Ed Sheeran The A team analysis - Molly

Ed Sheeran- The A Team music video analysis!

This particular music video uses a narrative structure throughout the video and there is no performance from Ed Sheeran himself in the video. The video is constructed in a circular way, as the video starts at the end. This attracts an audience as they want to learn about the girl and see what her story is. The video seems to tell the story from another persons perspective, someone watching over the girl and her life. The target audience for this video I would say is a younger generation as Ed Sheeran is a young artist and the video features a young girl. I think the age range the video is aimed at would be between 15-25. The song is about drugs and dealing with addiction and the effect drugs can have on a young life.

 

In the video there are a lot of close ups of the protagonist. This helps to create a feeling of sympathy from the audience to the girl featured in the music video, the fact that the lyrics link to what we are seeing also helps with this as we are seeing a wasted life and a girl struggling. The   protagonist has no power in the music video and she uses drugs to take her away from the reality of the life she is living.

The music video begins after it has been made clear to the audience that the girl has died because of her addiction to drugs. This scene is shot in colour and the rest of the video is in black and white, this could show that she is finally happy and in peace. The music itself finally starts and as it does we see a shot of the girl, alive, lying wrapped in a sleeping bag on a park bench. This tells us more about her as a character and suggests to us she may be homeless and have little money. This is how the audience realises that she is the protagonist and so the main feature of the music video.




We are shown that the trees have no leaves on them by this long shot, which shows the audience that it is autumn and so builds a further feeling of sympathy for her as we then know she will be very cold.

We then see a close up of her pulling the blankets further round her, trying to keep warm, which further creates a feeling of sympathy and leaves the audience asking questions like what happened to her?

The mise-en-scene also helps to tell the girls story as the girl looks bedraggled wearing ripped tights and a coat that appears to be a mans and is way too big for her. We can also make out that she is wearing make up which shows that she is still making an effort for something which we find out about later in the video.





The video is shot in black and white which helps to represent the bleak and depressing life she is leading and the fact there seems to be no joy to her story. The video pulls focus in a lot of the shots in the video to show the bleak reality of her life





This shot represents that looking up to the sky gives her an escape and a sense of freedom from the life she is leading. This shot contrasts with all the close ups of her we see as they enclose her and make her seem trapped and as though she is trying to escape.

A Team music video

 



Analysis of first 30 seconds of 'Style' video - Molly

Analysis of first 30 secs of "Style" video! (Inspiration for our music video).

 Shot 1

 

The music video starts off with a close up shot of the side of Taylor's face,

this instantly lets us know that she is important in the video not only for

being the artist bus has a big role in the video also. The background starts off dark

but gets lighter which makes her look as though she is glowing and portrays her

as almost angelic which helps again to portray her starring role in the video.

 

Shot 2

 

There is a fade into the next shot where we see an image of a man cut into the image

of Taylor's head. This image I believe is to show who is on her mind and who she

may be always thinking about. This shot could also show a happy memory and Taylor

thinking back to happier times. The blue sky and the sea contrast with the grey background

around Taylor and helps to draw our attention to the man, maybe meaning he

is also a main feature in the music video.

 

Shot 3

 

The next shot sees the grey background and Taylor fade and we see the man stood with a

cave as a background. The beach and cave is the perfect setting for a romantic memory

that Taylor Swift is looking back on, and the fact we can see the man's back may

represent that we are seeing things from Taylor's perspective and what she saw.

 

Shot 4

 

The video then cuts to a view of the back of the mans head. We can't make out any features,

which helps to keep the man mysterious. The fact that both the man and Taylor have

been framed and filmed alone suggests that they may both be the main feature

of the music video. The fact they were both filmed alone may also suggest there

might have been a separation between the two.

 

Shot 5

 

The next shot is an extreme close up of the top half of Taylor's face. It is blurred, although

you can make out what looks to be a figure of someone stood behind her. This could

represent the memory of the mysterious man and the fact that she can't forget him.

