Man on fire is a unique music video as it takes a different turn to music video. This music video tells a narrative but uses a different filming style as it is even more naturalistic compared to other indie folk music videos.
Codes and Conventions:
This music video does not follow the main conventions of indie folk as it does not show the artist instead it tells a story through other people. This is done to show different aspects of life and motivate people. This also helps the viewer connect more with the situation of the video and relate to it instead of connecting with just the artist and the music.
The colours used do follow the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos as it is dull and not very bright. There is also a certain effect on it that was placed while editing which again follows the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos and it makes the visuals seem as slow as the music which is usually the case.
The mise-en scene of the music video does not follow the conventions of indie folk music videos as most of the mise-en scene is indoors and in a naturalistic setting interns of the studios and the different training areas being used. This is not typical of indie folk music videos however it does work very well with this music over it as it relates to it.
The narrative however is staying to stereotypical to indie folk music videos as it shows clear narrative that relates to the music and the lyrics. The music video also shows progression and different types of people which means different people can relate to the video.
This music video is a beautiful idea due to the concept it is built upon and the song that is played over it. Bon Iver have followed a very creative idea on the song each support the lyrics.
Codes and Conventions:
A very unusual thing about this music video is that it does not follow the main codes and conventions of indie folk but it is still very effective due to its unique creative concept. One of the main convention of music videos is that it uses the artist in the video and we rarely see an actor however in this music video we do not see Bon Iver instead we see a child actor who takes on a role of an adult man.
One of the conventions that we do see is the use of mise-en scene. The video stays true to stereotypical indie folk music video in terms of having it set outdoors where a lot of nature can be seen. This can be seen throughout the music video as it is set outdoors.
Another thing that we do see that sticks to the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos is the use of narrative. This music video is set out as a narrative where at the start we see the boy getting dressed and then going outside for a walk as he stumbles across different nature backgrounds. This is the one main thing in this music video that truly sticks to the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos.
Clothing, this is another thing that this music video has that follows the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos. The typical style sense in indie folk music videos is the everyday look and this is what was in this music videos. The dressing style supported the music as the music was slow and calm while the cloths that were being used were cozy and warm which gave a warm undertone to the video even though it was set in a cold outdoor field.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals:
The relationship between these lyrics and the video were very close as the visuals amplifies the lyrics. This is done by showing on screen what is being said. An example of this is when the lyrics say "and I could see for miles and miles away" the shot that is being used is a long shot which shows miles away. This helps the audience gain a better understanding of the music video as the images and the lyrics are saying the same thing which helps the viewer grasp the concept of the video even more.
This music video in general is done in a very retro but interesting way. The music video as well as the lyrics both show the concept of things changing over time, the narrative that was used of the little boy enjoying the open space and nature and then towards the end the colours turn grey and he is less joyful. This shows loos over time and how the earth around us is slowly dying.
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.
This music video follows a different style that is found in the genre indie folk. Instead of having a narrative we see the artist travelling to different places and different shots are from different scenes.
Codes and Conventions:
This music video follows some of the stereotypical conventions that are found in indie folk music videos but the video is still effective due to the director sticking to a similar style of indie folk music videos.
The video starts with a few close up and a low angle shot on the artist. This is a very common thing that is found in indie folk music videos as it allows the audience to connect with the artist and see their emotion. This also help the viewer to understand the song and the lyrics better as this genre focuses on the artist and the music more than anything else.
Another common convention that this video has that is found in a lot of indie folk music videos is the artist performing to an audience during the song. This is used to focus on the artist as a performer and show what his style is. This shot also shows the audience and it showing that they are having fun which hints to the other fans that live shows are entertaining which may persuade them to see the artist live thus making more money.
One thing that is not sticking to the codes and conventions of indie folk music videos is the mise-en scene in some shots. The artist starts off in a city on his bike and this is an unusual thing for the viewer to see as indie folk is usually set in a naturalistic place with a lo of greenery how ever during this music video the first few shots are off the artist on a bike in a city. However a few seconds into the music video there is greenery beings shown as the artist rides his bike in a car and later on we also get certain shots of nature. The artist then ends up in a lake but the nature is soon over taken by buildings and fences again.
This music video may not have a narrative however it does have a message to it. The artist is seen to be travelling to many different places in many different ways. The artist is moving slowly and not in very happy way which shows loos of something important to him as he is travelling thus suggesting that he is lost and no longer knows his porous. Another thing that the directer has over used is the use of fences and gates, this again represents being locked up and not really free which is what the artist seems to be portraying through his song and the emotions he is showing. At the end of the music video we get a montage of him doing different things such as swimming, walking, jumping. Again this is unusual for an indie folk music video as the music is always very slows and the filming is slow as well. This gives a sense of change due to the fact that after these shots the artist is happy again.
