Music video analysis

MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSIS

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INTR0

I have decided to look at Blur’s song Coffee and TV. In order to broaden my analysis I have taken 5 screen shots of interesting points within the music video and have analysed each individually in aim to break the video down.

SCREEN SHOT ONE

CAMERA

The use of a slightly low angle, allows us, the viewer to see the foreground of the medium shot as well as the mans’ forlorn look. This invites us into the Televised bard styled video, by showing the start of the story and setting the scene. The low angle also makes the man appear to be lost in thought isolating him from his surroundings, emphasising the sadness seen in his expression.

MISE-EN-SCENE

We are shown a family eating breakfast highlighting the title of the song through the bright yellow coffee mugs. The importance of the milk carton and photo in the background create an interesting contrast. Whilst the brighter coloured carton remains out of focus, our attention is drawn to it as it obstructs the view of the shot. The photograph in the background is also mirrored in the foreground , emphasising the male featuring.

SOUND AND EDITING

As the shot continues the camera pans down leading to a jump cut of the table and the milk carton coming to life. The editing paired with the slow beat of the drums in the background creates the chilled laidback sound of the song, highlighting the genre of music and vibe of Blur.

SCREEN SHOT 2

CAMERA

A side tracking shot is used to show the progress of the milk cartons’ journey, also paired with the quickened pace of music it forces the audience to keep up with the changing shot. The close up shot allows the viewer to experience the overly happy, cute animated face of the cartoon adding to their enjoyment and attachment to this little character.

MISE-EN-SCENE

The bright colours and cartoon face of the milk cartoon add a comedic value to the music video. Taking a serious subject but adding humour appeals to the audience and captures their attention whilst delivering a more serious message. Contrastingly the monotone image on the side of the cartoon advertising the missing person reemphasises the main story line and theme of the video.

SOUND AND EDITING

The comedic value of the the milk cartoon is re inverted with the music, it’s as if the music is diegetic and the cartoon is swaggering along to it. The phase of the shot also picks up in time with the quickening upbeat chorus.

SCREEN SHOT 3

CAMERA

Birds eye view shot is used to show a slightly conventional death scene were the victim is lying on the road with a pool of blood (Strawberry Milk) surrounding them. Again by playing with a conventional image the music video captivates the viewer, almost mocking the stereotypical death scene through the use of inanimate, unimportant objects. In that sense it’s unconventional as you would not expect to see a milk cartoon brought to life in a alternative rock band genre. The shot also slowly zooms out allowing the whole picture to be seen, emphasised in the lyrics “Take me away from this big bad world”.

MISE-EN-SCENE

The contrast in colours between “the big bad world” and the colourful milk cartoons demonstrates the surreal element of the music video. The dark greys of the concrete mirror the darker message in the song, separating reality from the make believe.

SOUND AND EDITING

As the shot zooms out another jump cut is used to show the exaggerated, pained look on the milk cartons face. The camera moves from side to side with the carton to show the distressed situation he finds himself in.

SCREEN SHOT 4

CAMERA

With the transition into a new location an establishing long shot is used to show the darker more dangerous scenery, which offers itself to the genre of alternative rock that Blur fall into. The darker colours and dingy back street is more conventional to the rock genre and Blurs image.

MISE-EN-SCENE

The rubbish and the overturned dustbin symbolise a less safer atmosphere linking more to the bands image. Paired with the frightened expression on the milk cartons face, we see the desperation of the carton to find the missing person. The carton is very much out of place, surrounded by dark shadows the bright white and blue stand out. The audience is made to feel slightly uncomfortable but at the same time humoured by the terrified look on the milk cartons face.

EDITING AND SOUND

As the milk carton enters the ally, a sound bridge featuring an electric guitar solo comes in. Adding to the creepy, darker vibe of the ally, the loud ‘electrifying’ music creates the climax, disturbing the softer music played before. Enticing and exciting the audience with a new sense of danger and comedy.

SCREEN SHOT 5

CAMERA

Finally a long shot allows us to see the band Blur. It incorporated there relaxed image with the neutral colours and chilled composition of the band members. The eye level shot allows the viewer to feel included within the band rehearsal, welcoming them into the short clip of the actual band.

MISE-EN-SCENE

The warm, inviting, rustic colours of the practise room and surroundings invites the audience in replicating the bands persona. It also introduces us to each member of the band and their instrument within in it. Therefore within this shot commercial exhibitionist applies.

EDITING AND SOUND

The shot slowly pans to the right reemphasising the vibe of the band and rhythm of the song. As the music picks up the shots become faster using multiple jump cuts.

THEORIES

Goodwin: The theory of disjuncture is applied to this music video, as the lyrics have little relation to what's happening on screen.

Shore: Immediate gratification is apparent as the video is humorous and the character likable, it also includes parts of classical storytelling’s motifs by following the journey of a “hero”.

Carlsson: The Televised bard mostly applies to this music video as the story of the search for a lost person is portrayed. However nearer the end of the music video Blur appear performing their song, which is commercial exhibitionist as they are artists selling their image.

Lyrics:Although not entirely relevant as to the main story of the song, the lyrics are

definitely attached to what is happening. For example the lines : I've seen so much

I'm goin blindAnd i'm braindead virtuallySociabilityIt's hard enough for me

Could symbolise the perilous journey the milk carton has had to undertake in order to find the missing person.

Conventions:Coffee and TV has played around with the conventions of the alternative rock

genre. Whilst conforming to some such as the the darker dreary colours of the back ally and the chilled shots of the band in rehearsals, others such as the whole cheery milk carton character surprise and interest the viewer. This paired with the length of the video are seen as unconventional to the genre.