real life (as Hozier stated in an interview that he was influenced by Russia's new laws against gay rights and the homophobic crimes that followed). Having a narrative style which tells a fictional story helps form a reflection of people's realities and fears, this creates more opportunity for realism by allowing the audience to feel more empathy for the characters as we witness their struggle or even death, through the perspective of a storyline.

Performance - Music Video

What you watched?

The performance based music video I chose is called Xanny by Billie Eilish.

What you thought?

I thought the music video was executed well, I liked the simplicity of the visuals, e.g how the camera moves in time with the beat, the subtle visual effects of smoke fading into shot when smoking is referenced in the song, and the planted special effects of cigarettes being burnt into her face which act as a symbolism of the damage second hand smoke causes to those around it. 

I personally like the meaning and imagery behind the effects used in the video, however I do feel the performance could be more interesting instead of it being one long take with the singer lip syncing and making small expressions, as I found it became boring and dragged on. 

However, I thought the production and costume design was clever as the bland and dull saturated visuals were effective in portraying the lack of interest Billie Eilish has towards drug use, which she clearly states in the lyrics, it almost reflects her internal feelings and opposition towards taking them. Billie's costume also depicts her to be a cigarette herself as her hair is the tip of the cigarette (being brown) and her clothes are body of the cigarette (being white). This detail I thought was symbolic and subtle at the same time. Another detail similar to this is the design of the bench she is sits on, as it is shaped liked a xanax bar, again being a small detail which portrays the main focus of the song.

Why it was made in that style?

I believe the music video was made in a performance style because it allows for more intimacy, as the singer herself expresses her emotions towards the experiences she sings about by acting and lip syncing. The performance style also forms more of a connection between the viewer and artist in this music video, as her acting allows the viewer to be immersed into the visual reflections of her personal message behind the lyrics and witness them come to life.

Abstract - Music Video

What you watched?

The abstract music video I chose is called Left Hand Free by alt-J.

What you thought?

I thought the music video was beautifully shot, I liked the different shots of landscapes and people, as it created a nostalgic atmosphere, especially the colouring which was a hazy orange, this made the shots look as though they were old photographs making them feel like snapshotted memories. The random cuts between the varied people in different locations gave the music video pace and energy which fitted nicely alongside the song as it also has an energetic and uplifting beat. 

As this music video was abstract, having no storyline, structure or narrative, I found little meaning to draw from it, however, I thought the visuals shown were pleasing to the eye and I liked the incorporation of slow motioned shot to fit the timing of the beat drops in the song, this is because I it gave a more climactic feel to the video.

Why it was made in that style?

I believe the abstract style was used in this music video because the song is predominantly beat based, giving little lyrics to reflect in the visuals and it would be hard to form a storyline around a song that has such a quick pace. I also believe it was made in this style because it allows the viewer to have more imagination and freedom as to what the meaning of the song is, being shown the snapshot slow motioned visuals lets the viewer be transported and reflect upon their life, in order for them to interpret and form a connection with the song that is personal to them.