Detailed Analysis

Song: Jet Lag Artist: Simple Plan (Feat. Natasha Bedingfield) Video: Here Release Date: 4th May 2011 Director: Unknown Producer: Brian Howes Starring: Pierre Bouvier, Jeff Stinco, Sebastien Lefebvre, David Derosiers, Chuck Comeau Lyrics: Here

The opening of the video shows what Is quite clearly an airport, panning around to give us (the audience) some idea what this song is about. Then, as the lyrics come in, and the main character scans the flights board, we understand that the song is about some sort of long-distance relationship. It is implied that the main (male) character is on tour with the band, as he is carrying his guitar with him in it’s case. The next few shots are variating between the male character, the female character (who is in her room), and the band (who are set up in the airport lounge). It is stated in the lyrics that they are in different time-zones, so this explains the reason that the woman is in her nightclothes, and is in her room. Also, it is dark outside, adding onto this and confirming it. All through the video, It is made clear that the male character is travelling somewhere, this is evident by both his actions, and the mise-en-scene in the video. For example, he is carrying a travel-bag, and holding onto flight tickets and a passport. He is also seen to be writing a postcard, which has on it ‘I miss you so bad’ with a heart and ‘X’es. It is clear through the song that the two characters involved don’t like their relationship, as the male character sings ‘Five more days and I’ll be home…’. This implies that he is anxious to get back. Adding onto this image, is the fact that the main character seems to be dressed for travelling, with a bag, and a guitar case. And the woman seems to be dressed to sleep. This shows that they are on different sides of the globe.

This further backs up the idea of an LDR (Long Distance Relationship) between the two characters. There also seems to be a recurring theme of sadness throughout the video, mainly on the male character’s part. This is evident when he is seen writing a postcard to the woman, saying he loves her. At the end of the video, the characters (and the audience) have no resolution. It shows the male character walking in to board his plane, his bag in hand. This, I feel, fits in with the theme of the video, which is longing for one another.