Something I Need by OneRepublic
(2013) was directed by Cameron Duddy and is an interesting example of artist
construction. It is a fairly standard pop song and this reflects the upbeat
style of the film. Andrew Goodwin,
Dancing in the Distraction Factory (1992) carried out research into mainstream
music videos and identified typical conventions, however even with this
framework the video is difficult to decipher at first. However the video is
most likely amplifying due to the references to life and death in the song, `If
we only die once/ I want to die with you` and the death and revival of the main
character. The use of lyrics describing waking up and dreaming such as `woke me
up right after two` certainly do not influence the video and prove that it is
not illustrative.
The video does have a linear story which
conforms to Toderov’s narrative theory, he believed most stories could be
explained as an equilibrium which then changes, the main character after a
struggle eventually establishes a new one. This video begins with the man
reading which establishes an equilibrium and while the appearance of the woman
changes this slightly, it is the attacking dog which poses the real problem to
overcome. This man fighting the dog is the struggle which through the help of
the girl is overcome creating a new equilibrium in which they presumably are
together
Richard Dyer in his works believes
that most music videos are used to help build up the star’s meta-narrative through
common features, topics and symbolism. At first it does not appear that the
video does much to publicise the band, however there are shots of performance
scattered throughout the film. Even in just the second shot the singer’s eyes
are shown, and the shot length and size increases throughout the piece which
helps build up an enigma, also makes these sections more interesting and
clearly shows the paradox of absence and presence. As well as this, a more
subtle piece of publicity in the video is seen through the posters on the wall
advertising the band and album. It is
only in the final scene that the context of the singing in the church is shown,
therefore making the unusual presence of the singer more ordinary, relating to
the paradox of ordinary and extraordinary. In terms of associations, the
comedic aspects of the film such as the main character’s overacting allow the
band to mentally associated with laughter, and shows their content is not to be
taken too seriously. There are very few traditional artist stereotypes such as
drinking, which suggests the artist is more normal, as well as this the lack of
artist prevalence shows their focus on music and storytelling which diverges
from much of modern music.
In
comparison, `Say Something` (2013) by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera
directed by Christopher Sims, is also a pop song, however is much more sombre
in mood and style. Just as with `Something I need` the lyrics relate to the feel of the
song, with the line `I’m giving up on you` and the subsequent characters moving
on from people.
Interestingly there is no clear
narrative arc in Toderov’s sense, instead there are three main characters who
all are dealing with somethingin their
lives, meanwhile the artists sing throughout, making the video both narrative
and performance based. The film also has many cinematic shots such as the
close-ups of water droplets which serve only emotional purpose, possibly
representing tears. This and the low-key lighting help create the impression
of high-production values contributing to the star images of the artists. This
is very different to the much more naturalistic location and shooting of
`Something I need`.
The star image, just as in the first
film is not very typical in some respects, due to the lack of
anti-authoritarian behaviour or the use of alcohol/drugs. Instead, a far more
emotional piece is created, giving the impression of a more thoughtful and
deeper meaning. In terms of the star this makes them far more interesting and
mysterious.Similarly to the first film
again, the two paradoxes are used to represent the artists, for example despite
their prevalence throughout, their respective backstories are not explored,
adding to the enigma. For the second paradox there are shown to be
extraordinary through singing and musical talent and ordinary through this
shared emotion and lack of story again, making them significant and
insignificant at the same time.
two contrasting videos presented with some valid application of media terms and some theory although more examples from the text would improve this and in the case of Goodwin, selecting and applying relevant parts of the theory would be needed. Very well presented post well done
Something I Need by OneRepublic
(2013) was directed by Cameron Duddy and is an interesting example of artist
construction. It is a fairly standard pop song and this reflects the upbeat
style of the film. Andrew Goodwin,
Dancing in the Distraction Factory (1992) carried out research into mainstream
music videos and identified typical conventions, however even with this
framework the video is difficult to decipher at first. However the video is
most likely amplifying due to the references to life and death in the song, `If
we only die once/ I want to die with you` and the death and revival of the main
character. The use of lyrics describing waking up and dreaming such as `woke me
up right after two` certainly do not influence the video and prove that it is
not illustrative.
The video does have a linear story which
conforms to Toderov’s narrative theory, he believed most stories could be
explained as an equilibrium which then changes, the main character after a
struggle eventually establishes a new one. This video begins with the man
reading which establishes an equilibrium and while the appearance of the woman
changes this slightly, it is the attacking dog which poses the real problem to
overcome. This man fighting the dog is the struggle which through the help of
the girl is overcome creating a new equilibrium in which they presumably are
together
Richard Dyer in his works believes
that most music videos are used to help build up the star’s meta-narrative through
common features, topics and symbolism. At first it does not appear that the
video does much to publicise the band, however there are shots of performance
scattered throughout the film. Even in just the second shot the singer’s eyes
are shown, and the shot length and size increases throughout the piece which
helps build up an enigma, also makes these sections more interesting and
clearly shows the paradox of absence and presence. As well as this, a more
subtle piece of publicity in the video is seen through the posters on the wall
advertising the band and album. It is
only in the final scene that the context of the singing in the church is shown,
therefore making the unusual presence of the singer more ordinary, relating to
the paradox of ordinary and extraordinary. In terms of associations, the
comedic aspects of the film such as the main character’s overacting allow the
band to mentally associated with laughter, and shows their content is not to be
taken too seriously. There are very few traditional artist stereotypes such as
drinking, which suggests the artist is more normal, as well as this the lack of
artist prevalence shows their focus on music and storytelling which diverges
from much of modern music.
In
comparison, `Say Something` (2013) by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera
directed by Christopher Sims, is also a pop song, however is much more sombre
in mood and style. Just as with `Something I need` the lyrics relate to the feel of the
song, with the line `I’m giving up on you` and the subsequent characters moving
on from people.
Interestingly there is no clear
narrative arc in Toderov’s sense, instead there are three main characters who
all are dealing with something in their
lives, meanwhile the artists sing throughout, making the video both narrative
and performance based. The film also has many cinematic shots such as the
close-ups of water droplets which serve only emotional purpose, possibly
representing tears. This and the low-key lighting help create the impression
of high-production values contributing to the star images of the artists. This
is very different to the much more naturalistic location and shooting of
`Something I need`.
two contrasting videos presented with some valid application of media terms and some theory although more examples from the text would improve this and in the case of Goodwin, selecting and applying relevant parts of the theory would be needed. Very well presented post well done
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