Instruments, the use of instruments in this music video is common and that is a common thing when it comes to indie folk as the viewer can hear where the music is coming from and how the artist feels about a certain thing which can be shown through emotions that are being portrayed while the artist is playing the music.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals:
The lyrics and visuals in the music video have no relationship at all during most the video however there are a couple of lines and shots that amplify each other and add meaning to the shot that is being used. An example of this is when the artist says "or watch me fall apart" we see a shot of him sleeping on a sofa as if he was looking comfort and someone to hold him due to the fact that he looks very depressed. This particular shot allows the audience to see the meaning of the lyrics and therefor feel the same way the artist intended for them to feel. This helps the audience connect with the artist even more as they are able to see exactly how he is feeling..
This music video is very effective in general as it does not give away the meaning upon first viewing. When the music video is viewed for the first time you get a sense of depression and being lost but by the second of thither time of viewing it is clear that this music video is about someone feeling lost and needed love.
"Music videos ignore common narrative as they are essentially advertisement. As consumers, we make up our own meaning of a songs in our minds: a music video can anchor meaning and give the record company/ artist a method of anchoring meaning". This is how Andrew Goodwin describes the use of music videos and how the music is used to add more to the visuals being shown. Goodwin's idea of a music video is that it is more of an advert which allows the record company to make more money out of the artist and allows them to become more popular.
Goodwin also states that each music video follows a certain style and contain round about the same points. He states that there a five main aspects that are found in all music videos which help make them effective. Genre Characteristic:
Goodwin points out key features in almost every music video and discusses how the editing style as well as the visuals that are being used can be presented in different ways to create different meanings. He also emphases the idea of having music videos change in terms of characteristics that are found in it depending on what genre the music is. This can be seen in many music videos such as Little Mix and Twenty One Pilots. These music videos use the stereotypical features of their genre. Such as twenty one pilots having clips of a concert due to them being a rock band and Little Mix having extravagant dance routines due to them being a pop girl band.
An example of this is the dance routines in pop music videos especially those where the artist is a girl group. Little Mix is an example of this. Little mix are a girl group who have a who make pop music them they have many shots where there are dance routines in their music videos and them just having fun. This can be seen in their music video Move, tis is a common feature in girl band music video as it appeals more to the target audience which they are aimed at. Another music video which has the same situation is Fifth Harmony. Again due to them being a pop girl band they follow the same characteristics as Little Mix and a lot of their music videos are very similar to Little Mix. The dance routines help the music videos to stay high energy and ensure that the viewer watches it twice to be able to take everything in. This dance routine also supports Goodwin's idea of the artist being a product which the record company are able to sell to the public to gain more fans thus gaining more money.
A popular characteristic in rock music videos is showing footage of a live performance in the music video this shows that the visuals used in a music video varies to what genre the music is due to the fact that it is very unlikely that there is footage of a live performance in pop music videos. An example of this can be seen in Twenty One Pilots music videos especially in the song Lane Boy. Another feature which is used is dark colours and very loud amplified music. This again is not likely to be seen in pop music videos.
Intertextuality was used a lot during this music video due to the fact that this song was on the soundtrack for the movie Divergent. There are many shots in this music video which come directly from the movie and other which include certain aspects that came from the movie.
The music video starts with the artist holding a little glass cylinder with a light blue liquid in it. This is the first example of intertextuality as it was seen in the movie too. This shows intertextuality as it refers back to the movie and only a few people would get the reference while others would think it is insignificant or add a different meaning to it.
Another example of intertextuality is when clips from the movie itself are being used in the music video. This shows a huge reference to other media platforms. These shots would leave audience confused if they have not seen the movie as it will leave them wondering why these shots where placed in the music video. However to fans of the movie it will be very helpful as it helps them understand the music video and link what is going on in the music video back to the movie.
The one very obvious reference made to the movie during this music video are the tattoos. This music video adds a lot of details on the tattoos and makes a very clear reference to it as they are sometimes the main focus on the screen. The tattoos are emphasised even more due to the fact that clips from the movie that also use the tattoos as a main focus point are used in the music video.
Another very important thing which they have used as a main focus of the music video is the love story between the two main characters which is also shown in the music video. The music video uses the narrative of the movie as its narrative as well. The music video starts with the artist being lost not knowing where she is while shots of a male are being shown where he is training and walking. This follows the narrative of the movie and makes a huge reference to it as this is how the movie starts to. The artist then continues to sing and wander around and later on she find the male and fall in love, Again this is a very important part as it is referencing the music video. This shows intertextuality as references to other forms of media have been made during this music video in the case it is the movie divergent.
Intertexuality is the process of referencing media text through other media texts in this case music videos. This could be done by setting the music video in a certain place or having it play out as a certain movie. Intertexuality is seen mainly through TV and cinema as artists make references to them the most.
An example of this is seen thorough Diana Ross's music video of the song Chain Reaction. During the 60s Diana Ross was part of a music group who were on the show ready steady go. During the 80s Diana's music video was set on the set of read steady go which shows Intertexuality due to the fact that she is referencing an event that happened almost 20 years ago meaning only a few people will understand the reference.
This music video has both the male and the female viewer gaze due to where it is set. The music video is made by a female music group but the fact that it was set on a construction site where you typically see a lot of men the music director, Director X has been able to appeal to both genders.
The camera shots that are used are very different in different shots. The beginning the video appeals more to the female viewer gaze as it concentrates more on men. This is done by using the camera angles to create a sense of an over sexualised body.
