Music Video Comparisons

One of the options for my A2 coursework is to create a music video. After watching and comparing two contrasting music videos, it appeared that there were many conventions which are replicated within them.

"Tell Him" - The Exciters (1962) --> 

- Singers performing directly to the camera/audience

- Variety of shots

- Close ups of main singer, and then zooming out to show whole band

- Synchronised dance movements/routines

- Naturalistic 

"What Makes You Beautiful" - One Direction (2011) --> 

- Tracking shots

- Attractive singers and characters

- Narrative - tells the story of the day

- Cross dissolving between shots

It is clear that music videos have changed over time, however some features have remained similar. Conventions such as the singer performing directly to the camera have stayed the same as these allow the video to be identified as a music video. On the other hand, as the budgets and technology have improved, this has resulted in  the quality of the videos have vastly improved. 

Roses are Red - Textual Analysis

Possibly the most effective technique used within this short film is the music; it is a simple, repeated motif played on the piano. Pianos are typically used to connote emotion, therefore this works well in an emotive film. The tune is in a minor key, which adds to this emotion - without the music, the film would not be anywhere near as effective or provoking; it is incidental music which relates to the tone and mood of the film. The use of the non-diegetic sounds (the music) contrasts with the ambient sounds of the car, front door and the falling of the photograph. This may have been used to suggest the feeling of being 'back to reality' for the character, against the dreams in his head.

The editing technique of a blur, when the rose is the main focus, is particularly effective, however it could have been improved slightly. The blur suggests being overwhelmed by emotion, perhaps the eyes filling with tears, so if the shot had been a point of view shot directly onto the rose it would have appeared to have been from the character's experience - rather than an onlooker.

The mise en scene was very symbolic, for example the use of a rose links to the name of the female character and therefore explaining the title of the film and the feelings of the male character. The photograph towards the end of the film not only corresponds to the actions of the male character, but also creates a personal insight for the audience; every one has photos which they cherish, or that hold memories, so they will be able to relate to the feelings of the character when he looks at the photo and remembers the story.

A variety of shots are used within the film, such as a tracking shot as he is following the girl - this clearly relates to the idea of watching and following. The interesting use of framing of the shots creates interesting images for the viewer, while also showing the perspective of the mail character; as he is a photographer he will pay careful attention to the composition of the image. The film concludes with a slight high angle shot, suggesting the character is in a position of weakness.

http://vimeo.com/31029632