- there is a relationship between the lyrics and the visual( with visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contracting the lyrics).
- There is a relationship between the music and the visuals (again with visuals either illustrating amplifying or contracting the lyrics).
- Particular music genres may have their own music video style and iconography ( e.g. live stage performance in heavy rock).
- There is a demand on the part of the record company for lots of close ups of the main artist/ vocalists.
- The artist may devolp their own star iconography , in and out of theiir vidos, which, over time become part of their star image.
- There is likely to be reference to voyeurism, paryicularly in the treatment of women, but also in terms of systems of lookingh (screens within screens, binoculars, cameras etc).
- there are likely to be intertextual references, either to other musci videos or to films TV texts.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
andrew goodwin-music videos
Sunday, 22 August 2010
missy elliot- shes a bitch analysis
Missy Elliot-she’s a bitch
This Missy Elliot song is a performance based video, which interestingly contains no males. The video begins with Missy Elliot’s name in large print in a dark grey colour. The size of the text connotes Missy Elliots massive fame at the time of the making of the video, this helps attract people to keep watching the video as this a big Hip Hop stars song. Then the title of the song appears, this can be read in two different ways. One being the feminist approach would say that “she’s a bitch” is demeaning to the female gender and therefore representing the female gender negatively. The other way in which the “she’s a bitch” text can be read is the Post feminist approach. Post-feminists would say that the text is being used to self empower Missy Elliot.
Next we cut to a long shot of Missy Elliot from a low angle walking towards the camera. This represents her as a strong female; her long black leather coat is very masculine like and adds to the impression of missy Elliot being a strong female. She can hardly be seen because of the dark lighting making the video seem dark and gothic like. This subverts the Hip Hop genre as most of the Hip hop videos do not try to go for a dark and gothic effect. This shows that Missy Elliot is trying to be different and unique in a music genre which is very conventional. There is a brief cut to a room with different blue lights flashing, in which Missy Elliot is in the centre. These effects show that this is an expensive music video and that Missy Elliot is a big artist in the Hip Hop genre which is predominantly made up of male artists. This Post feminist would argue shows the amounts that female have come forward in recent years. Missy Elliot’s clothing is unconventional for a female artist for many reasons, first of all because it is not revealing and demeaning towards the female gender which is stereotypically seen in the Hip hop genre. This shows how Missy Elliot is not relying in her looks but talent.
There is then a cut to another shot which shows missy Elliot more clearly but from a side angle. We can see that Missy Elliot is wearing a mask making her appear bold and concealing half her face. This further reinforces the fact that she is not relying on her looks and trying to represent females in a different way, there is also a hint of humour in her costume which may amuse some. We then cut to a high angle shot where Missy Elliot begins rapping, the fact that she is rapping is unusual as there are not many female rappers who attract mainstream audiences. The high angle shot represents Missy Elliot differently to how she was represented previously in the music video, as in this shot she looks more vulnerable. The movements she is making with her hands are similar to that of male rappers, these hand movements are very unfeminine and portray Missy Elliot as a “tomboy”. We then see Missy Elliot walking in a male like manner which can again be compared to how male rappers walk in Hip Hop music videos. This may be her way of showing that female artists do not have to be constricted in how they behave in music videos.
We next cut to a shot of her in a sports car travelling at high speeds, fast cars are normally associated with males so this prop may be used to show that Missy Elliot’s is a bit masculine like. Also the fact that she is driving at high speeds in car may give the impression that she is daring and adventurous as an artist. There is then a cut to Missy Elliot and background dancers who are all female, the dancers are wearing provocative clothing except for Missy Elliot who is not revealing her body. Missy Elliot is dancing in the same way as the others possibly to show that you not have to reveal your body when dancing in a Hip Hop video. This represents Missy Elliot in a positive way which is not very common for a female in Hip Hop music videos. Missy Elliot also uses make up in her video to make herself look less attractive, possibly to show she does not care as much about her looks as other female artist. She is not trying to attract male audiences with her looks but her talent, which most would say is a good message to pass to younger audiences.
