Music Video Analysis

By James Powell
1
st
Video-My Mistake Were Made For
You- The Last Shadow Puppets
Mise En Scene-
The costumes used are mostly casual clothing including leather jackets and jeans for
the male leads. However the women who appears in the video is dressed in a far more
feminine fashion wearing what appears to be a white dress with either fur or feathers.
The setting is an exterior park, although it is clearly and interior set made to appear as
a location. Furthermore very few props are used only a car and 2 guitars (acoustic and
electric) appear in the video. The low level lighting used stays consistent throughout
the video adding to the eerie tone of the song. The performance seems quite deadpan
and serious with the vocalist looking directly at the camera giving a stern look further
reflecting the songs content.
Camera-
Even though the video is filmed in the style of one continuous shot several different
angles are used within the video. For example the video opens with a long shot of the
car lying of its side that tracks into a two shot of the leads. Further on in the video a
mid angle is held of the vocalist that tracks out as he walks placing emphasis and
importance upon him as the lead singer of the group. Importance is further placed
upon the band when they are stood in a stand and the camera arcs around them as
they play. However within this video no close ups are used.
Editing-
Almost no cuts are used within this video due to the continuous nature of the filming,
however there has possibly been some re-touching things that include lens flare being
included. Also there is possibly some exaggerated colours in particular reds and orange
glows.
Sound-
No diegetic sounds have been added to video it is only the song used.
Evaluation-
In terms of the genre the conventions are fitted accurately in this video. The genders
are only really represented through costumes which, like I said previously, is a
traditional representation with feminine clothing used for the women and traditional
masculine materials such as leather used. The low level lighting also reflects the genre
as it seems more realistic and gritty.

2
nd
Video-Time For Heroes-The
Libertines
Mise En Scene:
Like the last video the costumes are very casual and normal featuring leather jackets and
jeans as
the primary costumes. The setting is incredibly diverse, whilst most of the exterior shots
seem to be from a city centres parks and town the interior shots range from hotels, cars
and stages. The props used like the last video use instruments such as acoustic and
electric guitars as well as a drum set but also more rebellious items such as cigarettes
and alcohol to communicate that the band is more anti-establishment and possibly
provide a more working class appeal. The lighting is also inconsistent as the interior
performance and hotel shots feature more low level tones reinforcing the more gritty
and rebellious attitude however the exterior shots one interior of the car seem well lit
and more high key. The performances in this video seems more playful as it follows the
group through the town.
Camera:
Although the video uses a more handheld style they are still able to utilise various
camera angles and shot types. This video, unlike the last, also uses frequent close ups
and although the transitions are admittedly longer due the style of execution they are
still recognisable as camera movements. In addition the movement of the camera seems
to follow the band even through large crowds, communicating the lead performers to
the audience.
Editing:
The editing within this video is very fast paced and sharp. The quick edits match the pace
of the song and the use of split screen adds a unique and different feel from most music
videos and furthers the pace. Very few visual effects are used adding to the more natural
and indie feel that the song presents.
Sound:
Like the previous video this uses only the songs and does not add any other effects or
overlays.
Evaluation:
In terms of the male representation this video shows a traditional representation of the
rebellious stereotype through the use of Mise en scene and editing. The genre however
is also reflected through the use of fast paced editing.