Director X has decided to appeal more to the female viewer gaze by showing the men's masculinity as well as sexualising their bodies. This is done to follow the stereotype of men being very strong and being able to do all the physical work. In order to show the masculine side of being a male he has decided to always has a certain prop such as a tool or building material whenever he has a male on screen. This has made the female viewer gaze in this music video very effective as most woman find masculine muscular men very appealing.
There is a low angle shot that is being used 12 seconds into the video where a male is holding a tool and wearing nothing but a hat and safety googles again this is done to appeal to the female viewer gaze and this is done by over sexualising the male that is in the shot and making him look very sweaty as if he was hard at work. This is shot is also used to make the viewer feel as if they are standing below the male and that he is in charge. This helps the viewer connect with the male model. This shot is very typical as it is the simplistic way to over sexualise the male body but also very effective in terms of how many views the music video got.
A few seconds after the first shot we get another shot which appeals to the female viewer gaze. It is another shirtless, muscular man cutting wood with a machine. Again this shot over sexualises the male body and sticks to the stereotypical idea of men being very masculine and doing work physically. This shot also uses the rule of thirds in the shot. The male is placed on the left of the screen but not too far left as to lose significance. The male is still centered while the tools he is working with are in the center but also on the right. This shot is significant as it does not only show the male body being over sexualised but it also shows a very masculine side of him which is what females would be attracted to.
Another camera angle that is used is a low angle shot on a male wile he is walking while pushing something. This shot again does what all the previous shots do and that is to show that the males are masculine and that they are in charge and are very capable of working with very heavy objects. The main props used in this music video are the tools as Director X has used them to emphasis how masculine and strong the men are. This again appeals more to the female viewer gaze as they are often attracted to strong men.
This shot is very similar to previous shots but can be seen as more significant because it shows both male and female gaze. This is done by showing a topless man who is looking at a female in a somewhat sexual erotic way which is shown in the next few shots. Again the machines are used to show a masculine image of the men being portrayed.
Director X has started the music video with something we do not usually see being done. The music video starts with a low to high angle but it is done to show a males body. This is somewhat unusall as it is typically done to sexualise the female body as it makes the male feel as if they really were looking at the female and this is what is being done in this case. This shot was used to appeal to the female viewer gaze as the male that is being shown is very masculine and wearing somewhat tight clothing.
This music video is a very good example of voyeurism as it is based on a girl obsessing over someone and in order to portray this the director, Alek Keshishian has got the music artist to break into the house and go through his stuff but in a very sexual way
The music video starts with the artist laying down on a pillow in handcuffs, while looking at the camera. This allows the audience to connect with the artist as it makes them feel that they are there. The artist is also looking at the camera in a very sexual way and this makes the scene almost erotic. This adds to the male viewer gaze as it brings them a sense of pleasure from the scene.
This shot is another example of the male viewers gaze as it shows Selena taking off the robe she was wearing to reveal that she is wearing nothing but her underwear, this shot is significant as it has a very seexual and erotic feel to it due to the fact that the artist is taking her cloths off. This shot shows that when women are involved in media productions they are seen as objects that are there to please men, which is what this scene is doing.
This shot is very significant as the main focus of it is the female's bum. This shot is a great example of the male viewer gaze and men gain pleasure from such a shot. This is done in almost every music video where a female is involved as it highlights the idea of man gaining pleasure from watching such music videos. This is supported by Larura Mulvey's male gaze theorey as she states that when women are involved in productions it is only for the purpose of being objects as they are striped from their identity and viewed at as objects that bring pleasure to men.
There are also significant shots during the music video where the artist is dancing in a very sexual way, this can be seen through out the music video, these shots are significant as they highlight the idea of women being sexual objects and losing their identity as they are there just to please men.
Overall the Hands to myself music video suppports Mulvey's idea of women being objects and losing their identity as it shows women's bodies in an over sexualised way. This is done to attract more male viewers and gain more views in general
Laura Mulvey argues that while making music videos the audience are considered to be heterosexual men and this is done to appeal to the male gaze. She states that in order to appeal to heterosexual men the production must include certain shots and images of a female body while editing effects are being used, these are things like slow motion, deliberate camera movements and cut away. Laura states that during music videos women are used as objects who lack identity and only exist to please men as they are sexualised, and admired for their physical appearance. She also states that when women are watching the production they often see the narrative from a secondary perspective and view themselves from a man's perspective. Laura believes that when female characters are present in a narrative it is for two reasons. These are as erotic objects for characters in the narrative to view and erotic objects for the audience to view and talk about. Overall Laura Mulvey believes that the presence of female characters within a narrative is very important as it allows the audience to be attracted to the production and generate more views.
This theory will not be used in our final production as we have chosen the genre Acoustic Folk, on of the main features of this genre is the emphasis on just the music and the artist without any distractions which means we will not be able to add the male of the female gaze theory. Another feature which will not allow us to use this theory is the cloth. The cloth in this genre is not at all revealing as it is everyday cloths such as washed out blue jeans and a plain white top.