The next scene shows Missy Elliot emerging from water with her back up dancers on large “M” platform. This was done with special effects and makes the music video look fancier; it also shows how expensive the music video is. The heavy costs of the music video signify how big Missy Elliot is in the Hip Hop and music industry, it can therefore be said that she is a role model to many females. In the water dancing scene, there is a birds eyeview shot of Missy Elliot and the back up dancers on the “M” sign. The large “M” may signify Missy Elliots fame and success as a female rapper, throughout the video and in this scene dark lighting is used this connotes darkness and sadness of Missy Elliot whilist making this song, this sadness is probably caused by her critics. Although Missy Elliot is not as slim and fit as the other dancers in this scene she still dances and keeps up with them, showing that you do not have to look a certain way to dance in a Hip Hop video. The video ends with a close up of Missy Elliot sticking her tongue out and trying to reinforce that this video is not her being serious but creative.
Overall, i would say that this video portrays Missy Elliot in a positive way through the messages she is trying to send to the mainstream audiences. It may also be pleasing to some fans of Hip Hop music that a female artist is trying to be different and add another dimension to the Hip Hop genre which is very conventional. It is also interesting to see that there are no males in this video, which may have been done to self empower Missy Elliot and the female gender. There is positive representations of the female gender in this music video except for in one scene which feminist would argue the female back up dancers are revealing too much of their body. The music video subverts and does not rely on stereotypes, for example Missy Elliots walking, clothing and props (e.g. fast car).
This Missy Elliot song is a performance based video, which interestingly contains no males. The video begins with Missy Elliot’s name in large print in a dark grey colour. The size of the text connotes Missy Elliots massive fame at the time of the making of the video, this helps attract people to keep watching the video as this a big Hip Hop stars song. Then the title of the song appears, this can be read in two different ways. One being the feminist approach would say that “she’s a bitch” is demeaning to the female gender and therefore representing the female gender negatively. The other way in which the “she’s a bitch” text can be read is the Post feminist approach. Post-feminists would say that the text is being used to self empower Missy Elliot.
Next we cut to a long shot of Missy Elliot from a low angle walking towards the camera. This represents her as a strong female; her long black leather coat is very masculine like and adds to the impression of missy Elliot being a strong female. She can hardly be seen because of the dark lighting making the video seem dark and gothic like. This subverts the Hip Hop genre as most of the Hip hop videos do not try to go for a dark and gothic effect. This shows that Missy Elliot is trying to be different and unique in a music genre which is very conventional. There is a brief cut to a room with different blue lights flashing, in which Missy Elliot is in the centre. These effects show that this is an expensive music video and that Missy Elliot is a big artist in the Hip Hop genre which is predominantly made up of male artists. This Post feminist would argue shows the amounts that female have come forward in recent years. Missy Elliot’s clothing is unconventional for a female artist for many reasons, first of all because it is not revealing and demeaning towards the female gender which is stereotypically seen in the Hip hop genre. This shows how Missy Elliot is not relying in her looks but talent.
There is then a cut to another shot which shows missy Elliot more clearly but from a side angle. We can see that Missy Elliot is wearing a mask making her appear bold and concealing half her face. This further reinforces the fact that she is not relying on her looks and trying to represent females in a different way, there is also a hint of humour in her costume which may amuse some. We then cut to a high angle shot where Missy Elliot begins rapping, the fact that she is rapping is unusual as there are not many female rappers who attract mainstream audiences. The high angle shot represents Missy Elliot differently to how she was represented previously in the music video, as in this shot she looks more vulnerable. The movements she is making with her hands are similar to that of male rappers, these hand movements are very unfeminine and portray Missy Elliot as a “tomboy”. We then see Missy Elliot walking in a male like manner which can again be compared to how male rappers walk in Hip Hop music videos. This may be her way of showing that female artists do not have to be constricted in how they behave in music videos.
We next cut to a shot of her in a sports car travelling at high speeds, fast cars are normally associated with males so this prop may be used to show that Missy Elliot’s is a bit masculine like. Also the fact that she is driving at high speeds in car may give the impression that she is daring and adventurous as an artist. There is then a cut to Missy Elliot and background dancers who are all female, the dancers are wearing provocative clothing except for Missy Elliot who is not revealing her body. Missy Elliot is dancing in the same way as the others possibly to show that you not have to reveal your body when dancing in a Hip Hop video. This represents Missy Elliot in a positive way which is not very common for a female in Hip Hop music videos. Missy Elliot also uses make up in her video to make herself look less attractive, possibly to show she does not care as much about her looks as other female artist. She is not trying to attract male audiences with her looks but her talent, which most would say is a good message to pass to younger audiences.