 

 

Shot 6

 

The song hasn't actually started before this shot so leading up to this point the story has been

building and we have been introduced to the main characters. As the music starts, there

is this shot of the grass moving in front of the water with a pink/purple filter which

helps to create a romantic feel within this shot. We can see the reflection of the sun on the water

which helps to connote a happy time rather than something sad.

 

Shot 7

 

The next shot is a mid shot of Taylor looking back at the camera, which may suggest

we are seeing things from his point of view and his memories now instead of hers.

She is dressed in a white shirt, which carries on the motif of her being angelic and

could also represent purity and innocence in a new relationship.

 

Shot 8

 

The video then cuts back to the man at the beach but this time it is his hand and the side

of his leg. Taylor and the man still haven't been framed and filmed together yet,

which may highlight that they are both thinking of memories and possibly

back to happier times The man is in the dark, but outside it is light. This could suggest confusion,

or being in the dark about something or that whatever has happened with the characters

can't be fixed.

 

Shot 9

 

The next shot is one of Taylor holding a necklace which the camera slowly focuses on.

The fact the camera focuses on the necklace represents that it may serve some significance in their relationship and that it is of importance to her. The fact that she is holding it instead

of wearing it may represent that their relationship isn't as strong as it used to be.

 

Shot 10

This is another close up of Taylor, but this time it is her whole face. She seems to be stood

in a misty forest and there is fog/mist over her face. We have seen Taylor close up quite

a few times in the video in comparison with the fact we haven't seen the man yet. This could suggest that Taylor is of more importance in the video and maybe she is trying to forget about him.

 

Shot 11

 

This is the first time we actually see the mans face in the video. He looks sad in the close up

and seems to be alone in comparison with the close up of Taylor where there

seems to be someone stood behind her. The shot is very similar to the first one of Taylor which

opens the music video. The purple background may represent hope and a light at the end of the

tunnel as the colour seems to get lighter the further away from his face it is.

 

Shot 12

 

This shot of Taylor walking is just of her feet, which may represent she is trying to get away

from something; maybe the man or the memories of him. The fact she is wearing shoes may

represent how she isn't serious about leaving and that it isn't going to be a long

term thing.

 

Shot 13

 

We then see Taylor walking through a woodland, we have also seen the man stood on the beach

which could represent that they are both worlds apart and are different people seen as the two locations are so starkly different. They are obviously however still thinking about each other

and the fact that she isn't facing the camera might represent that she is trying to hide that.





Shot 14

 

This is another shot featuring only Taylor. The fact that we haven't seen the male character for

a few shots may represent that she has either temporarily or completely forgotten about him.

Her facial expressions however tell a different story as she still doesn't look happy.

She is still wearing the white dress which coincidently looks a little like a wedding dress.

She looks as though she is holding onto something, either hope or she could

be holding onto the necklace we saw earlier in the film.

 

Shot 15

 

This shot is blurry, it looks as though she could be walking through fog or mist. She looks

as though she is looking around, possibly for the male character and she may have

let him back into her mind again. The next few shots see the video pick up pace, which could represent her chasing something. From the little we can see of Taylor's face she seems confused

as if she may of lost something.

 

Shot 16

 

This is the first shot of the male character we have seen in a while and he appears to be in the same place, in front of the purple background. His facial expressions seem to be more sad

now though as if he is missing someone, probably Taylor. This could be representing the difference in how each of them are dealing with missing and losing the other. Taylor seems to be

running from her problems where as he seems to be dwelling and thinking about them.

 

Shot 17

 

This is yet another shot of Taylor by herself, wearing the same white dress. She seems to still be in

the woodland area, which is made to look mystical with the fog and the sunlight shining from the

right which blocks out a lot of the background of the forest, the focus of this shot is

her. She is making a direct mode of address with the audience by looking straight

into the camera and appears to be waiting for someone/something.

She has her hands clasped as if she is holding something.