3
rd
Video- Fluorescent Adolescent-
Arctic Monkeys
Mise En Scene:
There are two types of costume in this video due to the narrative. The first are the actors
that are dressed in the bright and colourful clown costumes that break traditional
representations of men, however the second group is far more conventional using long
over-coats and casual wear such as jeans. The setting is almost entirely exterior and only
partially interior as it takes place within an abandoned construction site. There are many
props used within this video however(like the costumes) they are all very narrative based,
items such as lighters, chains and a briefcase and so may not necessarily reflect the any
conventions or genres. The lighting in this video, unlike the others, is all quite clear and
bright showing a more natural effect to the other videos. Again, unlike the other videos
there is no clear performer in this video
Camera:
This video features far more variety in terms of angles and shot types than the other
videos. For instance the video opens with a point a view shot that further includes over
the shoulder shots. In addition long angle shots are used to display power and rivalry
within the video between the two groups.
Editing:
Like Time For Heroes the videos editing is fast paced to match the song but also in this
case the narrative of the music video. There are lot of jump cuts used especially during
the fighting sequences in conjunction with slow motion and subtitles as to not interrupt
the action or pace of the video.
Sound:
As I said in the editing section, subtitles are used in place of any dialogue or sound effects
to maintain the videos pace. However at the beginning of the video there is some short
diegetic sound.
Evaluation:
In comparison this video is not as strong in terms of reflecting or representing the
conventions of the genre as the previous two videos. A different variety of camera shots
are used and some of the Mise en scene choices such as costume and lighting are not the
conventional realistic portrayal of other indie rock videos.






4th Video-Songbird-Oasis
Mise En Scene:
The costumes used in this video are less casual featuring a long black over coat, in
addition the setting is entirely exterior taking place in a public park reflecting the natural
acoustic sound of the song. Furthermore the prop of the acoustic guitar is quite
conventional to the genre and acts as the main aid to the leads performance. The lighting
is again very natural and clear even further reflecting the mood and tone of the song but
not the conventions of the genre.
Camera:
Lots of low angle mid shots are used during the performance sections in conjunction with
frequent use of close ups and occasionally extreme close ups. For the more narrative
sections almost every shot is a long shot showing the lead walking through the park. In
addition the video also utilises depth of field during the close up shots to further place
emphasis and isolate the lead towards the audience.
Editing:
For the most part the editing style is consistent in continuity especially within the
narrative section in the beginning. However during the narrative scenes there seems to
be an element of jump cuts to speed up the story through the park. No re-touching or
visual effects have been used to keep the feel natural similar to that of the song.
Sound:
Unlike the other music videos this one uses an element of diegetic sound. During the
narrative section at the start you can hear the engine of the car and certain keys sounds
of doors shutting etc. However when the music starts the diegetic sounds end.
Evaluation:
This video, like the last, breaks many of the indie rock conventions in terms of lighting and
use of sound. And because of the use of a single lead in very neutral actions no real
attitude or representation is displayed.

5
th
Video-Song 2-Blur
Mise En Scene:
Again the costumes used are very casual with most of the band wearing t-shirts and jeans
communicating a more pedestrian or public feel to the music. In addition the video seems to be
set in a performance room with quite low level lighting adding to the realistic and gritty feel of
the song. In addition all the props are extremely conventional with a lead guitar, bass, drums and
microphone instantly communicating that they are a band in conjunction with the costumes
clearly showing a more indie rock them or vibe. However differently the performance in this
video is much more energetic and exciting with far more movement and emotion displayed
through the performer.
Camera:
Whilst playing the instruments most of the shots are either mid or long shots however the
performance shots are mostly close ups really focusing on the lead to show both emotion and
importance on him. Furthermore unusually the video features only static shots without any
movements.
Editing:
Like the shots and angles the editing is quite basic using simple cuts and holding continuity. But
the pace of the editing did significantly speed up with the pace of the song reflecting it visually
with the more dynamic lighting and sharp editing.
Sound:
The song features no diegetic music only using the audio from the track.
Evaluation:
A very conventional indie rock music video with basic and realistic uses of costume, edits and
props to communicate a more harsh and direct video.

Conclusion
In conclusion I have learnt that to make a conventional indie rock music video I would have to
include:
Vey little diegetic sound (if any at all)
Casual and everyday clothing
Instruments to match the song
Possibly low level lighting if using an interior location
Keeping lighting natural if filming an exterior shot
Use a good variety of angles and movements when filming both narrative and performance
shots
And make sure the performer makes direct address to the audience