The next scene shows Missy Elliot emerging from water with her back up dancers on large “M” platform. This was done with special effects and makes the music video look fancier; it also shows how expensive the music video is. The heavy costs of the music video signify how big Missy Elliot is in the Hip Hop and music industry, it can therefore be said that she is a role model to many females. In the water dancing scene, there is a birds eyeview shot of Missy Elliot and the back up dancers on the “M” sign. The large “M” may signify Missy Elliots fame and success as a female rapper, throughout the video and in this scene dark lighting is used this connotes darkness and sadness of Missy Elliot whilist making this song, this sadness is probably caused by her critics. Although Missy Elliot is not as slim and fit as the other dancers in this scene she still dances and keeps up with them, showing that you do not have to look a certain way to dance in a Hip Hop video. The video ends with a close up of Missy Elliot sticking her tongue out and trying to reinforce that this video is not her being serious but creative.
Overall, i would say that this video portrays Missy Elliot in a positive way through the messages she is trying to send to the mainstream audiences. It may also be pleasing to some fans of Hip Hop music that a female artist is trying to be different and add another dimension to the Hip Hop genre which is very conventional. It is also interesting to see that there are no males in this video, which may have been done to self empower Missy Elliot and the female gender. There is positive representations of the female gender in this music video except for in one scene which feminist would argue the female back up dancers are revealing too much of their body. The music video subverts and does not rely on stereotypes, for example Missy Elliots walking, clothing and props (e.g. fast car).
Friday, 6 August 2010
pussy cat dolls- buttons
Pussycat dolls-buttons
This is a performance based music video, which begins with a mid shot of the famous hip hop artist Snoop Dog. He is wearing clothing which is stereotypical associated with the hip hop genre, for example he is wearing a hoody and baseball cap. Artist which are from the Hip Hop genre are represented as tough and powerful people. Therefore it can be said that the male gender in this video are being represented as the more powerful and dominant. We the cut to a long shot of snoop Dog, which is shot from a low angle making Snoop Dog appear much bigger and look more powerful. Next there is a cut to a shot from which the camera is positioned near to Snoop Dogs Hip, in this shot it appears as though the female singer is only up to Snoop Dogs waist in height. This makes the female singer apart of the girl group seem inferior to the male.
The editing technique shot reverse shot is being used to position us from behind the female singer looking at snoop Dog. The camera is once again positioned from a low angle making Snoop Dog seem much bigger than the female singer, which may connote he is more dominant than her. Also the fact that she has followed his instruction in the lyrics, “Come holla at me”, shows his dominance over her. The female singer is wearing a hoody which may signify she has an interest in rappers; also her clothing is revealing showing that she is trying to also use her looks to attract audiences to the music video.
Next, there is a cut to a long shot from a low angle of the entire girl group performing. The girl shown at the beginning is at the front suggesting she is the lead singer. Here through the lyrics we see that the female characters are challenging the male stereotype through the lyrics,” you keep fronting” and “I aint seen nothing”. Along with the following members of the group the lead singer is represented as a strong woman. This is different to how she was represented at the start, so it mayt be suggested that she feels more powerful with her fellow group members. Post feminist would say that the girl group is the more dominant in this video and that they are exercising their sexuality without being forced by anyone.
In the next scene we see the group walking into a circular structure. Here we see the group performing and acting promiscuously, Feminist would say that they are doing this in order to attract male audiences by acting as sexual objects, they would also think that this is a negative representation of the female gender. The pussycat dolls then begin to dance on a pole structure, this prop may connote that they are promiscuous girl group along with their provocative clothing. This is because a pole is commonly associated with sexual behaviour, it also is being used to show off their talents as some of the girls show there extreme flexibility.
We then see the lead singer go off by herself to a area which has many gold chains dangling. This may show that the female is glamorous and classy. She is positioned in the frame to show her importance and that she is the centre of attention. The fact that she is playing with the chains may show that she enjoys having fun and amusing herself. Through the lyrics she is still challenging the male gender saying “I wonder if I am just too much for you”. Here she is saying that the male she is talking about is not up to her standards. This shows her strength and confidence, representing the female gender positively.
