Music Video Analysis- Little Lion Man

The music video for the song Hopeless Wanderer is a very effective music video due the director following all the codes and conventions of the genre, indie folk.

Codes and conventions:
As Goodwin states every genre has certain codes and conventions which are to be found in all effective music videos of that genre. In this case this music video has followed all of them which meant it became very effective.

The music video starts in a room which is dimly lit and appears to be small. This shot is very simple with nothing but two hanging light bulbs which manage to light up only a small section of the room. This shot follows the codes and conventions of Indie Folk as in most music videos in this genre the mise-en scene is very simple allowing the viewer to focus more on the music and the artist. As the camera fades the lights turn on and we are able to see that the full room which consists off more lighting and it is made clear that the room is a stage. This again is a very important code and convention of indie folk as the background is very simplistic and consists of washed out colours. This stays true to the stertotyped of indie rock as it gives it an old fashioned feel to it and allows the viewer to focus on just the music. This also helps set the scene especially the effect oh having no light then adding light as it helps the viewer focus on small areas.

Another convention in indie folk music videos which is found in this one is the use of instruments. In 

this genre in particular a lot of instruments are used which helps the audience see exactly where the music is coming from. This music video follows the conventions very well due to them using the stereotypical instruments that are used in all indie folk music and music videos. This also helps add to the visuals as the artists show emotion while playing the instruments.

Another convention which this music video contains is the use of dark washed out colours. This follows the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos as it suits the lyrics being used. The colours also set the tone of the music video and adds a dull feeling to it due to the colours being dark. This is supported by Goodwin's theory as it shows that there is a relationship between the audio and the visuals.

Relationship between lyrics and visuals:

Throughout this music video the visuals illustrate the song as the whole video contains the artists singing and playing the integuments. This idea is very effective in indie folk music videos as the main aim of this genre is to focus on the artist and the music unlike other genres where there are other stuff to focus on such as the dancing and so on. By having a somewhat plain video the artist is sure that the viewer will focus on just the music instead of being distracted by other things. This also helps the viewer focus on only the meaning of the lyrics and pay deeper attention into them allowing the artist's talents and emotions to be shown very clearly,

Camera angles:

This msuic video has many close ups to help the audience connect with the artists and also help them, understand exactly how the artist is feeling. In indie folk close ups are used frequently as this genre's main aim is to get the audience to feel exactly what the artist is singing and also focus on only the music and the artist. by adding close up the director is able to make sure that the emotions are being showed and help the viewer connect with the artist.

This shot shows just an outline of the artist and this helps set the mood of the music videos as it gives it kind of a classic style. This is a common thing that is found in indie folk music videos as they typically focus on just the artist and their music, The close ups also help the audience to feel the emotion which the artist is feeling.

Due to this genre being indie rock there is no voyeurism used as the main focus of the video is the artist and the music. This genre in particular is also seen as very old fashioned meaning there is no flashy images being used just the artist pure style and character.