MUSIC VIDEO TECHNIQUES / MEDIA LANGUAGE ANALYSIS

THE STROKES – REPTILLA

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

Close- up shots are used at the beginning of the video in order to set the mood and the purpose of the clip, empathizing the use of instruments and the band itself. Besides, from that this is effective as it doesn’t allow to the view fully reveal the characters, meaning the focus is based around the music itself. This creates quite strong introduction to the clip, making the audience more thought-provoking about what they’re going to see next.

Medium close up is used to introduce the audience to the lead singer. The performance is empathised even further using mise-en-scene. The microphone is used to demonstrate the artist performing to the non- diegetic sound. Besides, from that it’s starting to create introduction to the fragmented narrative as the clip does not follow the beginning, middle or the end (linear narrative). Furthermore, the close up of the singer is quite important, due to the direct eye contact with the camera which makes the audience feel more engaged within the video. This might encourage them to find the clip more interactive or personal.

Another set of facial close-ups are focused around the other members of the band. There seem s to be less directing of their action to the audience as they are not looking directly into the camera cadre. Their focus is clear as it’s based around their instruments. This is continuously repeated throughout the video, where the close ups of instruments and artists are changing using cuts.

EDITING TECHNIQUES:

Throughout the music video a variety of quite quick cuts have been used to empathize the high speed of non- diegetic sound, as well as to make the video more energetic. This worked really well as it make the clip more interesting and interactive for the audience. Besides, from that the cuts allowed to capture the spirit of indie-rock music which is full of dynamic and vibrant sounds. The interference of close-ups straight one after another empathized this really well.

The use of split screen twice throughout the clip made it more effective as it allowed to present a part of each character within the band. The first split screen was divided into two where the audience was able to see two guitarists at once in a close up, again empathises the speed of the instrumental vocal. Whereas the second split screen was divided into four – three guitarists and a singer. This empathized and reinforced the importance of both, instrumental as well as the vocal involvement particularly within the genre of rock. This can be seen as one of the codes and conventions used within rock music videos.

Jump cuts have been used throughout the entire clip as I have mentioned above in order to empathize the speed of the non-diegetic sound as well as to capture the spirit and dynamic of rock music genre.

The motivated cut at the end of the video could significantly make the audience confused about the narrative of the clip. The cut has been made in a sudden and unclear moment, as it makes you think there is still something to watch. However, at the same time this can be really effective as it builds up tension and curiosity within the audience. This might encourage them to follow the band as it could make them want to see more.

MISE-EN-SCENE:

Costumes and props are specifically used to present the rock genre within the music video. The instruments in this case are used as props. This is very essential within this kind of music genre as it helps to reflect the dynamic and energetic rhythms of rock. The cinematography contributed to this significantly as shots such as close ups were focused around instruments including guitars and percussion. This involves also the microphone which underlines the act of the singer and his role.

The costumes found within the band included; black jeans, leather jacket and converses. All these costumes are very characteristic for the rock music genre. This makes the video even more effective as it follows the codes and conventions, allowing the clip to be more noticeable and distinguishing.

The music video is clearly set in the studio. We can distinguish that from the background but also the set of the instruments. Besides, from that the video is mostly focused on the close up shots of instruments and artists and not necessarily the setting unlike in the previous music video ‘Coming Home’. This shows that the importance of the setting depends on what impact you want to achieve upon your audience. Besides, from that I think that the genre of music plays big role in terms of this element, as well as the paste of the song, the narrative or the concept.

SOUND:

Non-diegetic sound (sound track) is used throughout the entire music video as it is the sound that is first recorded and then applied to the clip. This is successful as the sound has much more advanced quality. The fact that the sound from the environment is not used influenced this as well, allowing the sound to be clear, accurate and expressive reinforcing the genre of the rock music even further.

Parallel Sound is used accurately with the speed of the video frame, meaning it reflects the mood of the song. This is very essential within music videos it makes it more engaging for the audience, meaning they will carry on watching the video clip. Besides, from that it’s important for the parallel sound to be accurate to the genre of music you are trying to promote. In this case the rock dynamic and energetic sound is strongly demonstrated through the cuts and close ups of artists playing on the instruments.