Next we cut to a close up of snoop Dog, wearing sunglasses, a chain and other jewellery props associated with the Hip Hop genre. Here he is now shown from a straight angle, which may suggest that the male and female genders are being represented as equally powerful. The music then changes slightly making it sound like music associated with belly dancing, which is a style of dancing mostly performed by woman for men. This also once again shows off the talents of the group as they are able to show there dancing skills. So it can be said that this dancing scene maybe interpreted in many ways. Feminist would say the girl group are degrading themselves, whereas post feminist would argue they are showing off their talents. We also see special effects showing smoke come of the girls this may connote that they are very “hot” and attractive. There is also a blaze of fire which may further reinforce that the girl group is “hot”. The music video ends with the girls walking away in a confident and powerful manner, making them seem like strong women.
Overall, the “buttons” music video is a video which can be interpreted in many ways. I would say that the females are being represented as powerful and strong woman, as throughout the video they are challenging the stereotype that males are more superior. Some may also say that the video does degrade the female gender because of the provocative clothing and sexual behaviour of the girl group. The male singer in the video it can be said is representged very stereotypically through his Hip Hop clothing and behaviour.
This is a performance based music video, which begins with a mid shot of the famous hip hop artist Snoop Dog. He is wearing clothing which is stereotypical associated with the hip hop genre, for example he is wearing a hoody and baseball cap. Artist which are from the Hip Hop genre are represented as tough and powerful people. Therefore it can be said that the male gender in this video are being represented as the more powerful and dominant. We the cut to a long shot of snoop Dog, which is shot from a low angle making Snoop Dog appear much bigger and look more powerful. Next there is a cut to a shot from which the camera is positioned near to Snoop Dogs Hip, in this shot it appears as though the female singer is only up to Snoop Dogs waist in height. This makes the female singer apart of the girl group seem inferior to the male.
The editing technique shot reverse shot is being used to position us from behind the female singer looking at snoop Dog. The camera is once again positioned from a low angle making Snoop Dog seem much bigger than the female singer, which may connote he is more dominant than her. Also the fact that she has followed his instruction in the lyrics, “Come holla at me”, shows his dominance over her. The female singer is wearing a hoody which may signify she has an interest in rappers; also her clothing is revealing showing that she is trying to also use her looks to attract audiences to the music video.
Next, there is a cut to a long shot from a low angle of the entire girl group performing. The girl shown at the beginning is at the front suggesting she is the lead singer. Here through the lyrics we see that the female characters are challenging the male stereotype through the lyrics,” you keep fronting” and “I aint seen nothing”. Along with the following members of the group the lead singer is represented as a strong woman. This is different to how she was represented at the start, so it mayt be suggested that she feels more powerful with her fellow group members. Post feminist would say that the girl group is the more dominant in this video and that they are exercising their sexuality without being forced by anyone.
In the next scene we see the group walking into a circular structure. Here we see the group performing and acting promiscuously, Feminist would say that they are doing this in order to attract male audiences by acting as sexual objects, they would also think that this is a negative representation of the female gender. The pussycat dolls then begin to dance on a pole structure, this prop may connote that they are promiscuous girl group along with their provocative clothing. This is because a pole is commonly associated with sexual behaviour, it also is being used to show off their talents as some of the girls show there extreme flexibility.
We then see the lead singer go off by herself to a area which has many gold chains dangling. This may show that the female is glamorous and classy. She is positioned in the frame to show her importance and that she is the centre of attention. The fact that she is playing with the chains may show that she enjoys having fun and amusing herself. Through the lyrics she is still challenging the male gender saying “I wonder if I am just too much for you”. Here she is saying that the male she is talking about is not up to her standards. This shows her strength and confidence, representing the female gender positively.