 

Shot 18

 

This is yet another shot of the male character in front of this purple screen. The difference in colour of the shots featuring the characters may represent their mood. Taylor's shot are often bright

which may represent her feeling hopeful and looking forward to the future. The male

characters shots are often quite dark which could represent that he is finding

the situation tougher and maybe isn't feeling as positive as her. The fact that his back is turned to the camera could represent this. The only light in this shot is on his face, this could represent that he sees Taylor is happy and that this is what is best for both of them.

 

Shot 19

 

This shot is quite similar to the first one, with a slight difference of her looking at the camera

with no expression on her face. This shot fades into another shot of the woodland where

she has been stood for the majority of the video which makes it fitting that it has been projected onto her now.

 

"Style"

Midnight,
You come and pick me up, no headlights
A long drive,
Could end in burning flames or paradise
Fade into view, oh, it's been a while since I have even heard from you (heard from you)

I should just tell you to leave 'cause I
Know exactly where it leads but I
Watch us go 'round and 'round each time

You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style.

So it goes
He can't keep his wild eyes on the road
Takes me home
Lights are off, he's taking off his coat, hmm, yeah.
I say, "I heard, oh, that you've been out and about with some other girl, some other girl."

He says, "What you've heard is true but I
Can't stop thinking about you," and I...
I said, "I've been there, too, a few times."

'Cause you got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt (tight little skirt)
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

Take me home
Just take me home, yeah.
Just take me home
(out of style)

You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

 

Firths 3 categories of music videos - Molly

History of music videos - Molly

Costume analysis Michael Jacksons Thriller - Molly

Music video analysis of characters dancing and poses - Sophie

Music video analysis Lee Brice I Dont Dance - Sophie

Lee Brice I don't dance music video analysis

At the start of the music video there is a black and white video with a Chinese lantern going up in the air then there is a quick switch to "Lee Brice" coming onto a stage in the middle of an empty auditorium with a guitar and having a stool in the middle of the stage. When he is walking onto the stage there is an element of music visualisation as the beat of the music fits with him strumming his guitar showing that there is an element of a performance. Also when the singing starts we get a long shot of him behind, lip sinking to show he is performing to someone.

However there is a contrast of the lighting as there is a black and white video of a wedding the back ground, but then in colour when he is performing on stage, suggesting that in the past he has got married as there are elements of a wedding with a church cross, Chinese lantern, brides maids, video of the bride getting ready etc. This could be showing Lee's past as there is a guy in the video who looks identical to him suggesting it could have been his wedding.  Again there is music visualisation as when he is saying "spinning you round in circles" there is a video of people dancing and spinning at this wedding. To add you could argue that he is upset as he is by himself playing his guitar in the middle of the stage with no one listening to show he is getting his thoughts out. At the start when he is playing his guitar the house lights are on and there is only one spot light to show is calm and comfortable as white shows peace, however when the chorus comes on there is an element that he is angry as there are red and blue lights behind him, and having an upshot singing loudly therefore the song could be that the wife ended it and he is upset thinking about the past.

Music analysis The Goo Goo Dolls Better Days - Sophie

Music Analysis The Goo Goo Dolls- Better Days- Performance, Concept, Narrative

At the start of the video there is a part of a concept music video as there is just dark mountains and then a sudden change to a little boy playing the piano. Panning around the little boy to show he is big part of the song and means something to the band members. The music video is quite random because there is a piano in the middle of nowhere covered in leaves which contrasts with the song better days as the lighting would be light to show hope and everything is going to be better however it is dark suggesting negativity.  However the little boy playing the piano links to music visualisation as the piano in the background fits with the boy pressing the keys of the piano. Therefore this shows there is an element of  a performance music video as the boy is playing a musical instrument.

Later on, the band appear playing their musical instruments as if it is a performance. Further on in the performance we see the stage light up and the band members are playing within a forest linking back to the child playing the piano with leaves on showing there is a link and it isn't just random. Then towards the end of the music video the leader of the band walks within the forest with children playing within the trees and when he saying “so take these words” there are positive words engraved on the trees with the camera giving a close up to show the words are important. By the end the lead band member meets the little boy who we see at the start giving a narrative that the lead band member is a role model trying to be like him. As throughout the video we see shots of both the little boy and the main band member and they look similar with their style of hair.

