Thursday, 8 September 2011

L: Top Five Music Videos



The video for Duck Sauce's 'Barbra Streisand' was directed by So Me. So Me has directed videos such as 'Day 'N' Night' by Kid Cudi. The video is a montage of footage revolving around the band and their image. The video showcases major talents such as Kanye West and Pharrell; their A-list status boosts Duck Sauce and builds their star image. Throughout the video a high level of energy is sustained, the fast cutting rate and energetic imagery create this. I like the use of comedy in this video where they take a Barbara Streisand lookalike and put her in and boat and film her talking.


30 Seconds to Mars video for 'Kings And Queens' was directed by Bartholomew Cubbins (Lead singer Jared Leto's alter-ego). It follows two lines of action, one a performance from the band and the other of a large group cycling through a city at night. One of the elements that makes this video so beautiful is the lighting. The contrast of darkness and bright intense colours creates an effective atmosphere of freedom and joy. There is a selection of powerful shots where a silhouette of the band is created by the sunrise. This is an emotive piece where the speed of the song echoes the speed of the cyclists, creating a sense of unity and impulse.



In R.E.M.'s video, director Sam Taylor-Wood takes a serious subject such as a hard life and puts a comic spin on it. The video follows, almost one continuous shot of, a man dancing down the street. The man is played by actor Aaron Johnson creating a pull of fans who want to watch the video. Johnson creates a carefree atmosphere, throwing away all inhibitions to dance dramatically down the street. The video is a product of expressing oneself and trying to break out of the boundaries of society.



The video is a showcase of a collection of images, each one different from the last, put alongside a performance by Jay-Z. The video is shot completely in black and white. There is abstract and powerful imagery used such as milk flowing out of a trainer and ink dispersing into water. A number of people in the video, such as a clown appear distressed, creating a sense of urgency and discomfort in the video. Each cut is very strong, showing a variety of images which often relate back to the songs lyrics. At various points in the video, lyrics appear of screen making a powerful message and both director and performer try and deliver a message to the audience.


What I like about this video is the montage of messages from fans that is weaved through the band's performance. Taking inspiration from the song title, the video showcases individuals sharing their own 'Dirty little secret' in their own way using text. Each one is shown holding up their secret on a piece of paper which they have designed. The piece doesn't only create a connection from the audience to the band but it also allows fans as a whole to connect as they watch them bare all. It is a refreshing piece that breaks down the traditional rule of hiding your true self as creating by society to create a perfect person. The message is bold and detailed leading to a strong outcome.

1 comment:

  1. A fantastic selection of videos - I particularly like the Sam Taylor Wood video; mesmerising (but not totally original, see Fatboy slim video with Christopher Walken)

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