The narrative is a series of events and actions and chain of events in the cause and effect relationship. The narrative is a media term for story telling and also the way in which the elements of the story are organised. The narrative is also a way of making sense of the world in which we live. Torodov made the narrative structure which is now used in media and film and shows the progression through the narrative due to cause and effect.
Music videos generally do not follow the narrative structure as they go for being more dramatic, exciting and dynamic and more about the performance. Any narrative of a music video is based around the lyrics of the song.
Andrew Goodwin argues that music videos narrative relations are hugely complex and meaning can be created from the individual viewer.
The video for 'A Hard Days Night' by The Beatles in 1964 uses different camera angles and is more like a mock documentary.
Wednesday 29 September 2010
'Alive' Lyrics
I breathe, I hear
But I don’t believe it
My heart, it beats
But inside I’m freezing
My hands shake
They’ve lost all their feeling
Nowhere to take
You say that you’re leaving
And there’s no turning back this time
Gotta stay alive
Chorus:Where do I go when I’m so alone?
Where do I turn when you are so close?
We try not to crash but we still collide
Tears I’ve cried, I’ll survive
I’m alive
I’m stripped, I’m bare
I’m left here with nothing
I hold the wheel
And know where I’m going
Your face, I see, in every reflection
No time, no space
I’ve lost all direction
And there’s no turning back this time
Gotta stay alive
Chorus
I’m gonna get there someway
Through all the tears that you bring
And any road I can take
Just to get me some place
Where all the stars on my heart
And all the lies in the dark
Disappear in my head
Lights so bright, tonight
Gonna drive them away
Chorus
I’m Alive
Chosen Song
The song i have chosen to do a music video for is a song by Leona Lewis called 'Alive'. This is one of my favourite tracks off her album 'Echo' which was released in 2009. I have chosen this song because it is an emotional song and i feel that i can make a video that will reflect the tone of the song and the narrative. I also think i can make the lyrics connect with the video. This song is very emotional so i have to make a video that reflects the song well and the lyrics most importantly.
LIIAR
Language:
The language used in a music video is the technical aspects of it and how it is filmed whether it is handheld and the use of close ups. Dialogue isn't as common in a music video as a trailer or short film. Music videos sometimes have a sequence of acting before the music starts which identifies the narrative.
Institution:
The institution of a music video is the organisation that is producing the video and marketing it for the artist. For example Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' was distributed by Interscope as this is the label that she is signed to. The music video is the best way to market a single from the artist as it can be distibuted anywhere over the country and on the internet. For my music video i will be the institution myself. I will be working independantly and as a self planned and organised director. Unlike directors who are in the professional world of music videos i will be working with no budget, no professional actors and unable to use anywhere in the world. This means i have to use the resources and the surroundings i have access to.
Ideology:
Ideology is the system of beliefs and ideals that society have e.g. Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' has a number of ideals of America and it's society. For example the american diner, costumes and the way it is filmed. For example the mise-en-scene used in the diner and prison is intertexual to American society such as the costumes worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce are like Captain America and Wonder Woman.
Audience:
The audience of the music video are the people who are fans of the artist or band. For example 'Love The Way You Lie' is aimed for Rihanna and Eminem fans. However the video isn't just for the fans of Eminem and Rihanna but people who find the song a good hit and enjoy the video to it. A collaboration on a track is a good way to get a popular hit as artists such as Lady Gaga are still making there fame in the music world so doing a collaboration with Beyonce has boosted her popularity.
Representation:
The artists or band are represented in a certain way in the video for example Madonna in 'Die Another Day' is represented as a woman in control and not the stereotypical damsel in distress. Most music videos reflect on the artists views on society or how they feel like in reality. For example Christina Aguilera's hit "Can't Hold Us Down" was written based on her views of men treating women.
The language used in a music video is the technical aspects of it and how it is filmed whether it is handheld and the use of close ups. Dialogue isn't as common in a music video as a trailer or short film. Music videos sometimes have a sequence of acting before the music starts which identifies the narrative.