Music video analysis Gone Gone Gone Phillip Phillips - Sophie

Music Analysis of Gone Gone Gone Phillip Phillips

"I wanted the video to feel generational, not just about the present, but the people before us that paved the way," says the director Joseph Toman, It has interspersed shots of Phillips singing with grainy home video footage spanning decades to tell the story of love and family and the human experience. "It's a celebration of life, and hopefully a piece that everyone can find something in to relate to.” Phillip Phillips 

At the start of the music video, there is an old video tape of photos of family’s in a black and white  edit with and old footage edit on it to show the past is as important as the present. Phillip believes that family, friends and love is the most important thing in this world. Throughout the music video there is lots of random shots of different people in their home at different times, showing that memories are important as they will stay with you forever. However there is one girl that the camera always flicks back too suggesting that Phillip will always love her no matter what. He is willing to do anything for his love as in the lyrics he says “when life leaves you high and dry”, “lie, cheat, beg, bribe” and even the last line of the song says “I love you long after you're gone gone gone” This shows his dedication to his love and he will do anything for her, therefore in the music video it always comes back to her. Also he has shots of different couples with different ages to show that he wants his love to be for eternity and be like all the couples he’s filmed.

 Throughout the performance we have Phillip by himself by the side of a lake while the sun is setting getting the haze look from the sun set behind him. He is lip sinking throughout showing the performance element of the music video, also when it comes to the chorus there is him sat in a room with a lot of chairs playing his guitar, showing the indie genre of the song. Also towards the end of the song there is a drum and it links to music visualisation as the lyrics say “Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating” there is a drum kit with someone playing it near the bonfire. However it shows his passion again towards his love as he doesn't stop loving her. When it comes to the chorus again the editing is very quick, having lots of different shots of people in love and kissing of different ages. We are able to tell that the editing is from the past as the detail of the shots are old. 

From the editing, we are able to tell that the director wanted it to be from the camera’s point of view, for example for the boy to filming the girl running, smiling or looking back at the camera

Music Video Analysis Lyrics

The Weeknd The Hills

This song is about living in Beverly Hills. The main base of the lyrics are ‘half past five’ this is in reference to Alan Jackson's song ‘Its five o’clock somewhere’. This is in relation to Abel’s continues drug use. This is because Jackson’s song is meaning getting drunk and high no matter what time of day. In the chorus it says ‘when I’m fucked up that’s the real me’ this again referenced his drug use.

This is indicates that he is only him true self when he is on drugs. Try to send me off to rehab this drugs start to feel like its decaf this is constantly in reference to drug use. This is important as it is showing how the drugs are becoming a daily routine and how he is slowly becoming bored of them and how they are not having the desired effect on him any more as his body is adjusting and getting used to them. This song consists of constant references to his drug addiction this I important as he is showing how they have had a negative effect upon his life and how they are not helping him in any way and how they are slowly beginning to have a negative effect on him. This is shown in the music video because it shows him crashing a car and then it blowing up. This shows that he is not himself and he does not seem phased when he does this.

When you find out that the song is about Beverly Hills you soon realize that he whole thing has been filmed while he is walking along the central road. This is shown with the large and expensive houses and the along with the tree lined drive this indicates to the viewer the location that it is designed to portray. The lyrics begin to say ‘the hills have eyes who are you to judge’ this is saying that he is not that much different from the other people in the hills and he believes that he is just another person do the same thing as everyone else. He is implying g the fact that everyone in Beverly Hills has something to hide and they cannot judge him for what his is doing it also indicates the fact that everyone who lives there know everything about everyone hence the lyrics 'the hills have eyes'.