Next we cut to a close up of snoop Dog, wearing sunglasses, a chain and other jewellery props associated with the Hip Hop genre. Here he is now shown from a straight angle, which may suggest that the male and female genders are being represented as equally powerful. The music then changes slightly making it sound like music associated with belly dancing, which is a style of dancing mostly performed by woman for men. This also once again shows off the talents of the group as they are able to show there dancing skills. So it can be said that this dancing scene maybe interpreted in many ways. Feminist would say the girl group are degrading themselves, whereas post feminist would argue they are showing off their talents. We also see special effects showing smoke come of the girls this may connote that they are very “hot” and attractive. There is also a blaze of fire which may further reinforce that the girl group is “hot”. The music video ends with the girls walking away in a confident and powerful manner, making them seem like strong women.
Overall, the “buttons” music video is a video which can be interpreted in many ways. I would say that the females are being represented as powerful and strong woman, as throughout the video they are challenging the stereotype that males are more superior. Some may also say that the video does degrade the female gender because of the provocative clothing and sexual behaviour of the girl group. The male singer in the video it can be said is representged very stereotypically through his Hip Hop clothing and behaviour.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Questionaire
Questionnaire
1. What is your gender? Male female
2. What is your age range?
Below 16 16-18 19-21 over 21
3. What music genre do you like?
Hip-Hop Rock R n B Pop other
4. Which music TV channel do you like?
MTV MTV base kerrang Viva other
5. What do you look for in a music video?
Good Performance Good Narrative Concept based
6. Does a good music video make you want to buy a track? Yes No
7. What other types of music promotion / advertising appeals to you?
Billboards magazine adverts TV adverts Inet
Radio commercials other
8. What do you look for in a music CD?
Attractive cover favourite artist favourite genre
Favourite music other
9. Do you prefer music videos to subvert or adhere to genres?
Subvert Adhere
1. What is your gender? Male female
2. What is your age range?
Below 16 16-18 19-21 over 21
3. What music genre do you like?
Hip-Hop Rock R n B Pop other
4. Which music TV channel do you like?
MTV MTV base kerrang Viva other
5. What do you look for in a music video?
Good Performance Good Narrative Concept based
6. Does a good music video make you want to buy a track? Yes No
7. What other types of music promotion / advertising appeals to you?
Billboards magazine adverts TV adverts Inet
Radio commercials other
8. What do you look for in a music CD?
Attractive cover favourite artist favourite genre
Favourite music other
9. Do you prefer music videos to subvert or adhere to genres?
Subvert Adhere
Textual analysis: Pharcyde-“Drop”
Textual analysis: Pharcyde-“Drop”
The music video for “Drop” performed by the Hip Hop group Pharcyde is an example of a concept based video. This is because the music video concentrates on a theme, in this music video the theme is going backwards in actions but forward in lyrics. This is effect was created by making the group perform the actions of the music video backwards and then playing the music video in reverse, this gives a surreal effect. This effect was probably portrayed to distinguish the group from other generic hip hop acts.
The music video begins with an establishing shot of one of the members of the group of artists. The camera shot is a close up of the member of the group, looking upwards to the sky as though he is asking for forgiveness. At this point the audience are unaware that the music video trying to produce an effect. In the background behind the establishing shot we can see rundown buildings suggesting that the male member of the group is in a “rough” neighbourhood. This is a conventional setting for Hip Hop videos as it shows the artist are “keeping it real”. This type of setting gives the artist in the band and his other members a “tough” image as they are still in “rough” area even though they have gained wealth from music. It can also be argued it gives the band a “down to earth” representation as wealth has not changed them and made them forget where they came from. So far, from the establishing shot it can be argued that the music video is adhering to the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. Also the costume of the member of the band is a leather jacket and baseball cap which are generic codes of the Hip Hop genre although it can be argued that these pieces of costume are not only generic codes of the Hip Hop genre.
In the following shot we see the other three members of the group slightly more clearly from a long shot. Here we can see that the artists are moving weirdly and to some audiences it may appear as though they are moving backwards in time. This effect may surprise and intrigue most audiences as it is not clear why the group is performing in this way. However, some may interpret that the artist are moving backwards in time to undo something they have done in the past. This interpretation ties in with one of the members of the group looking to the sky as though he is asking for forgiveness. The effect that the music video is using is not conventional of Hip Hop music videos as it makes the group appear as though they are not able to control themselves, whereas conventionally Hip Hop artist may try to act as though they are in control by acting “tough”. The clothing worn by the artist is however conventional of hip hop artist. The band is wearing baggy clothing and baseball caps which are clothing you are most likely to see in Hip Hop music videos. Also they are rapping in a conventional manner as there is still rhyme and flow with the beat. The broken down cars in the mise en scene reinforce that the setting they are in is rough, also the fact that the housing is in the form of tall buildings suggest that the music video is set in the “ghettos” of New York. This adheres to the conventions of the Hip Hop genre as it gives the band a tough image which is also how most Hip Hop artist are represented. The only unconventional aspect of the music video in this scene is the eccentric movements of the members of the group.