Institution:
The institution of a music video is the organisation that is producing the video and marketing it for the artist. For example Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' was distributed by Interscope as this is the label that she is signed to. The music video is the best way to market a single from the artist as it can be distibuted anywhere over the country and on the internet. For my music video i will be the institution myself. I will be working independantly and as a self planned and organised director. Unlike directors who are in the professional world of music videos i will be working with no budget, no professional actors and unable to use anywhere in the world. This means i have to use the resources and the surroundings i have access to.
Ideology:
Ideology is the system of beliefs and ideals that society have e.g. Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' has a number of ideals of America and it's society. For example the american diner, costumes and the way it is filmed. For example the mise-en-scene used in the diner and prison is intertexual to American society such as the costumes worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce are like Captain America and Wonder Woman.
Audience:
The audience of the music video are the people who are fans of the artist or band. For example 'Love The Way You Lie' is aimed for Rihanna and Eminem fans. However the video isn't just for the fans of Eminem and Rihanna but people who find the song a good hit and enjoy the video to it. A collaboration on a track is a good way to get a popular hit as artists such as Lady Gaga are still making there fame in the music world so doing a collaboration with Beyonce has boosted her popularity.
Representation:
The artists or band are represented in a certain way in the video for example Madonna in 'Die Another Day' is represented as a woman in control and not the stereotypical damsel in distress. Most music videos reflect on the artists views on society or how they feel like in reality. For example Christina Aguilera's hit "Can't Hold Us Down" was written based on her views of men treating women.
Monday 27 September 2010
"Love The Way You Lie" Analysis
This music video by Eminem carries a very strong narrative through out and this helps with the stars involved such as Rihanna, Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan. Fans of these stars will be interested in seeing the video especially fans of Eminem himself. The video presents Eminem and Rihanna telling a story of violent and passionate love through the two main characters played by Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan. The acting by them is very realistic and adds to the impact of the video and the narrative.
The music has a contrast of piano and use of drums. The drums and sharp beats represent the strength of the male character and the power he has over the female character, yet the piano represents the beauty and elegance of the female. Eminem is portraying the role of the male character and Rihanna portrays the female in the relationship. The violence of the relationship is shown within the first 40 seconds of the video so that the relationship between them is established for the audience. The element of fire is a motif in the video and seen through out. At the start we see the female character cupping fire which represents the fiery character of herself and the way she feels. Another way we see it is when Rihanna sings to the camera she is stood in front of a burning house and again this is representing the fiery passion the relationship involves. Within the first minute we see that both characters are violent toward each other and not just the male.
The setting of the house is very dark and involves dull colours on the wall and in the décor. The sun is peeking through the curtains. This shows how they are both cut o0ff from the outside world and how they only have each other in their own world. The costume for the characters are again dull as we see Megan Fox wearing a beige tank top and denim jeans with biker boots. This isn’t a glamorous look for her as for her accessories she wears chains and leather which could represent her being chained into this relationship. The male character is seen wearing beige shorts with no top to show his tattoos. Tattoos were originally worn by prisoners before they became a accessory which would present him as being a trouble maker. The scene when he steals the bottle of alcohol reinforces this idea of him. The lighting of the house is again very dark and the scene when they are in the shop and rooftop are the only times they are seen in bright light. This shows them being cut off and ever since they became in a relationship they have been in the dark.
The performance from Rihanna and Eminem are also powerful and filled with passion of the lyrics and the meanin
gs of the words. Rihanna is wearing black and leather with bright red hair and nail varnish. The red could represent the love of the characters and also the danger involved with the leather representing a strong and confident image. The black hair band with black bow on it completes the look with femininity included. Both female characters are not seen as ‘damsel in distress’ types rather than women who are strong. However the character played by Megan fox is seen breaking down and at times equally violent.
