Evaluation

From this lip syncing experience I have learnt that the shots need to quickly transition between each shot. If I had to do this task again the thing I would do differently is try to do many different shots rather than one long shot which lasts.

My Favorite Video

I like this video for a number of reasons. Not only because of the way it was filmed but more so the story behind the video. The video itself is made to show eminem's true return into the music industry.
The video shows Eminem living two lives. There is a period of quickly alternating shots showing him in a messy, disorganised basement which presumably represents his home and then him on a rooftop where he stands dangerously close to the edge. This segment represents his new found freedom which is being out from his ‘cage box’ to being free and in power. However, while Eminem is standing close to the edge on the rooftop, he takes another step forward after he sings, “And all those who look down on me I’m tearing down your balcony”. My interpretation of this can be seen in two different ways:
1. He gains more confidence in what he’s saying and shows this by stepping forward.
2. By him stepping forward, it symbolises that his words put him in more danger.

Analysis of Songs

THE SCRIPT - BREAKEVEN

This music video has a subtextual meaning, as there are some obvious elements as well as some that are not shown. For example the majority of the music video is shot in black and white which portrays his sadness about losing his love. I think that the reading overall is dominant because the theme of the video is based around his loneliness due to them breaking up which is shown by clips of them individually rather than being together. However, there some some negotiated elements throughout the video as flashbacks are shown of them being together which is shown through his thoughts and memories. This music video is an illustration video as he is lipsyncing to draw the attention onto him.

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA - SAVE THE WORLD

This music video in my opinion has a subtextual meaning. This is because some parts are clearer than others. For example, the video is about people being saved from trouble which is clear, but it is not made clear why they are saved by dogs. I think this video has a negotiated reading. I belive the video is trying to convey that dogs are 'a man's best friend'; some may agree with this statement others may not.

Question

How does Lady Gaga's BAD ROMANCE conform and subvert to the codes and conventions of a typical pop video.

It could be argued that bad romance conforms to the codes and conventions of a typical pop video as the video begins with low key lighting which is followed by high key lighting once the performer is introduced, which often happens in pop videos. Also, throughout the music video there are fast paced jump cuts. Furthermore, the video is choreographed and there is use of lip syncing which portrays that the main purpose of the video is to focus attention on the performer. Throughout the video there are certain shots where she is wearing provokative clothing which conforms to the codes of a typical pop video as often women wear provokative clothing which men are sexually attracted to and women may look up to as a role model.

On the other hand it could also be said that this music video suberts to the typical codes and conventions. This is because of the clothing she wears throughout the video, which is often very unusual and bizarre. The way she is promoted throughout the music video is in a rather psychotic way which is portrayed through the way she dresses and the actions seen throughout the video such as the make up she wears and some of her actions such as when she is standing in front of fire with a long dress. The iconography in the music video has elements that are not commonly seen in music videos such as the gothic theme shown throughout, as well as the use of red which could be used to connote love and passion but at the same time, pain and blood aswell.