In the next shot in the same scene we see all the other members of the group leave the camera shot and only one member remains in the corner of the shot remaining. As he is not covering most of the camera shot it represents the fact that he is not powerful alone and needs his group. It suggests that they maybe reliant on each other. The setting in this scene is the same but we see the band moving forward while the camera is tracking backwards. There are very few cuts in this video even though quite a significant amount of time in terms of music videos has passed. This is unconventional of the Hip Hop genre as there are normally many cuts and changes in settings in most Hip Hop music videos. It can also be argued that the cars shown in conventional Hip Hop music videos are flashy and expensive. This is not the case in this video most probably because it would not fit in with the setting and confuse the audiences.
In the next scene in the video there is a cut to a high street which seems as a bit dirty and grim as it is littered and the buildings are very old. In the first shot we see a long shot of the band still moving backwards. They are still wearing similar clothing which is still baggy. There are also normal people in the background who are not surprised by the fact that there is a Hip Hop group near them. This suggests that they are comfortable with this neighbourhood. From the following shots we can see that other people are also moving backwards and being involved in the music video. One white male also joins in with the rap, this suggests that they are in touch with the people from where they grew up. This is a stereotypical representation of Hip Hop artists as it suggests that the group is still the same and down to earth.
In the next scene we see the artist in their boxer shorts in the streets, this could be in read in many ways so it could be suggested that the audience is taking a polysemic reading here. This is because the fact that the artist are in there boxer shorts may suggest that they take things a step extra with their music, as conventionally Hip Hop artist are topless in their music videos whereas this group has also decided to perform bottomless. Another reading of them being almost naked is to gratify female audiences allowing the band to enhance their target audience. However, there actions in this scene clearly show that the group is trying to be different and separate themselves from other Hip Hop acts. This also may show that the artist are ordinary people who are "keeping it real".
In the next scene we see the artists in stairways still moving eccentrically. One of the shots in this scene shows a member of the group wearing a Bear’s costume, in a long shot. This reinforces the fact that this Hip Hop music video subverts the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. Also as this is piece of costume is hard to interpret, so it was probably included to show that there is no narrative to this music video. The shot also includes balls flying around; this may be included to show the group is creative and playful with their music. This prop is unconventional of Hip Hop music videos as it does not give a tough or powerful representation of hip Hop artists.
In the next scene the group is back to where they started showing that there is a circular narrative. The setting is conventional of Hip Hop music videos as it shows buildings with graffiti and bins, in the mise en scene. This connotes that the artist are in a “rough” area, this is the same neighbourhood throughout. As one of the members is topless it can be suggested that this is where he is most comfortable. There is then a cut to cartoon image of the band with a additional member who may be some one that has passed away that they were once close to. This may be why they are moving backwards in time, as they are trying to go back to a time where they were with this person in the drawing. This may also explain why the establishing shot was of a member of the band looking to the sky, as they were in remembrance of this person. However, this interpretation is not clearly represented in the music video so it may be inaccurate. The music video ends with the graffiti drawing being removed as though they have come to terms with the passing away of this close person.
Overall, it can be said that this music video both adheres to and subverts the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. This in my opinion is to distinguish the group from other Hip Hop acts and give the group their own uniqueness. The range of readings that can be interpreted by the various camera shots suggest that the music video is open to different interpretations, this also means that there is no clear narrative making it a concept based music video.
The music video for “Drop” performed by the Hip Hop group Pharcyde is an example of a concept based video. This is because the music video concentrates on a theme, in this music video the theme is going backwards in actions but forward in lyrics. This is effect was created by making the group perform the actions of the music video backwards and then playing the music video in reverse, this gives a surreal effect. This effect was probably portrayed to distinguish the group from other generic hip hop acts.