The lyrics of this song are linked very well to the video and represent the narrative of the video. For example “Don't you hear sincerity in my voice when I talk, Told you this is my fault, Look me in the eyeball, Next time I'm pissed I'll aim my fist at the drywall, Next time, there won't be no next time, I apologize even though I know it's lies” These lyrics explain that even though he is abusive to her she still comes back to him even when she knows he is lying about restraint but she loves him too much to just leave.
The video is filmed with mainly a handheld camera with the scenes of both characters together. This is to emphasise the tension in the relationship and the house they are in. The use of close ups also emphasise the tension but in some shots show the love they have for each other. In one shot it is a one take shot going through the different rooms of the house with the make character becoming more violent as he follows her through the rooms until she shuts herself in the bathroom. The juxtaposition of this shot is after the looks of affection as a way of telling the audience that there is a reason w
hy she tries to leave him and how quickly the relationship can change from love to violence. The editing of the video is passing from characters to singers but both in front of bright light and shadowed. For example the light coming through the curtains in the house to Eminem in the field with the sun behind him.
The audience for this video will be hard to identify as it doesn’t have a specific audience apart from fans of Eminem and Rihanna. This type of music is very contemporary and will attract late teenagers and young adults. I would say that the audience will be mainstream. The purpose of this video is to sell the song and the representation of Eminem and his ideas on life. It is also a way of showing very real life violence of relationships and abuse. This makes the video more powerful to watch and specially important to fans of Rihanna who was violently abused by her boyfriend in 2009.
The ending of the video is very questionable as we see a burning house which is representing the house the two lovers are in and each character ‘burning’ with the last shot of them on the bed together like at the start. This could raise questions such as “Did it all actually happen?” or “What will happen in the future?”
The music has a contrast of piano and use of drums. The drums and sharp beats represent the strength of the male character and the power he has over the female character, yet the piano represents the beauty and elegance of the female. Eminem is portraying the role of the male character and Rihanna portrays the female in the relationship. The violence of the relationship is shown within the first 40 seconds of the video so that the relationship between them is established for the audience. The element of fire is a motif in the video and seen through out. At the start we see the female character cupping fire which represents the fiery character of herself and the way she feels. Another way we see it is when Rihanna sings to the camera she is stood in front of a burning house and again this is representing the fiery passion the relationship involves. Within the first minute we see that both characters are violent toward each other and not just the male.
The setting of the house is very dark and involves dull colours on the wall and in the décor. The sun is peeking through the curtains. This shows how they are both cut o0ff from the outside world and how they only have each other in their own world. The costume for the characters are again dull as we see Megan Fox wearing a beige tank top and denim jeans with biker boots. This isn’t a glamorous look for her as for her accessories she wears chains and leather which could represent her being chained into this relationship. The male character is seen wearing beige shorts with no top to show his tattoos. Tattoos were originally worn by prisoners before they became a accessory which would present him as being a trouble maker. The scene when he steals the bottle of alcohol reinforces this idea of him. The lighting of the house is again very dark and the scene when they are in the shop and rooftop are the only times they are seen in bright light. This shows them being cut off and ever since they became in a relationship they have been in the dark.
The performance from Rihanna and Eminem are also powerful and filled with passion of the lyrics and the meanin
gs of the words. Rihanna is wearing black and leather with bright red hair and nail varnish. The red could represent the love of the characters and also the danger involved with the leather representing a strong and confident image. The black hair band with black bow on it completes the look with femininity included. Both female characters are not seen as ‘damsel in distress’ types rather than women who are strong. However the character played by Megan fox is seen breaking down and at times equally violent.The lyrics of this song are linked very well to the video and represent the narrative of the video. For example “Don't you hear sincerity in my voice when I talk, Told you this is my fault, Look me in the eyeball, Next time I'm pissed I'll aim my fist at the drywall, Next time, there won't be no next time, I apologize even though I know it's lies” These lyrics explain that even though he is abusive to her she still comes back to him even when she knows he is lying about restraint but she loves him too much to just leave.