ED Sheeran Thinking Out Loud

 

Ed Sheerans song Thinking Out Loud’s main meaning is how as you get older things will change and some will not always be for the better. At the start of the second verse it says ‘darling I will be loving you ‘til we’re 70’ this is to show how the love will never end and he will always love the person he is with. The main style of the songs to show how love will never grow old and it will always exist and it will always last. In the second verse it says ‘I fall in love with you every single day’ this song has been written to show how the everyday is a blessing to him and he will always love the person he is with. The song is based upon growing old and in the 4^th verse it begins with ‘ when my hairs all but gone and my memories fade’ this is showing how as he becomes old and forgets things he will know that he still loves her the same way. Verse 5 begins with ‘your soul could never grow old its evergreen’ this shows that no matter what happens she will last forever and the love is eternal. The main style overall of this music video and lyrics are to show how the love between two people will never end and it is eternal. The lyrics link to the video because of the graceful and smooth style with the dancing in the video this is effective because this creates a link between the two making it more interesting for the viewer to watch.

Rudimental Not Giving In

 

 

Within this song there is a narrative story behind it. in many of rudimental songs the lyrics are used to present a story.in the opening verse it begins with 'Well its time to start the show, lost my heart and lost my soul'. this song is portraying depression and how everyday is a show because people are having to pretend that they are happy when they are not. the main style of the lyrics begin at a slower pace and then begin to speed up I think that this is effective because as the song becomes quicker it is reflected in the positivity of the lyrics.

 

In the shorter third verse it says ' this time im goanna be stronger im not giving in' this is in reflection of how the depression is fading and they are becoming happier and they know that they are 'not giving in' to it. this is effective because it creates a much more positive vibe to the video as it has a deep underlying meaning. the use of meaningful lyrics and a meaningful video is effective because many people are able to relate to it and develop a better understanding of the video and its content meaning.

 

Finally in verse four it says ' waste my time which makes things worse lost in mine my love is cursed' this is used to create the effect that how he of feeling is effecting himself and how he if functioning. I think that this song is overall very effective because of the story behind it think that the use of effective lyrics makes the song different and will appeal and help to motivate all people who have different issues.

 

Music Video Analysis Character

Sia Chandelier

Sia’s music video chandelier has a dark main behind it this is shown through the lyrics and the facial expressions done by the character the young girl that features throughout Sia’s music videos. Her video begins very basically showing the young girl pinned in-between a door way.  this video consists of various different styles of expressions. this is because it will show the expression of happiness and sadness within a few seconds of each other this is effective because this is showing all the different style that are being portrayed within the video.

It then shows her dropping to the floor and then she begins to dance. She seems to be possessed in the slow and eccentric movements. She has minimal facial expressions throughout however it sometimes does close ups showing how her expression changes it shows her with her eyes wide open and she is not specifically focusing on any one pint. the movements within the video are very slow in motion however there are some movements that indicate the style being more fast paced and certain features of the video jolt in a way because of the hand gestures and the very precise movements of her face and body.

The dancing in this video is different it shows a much more eccentric style that consists of very flexible movements that are on some occasions faced tis is shown when she pulls her head up by her own hair. within the video here are specific shots that are used for example wide shots these are used to show the full body and the movements of the girl in the video this is effective because this is showing her from head to toe and what she is doing with her whole body.

There is a lot of use of hand gestures throughout this video they show her sat at a table and on the floor moving her hands to the beat of the music this is done along with wide eyed facial expressions makes her seem as if there is something wrong. the use of hand gestures is important within the video this is because they are used to portray and link with the lyrics to allow the viewer to have a visuals and verbal link between the two

It consists of different shows showing the girl in different areas of the apartment it changes to a show of a corridor and shows her doing an upside down crab like movement. The style of dancing in this video is very different and makes it stand out.  the use of a whole apartment is good because this is allowing there to be various locations used but they are all within one set of rooms. with the shot below the facial expressions play a large feature within this music video because it allows the viewer to understand and interpret them as they wish. this is effective because it can appeal to many different audiences in very different ways.

This makes the video unique and the style stand out from other music video. In the end of the music video it shows her stood in a doorway curtsying and as she does her face changes to a smile. This shows that the happiness within the music video and the facial expressions are all put on. overall this music video creates a much more disturbing feel to it than anything else this is because the gestures and the facial expressions could be seen as sinister and the slow motions also portray this.