The music video begins with an establishing shot of one of the members of the group of artists. The camera shot is a close up of the member of the group, looking upwards to the sky as though he is asking for forgiveness. At this point the audience are unaware that the music video trying to produce an effect. In the background behind the establishing shot we can see rundown buildings suggesting that the male member of the group is in a “rough” neighbourhood. This is a conventional setting for Hip Hop videos as it shows the artist are “keeping it real”. This type of setting gives the artist in the band and his other members a “tough” image as they are still in “rough” area even though they have gained wealth from music. It can also be argued it gives the band a “down to earth” representation as wealth has not changed them and made them forget where they came from. So far, from the establishing shot it can be argued that the music video is adhering to the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. Also the costume of the member of the band is a leather jacket and baseball cap which are generic codes of the Hip Hop genre although it can be argued that these pieces of costume are not only generic codes of the Hip Hop genre.
In the following shot we see the other three members of the group slightly more clearly from a long shot. Here we can see that the artists are moving weirdly and to some audiences it may appear as though they are moving backwards in time. This effect may surprise and intrigue most audiences as it is not clear why the group is performing in this way. However, some may interpret that the artist are moving backwards in time to undo something they have done in the past. This interpretation ties in with one of the members of the group looking to the sky as though he is asking for forgiveness. The effect that the music video is using is not conventional of Hip Hop music videos as it makes the group appear as though they are not able to control themselves, whereas conventionally Hip Hop artist may try to act as though they are in control by acting “tough”. The clothing worn by the artist is however conventional of hip hop artist. The band is wearing baggy clothing and baseball caps which are clothing you are most likely to see in Hip Hop music videos. Also they are rapping in a conventional manner as there is still rhyme and flow with the beat. The broken down cars in the mise en scene reinforce that the setting they are in is rough, also the fact that the housing is in the form of tall buildings suggest that the music video is set in the “ghettos” of New York. This adheres to the conventions of the Hip Hop genre as it gives the band a tough image which is also how most Hip Hop artist are represented. The only unconventional aspect of the music video in this scene is the eccentric movements of the members of the group.
In the next shot in the same scene we see all the other members of the group leave the camera shot and only one member remains in the corner of the shot remaining. As he is not covering most of the camera shot it represents the fact that he is not powerful alone and needs his group. It suggests that they maybe reliant on each other. The setting in this scene is the same but we see the band moving forward while the camera is tracking backwards. There are very few cuts in this video even though quite a significant amount of time in terms of music videos has passed. This is unconventional of the Hip Hop genre as there are normally many cuts and changes in settings in most Hip Hop music videos. It can also be argued that the cars shown in conventional Hip Hop music videos are flashy and expensive. This is not the case in this video most probably because it would not fit in with the setting and confuse the audiences.
In the next scene in the video there is a cut to a high street which seems as a bit dirty and grim as it is littered and the buildings are very old. In the first shot we see a long shot of the band still moving backwards. They are still wearing similar clothing which is still baggy. There are also normal people in the background who are not surprised by the fact that there is a Hip Hop group near them. This suggests that they are comfortable with this neighbourhood. From the following shots we can see that other people are also moving backwards and being involved in the music video. One white male also joins in with the rap, this suggests that they are in touch with the people from where they grew up. This is a stereotypical representation of Hip Hop artists as it suggests that the group is still the same and down to earth.
In the next scene we see the artist in their boxer shorts in the streets, this could be in read in many ways so it could be suggested that the audience is taking a polysemic reading here. This is because the fact that the artist are in there boxer shorts may suggest that they take things a step extra with their music, as conventionally Hip Hop artist are topless in their music videos whereas this group has also decided to perform bottomless. Another reading of them being almost naked is to gratify female audiences allowing the band to enhance their target audience. However, there actions in this scene clearly show that the group is trying to be different and separate themselves from other Hip Hop acts. This also may show that the artist are ordinary people who are "keeping it real".