The video is filmed with mainly a handheld camera with the scenes of both characters together. This is to emphasise the tension in the relationship and the house they are in. The use of close ups also emphasise the tension but in some shots show the love they have for each other. In one shot it is a one take shot going through the different rooms of the house with the make character becoming more violent as he follows her through the rooms until she shuts herself in the bathroom. The juxtaposition of this shot is after the looks of affection as a way of telling the audience that there is a reason w
hy she tries to leave him and how quickly the relationship can change from love to violence. The editing of the video is passing from characters to singers but both in front of bright light and shadowed. For example the light coming through the curtains in the house to Eminem in the field with the sun behind him.The audience for this video will be hard to identify as it doesn’t have a specific audience apart from fans of Eminem and Rihanna. This type of music is very contemporary and will attract late teenagers and young adults. I would say that the audience will be mainstream. The purpose of this video is to sell the song and the representation of Eminem and his ideas on life. It is also a way of showing very real life violence of relationships and abuse. This makes the video more powerful to watch and specially important to fans of Rihanna who was violently abused by her boyfriend in 2009.
The ending of the video is very questionable as we see a burning house which is representing the house the two lovers are in and each character ‘burning’ with the last shot of them on the bed together like at the start. This could raise questions such as “Did it all actually happen?” or “What will happen in the future?”
Thursday 23 September 2010
Textual Analysis Notes
Eminem - "Love The Way You Lie"
Media Representations
Eminem, telling the story of the relationship, Eminem and Rihanna each tell a side of the story of each character Eminem portraying the male and Rihanna portraying the female. Both characters are aggressive and violent to each other. Light trying to creep into the house through the curtains. Fire is a repeated element in the video.
Media Language and Forms
Very dark and cluttered house representing the characters lives with each other, violence is portrayed through the lyrics and contrasting with the love they show they have for each other, Eminem is out in the open and bare with bright sunlight behind him, Rihanna is in the dark with burning house in background. This is in contrast to the characters as they are both seen in dark bars or the house.
The music is a mix of strong beats and the elegance of a piano. The strong beats represent the violent relationship and the strength the male has over the female character whilst the piano is keeping the beauty and elegance which represents the female.
The acting by Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan is very realistic and adds to the impact of the video, the lyrics and the relationship within the narrative.
Narrative
The narrative of this music video is the violence in the relationship and how the two characters can't escape from the relationship. The editing passes from the characters and the singers and both used in front of bright light e.g. sun or fire. The narrative shows the love and violence the relationship entails and the fire represents the fiery relationship.
Genre
The genre is a music video with a dramatic look and references. The dramatic acting and the powerful lyrics make the video very dramatic and powerful. The women in the video are not stereotypically 'girlfriend' types as they are both powerful and strong. Megan Fox's character is seen equally violent towards the male character.
Media Institutions
The intention of the institution is to sell the song. This video is released on all popular music channels and shown all over the world.
It has a strong narrative and includes characters. More like a short film than music video.
Media Values and Ideology
People in violent relationships and the feeling of being trapped from the outside world because of them. However showing that the woman is equally aggressive as the man.
Media Audiences
The audience for this video will be fans of Rihanna and Eminem. This will be a mainstream audience between the ages of 16 and 24 and also music channel viewers. There will also be people who are interested in the performances given by Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan.
Media Representations
Eminem, telling the story of the relationship, Eminem and Rihanna each tell a side of the story of each character Eminem portraying the male and Rihanna portraying the female. Both characters are aggressive and violent to each other. Light trying to creep into the house through the curtains. Fire is a repeated element in the video.
Media Language and Forms
Very dark and cluttered house representing the characters lives with each other, violence is portrayed through the lyrics and contrasting with the love they show they have for each other, Eminem is out in the open and bare with bright sunlight behind him, Rihanna is in the dark with burning house in background. This is in contrast to the characters as they are both seen in dark bars or the house.