In the next scene we see the artists in stairways still moving eccentrically. One of the shots in this scene shows a member of the group wearing a Bear’s costume, in a long shot. This reinforces the fact that this Hip Hop music video subverts the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. Also as this is piece of costume is hard to interpret, so it was probably included to show that there is no narrative to this music video. The shot also includes balls flying around; this may be included to show the group is creative and playful with their music. This prop is unconventional of Hip Hop music videos as it does not give a tough or powerful representation of hip Hop artists.
In the next scene the group is back to where they started showing that there is a circular narrative. The setting is conventional of Hip Hop music videos as it shows buildings with graffiti and bins, in the mise en scene. This connotes that the artist are in a “rough” area, this is the same neighbourhood throughout. As one of the members is topless it can be suggested that this is where he is most comfortable. There is then a cut to cartoon image of the band with a additional member who may be some one that has passed away that they were once close to. This may be why they are moving backwards in time, as they are trying to go back to a time where they were with this person in the drawing. This may also explain why the establishing shot was of a member of the band looking to the sky, as they were in remembrance of this person. However, this interpretation is not clearly represented in the music video so it may be inaccurate. The music video ends with the graffiti drawing being removed as though they have come to terms with the passing away of this close person.
Overall, it can be said that this music video both adheres to and subverts the conventions of the Hip Hop genre. This in my opinion is to distinguish the group from other Hip Hop acts and give the group their own uniqueness. The range of readings that can be interpreted by the various camera shots suggest that the music video is open to different interpretations, this also means that there is no clear narrative making it a concept based music video.
britney spears- toxic
Feminist reading:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SMCs1J48sw&feature=related
- Confirms female stereotypes. women are being represnted as inferior in the britneys spears music video. This is mostly because of degreading clothing they are wearing which feminist would argue does not positively represent the female gender.
- capitalises on Britneys sexuality to make larger profits. Britney has been made to wear provacative clothing, for example in one scene she is almost naked apart from the diamond full body tights. This feminist argue is stereotypical of females as they are being made to wear clothing which is targeted to pleasing the male gender. Some would argue britney does not mind as she is making large sums of money.
- Provactive- inappropriate for youger audiences. The music video is targeted at younger ages, like almost all of britneys songs. Feminists would argue that this video is not sending the right messages to the younger audiences who are admirers of britney spears and may want to follow in her footsteps. Britney is also it can be argued a style icon whos clothing will be worn by fans, the clothing she is wearing in this video, feminist would argue is not suitable for younger ages or anyone as it is degrading to the female gender.
- Chameleon effect has to use her image rather than talent. Britney spears is constantly changing her clothing. This may in feminist eyes show he insecurity with herself making her more reliant on her image than talent. Feminist would prefer for female artists to like males artist rely on there talent and therefore be seen as equals in the music industry.
- Britney is deamining herself (sex sells).
- I could be argued she is being pressured to reveal her body.
- represenation of male on plane is more realistic.
Post-feminist reading:
- they would argue it is a good video:
- she is in control, dominating men. Post-feminist would say that Britney is using her sexuality to her benefit and is constantly in control. An example being in the toiet scene where she is kissing the male as a distraction, to take his wallet.superiorty is shown in a scene on the aeroplane were all the males on there seats are nodding there heads as though they are under her spell. Post-feminist would argue that Britney is embracing her sexuality and has the right to.
- Breaks stereotypes, men are not dominant in video. There are many scened were Britney is shown as the more dominant. This is exemplified in the motorbike scene in which a male is half-naked on motorbike, here it would be argued by post-feminist that there is a "female gaze"and women are seeking pleasure from the male.
- She is aggressive/strong: pushing and pulling of men. This goes against the stereotype that men are the more dominant and that females are not strong.
- She conveys female power (sexual empowerment).
- She is subverting the subvervient role of air hostess. Air hostesses are normally represented as people who obey they orders, which Britney Spears is not doing even though she is acting as air hostess. A example being, her kissing other males while at work and spilling drinks over passengers. This Post feminist would argue shows that females have moved on from their stereotypical representations that they can now mock them.
- dominatrix dress, post feminist would argue is a way of females embracing their sexuality. Also the fact that Britney spears is also playing a super-herione represents her as powerful and independent.
- Post feminist may also argue the chameleon effect is empowering and that Britney is excercising her right towear whatever she feels like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SMCs1J48sw&feature=related
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