The music is a mix of strong beats and the elegance of a piano. The strong beats represent the violent relationship and the strength the male has over the female character whilst the piano is keeping the beauty and elegance which represents the female.
The acting by Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan is very realistic and adds to the impact of the video, the lyrics and the relationship within the narrative.
Narrative
The narrative of this music video is the violence in the relationship and how the two characters can't escape from the relationship. The editing passes from the characters and the singers and both used in front of bright light e.g. sun or fire. The narrative shows the love and violence the relationship entails and the fire represents the fiery relationship.
Genre
The genre is a music video with a dramatic look and references. The dramatic acting and the powerful lyrics make the video very dramatic and powerful. The women in the video are not stereotypically 'girlfriend' types as they are both powerful and strong. Megan Fox's character is seen equally violent towards the male character.
Media Institutions
The intention of the institution is to sell the song. This video is released on all popular music channels and shown all over the world.
It has a strong narrative and includes characters. More like a short film than music video.
Media Values and Ideology
People in violent relationships and the feeling of being trapped from the outside world because of them. However showing that the woman is equally aggressive as the man.
Media Audiences
The audience for this video will be fans of Rihanna and Eminem. This will be a mainstream audience between the ages of 16 and 24 and also music channel viewers. There will also be people who are interested in the performances given by Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan.
Wednesday 15 September 2010
History of Music Videos
In 1926 people saw the introduction of the 'talkies' which were musical short films which featured many bands and vocalists. The series was called 'Spooney Melodies' and was the first true music video series. With film of the performer they also included animations and a range of backgrounds. in the early 1930's popular musicians would perform their hit songs live during cartoons. One famous carton was 'Fantasia' by Walt Disney and this featured several minutes of music to cartoon action. Live action performers included artists such as Cab Calloway which were distributed to theatres. Songs such as St Louis Blues were shown in theatres as dramatic performances of the song. This became a very popular way of showing music videos which then led to other artists appearing. In the 1940's 'promotional clips' were introduced and became another way of showing music videos. These consisted of a band playing on a set. Well known music videos have imitated the style of the Hollywood musical this including Madonna's 'Material Girl' (1985). Michael Jackson was another artist who imitated the style and the influence of the dance sequences in the classic hollywood musicals. This is famously seen in the video for 'Thriller' and 'Bad'. The rise in popularity was tied with the rise in televsions as this enabled stars to be more exposed to the viewers.
In 1964 The Beatles starred in their own film 'A Hard Days Night'. This was shot in black and white. It included dance and musical sequences that have influenced many modern artists and the format of their own music videos. A year later they began making promotional clips for broadcast and distribution in other countries such as the USA. This was so they could promote their new album without having to make appearances in person. Many clips were shown on popular shows in America and the UK including Top of the Pops. Videos such as 'Strawberry Fields Forever' made in 1967 took the music video format to another level. Techniques such as slow motion, dramatic lighting and unusual camera angles were used from films.
Animation, live action, documentaries and abstracts filming are the styles in which music videos have now been created and filmed. The very popular TV show 'Top of the Pops' started to show music videos in the late 70's. This increased music sales as viewers wanted to see the video again.
The American channel MTV was launched in 1981 and it aired 24-our-a-day music on TV.
1983 saw the most influential and successful music video being made. This was of course Michael Jackson's "Thriller". It cost $500,000 to make and it lasts 14 minutes.
In 1992 MTV started to credit directors for the videos and this was when music videos became an auteur's medium.
In the present day music videos are still incredibly popular for audiences and are at a very high standard. Artists such as 'Eminem' put a lot of time and effort into making dramatic videos and making sure they reflect the song and the lyrics. MTV now hosts awards shows such as 'The Video Music Awards' to reflect on how MTV started the chain of music channels and the launch of music videos on TV.
Brief
A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two of the following options:
- a website homepage
- a cover for it's release as part of a digipak (CD/DVD package)
- a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)