R&P Post 9: Music Videos That Have Inspired and Influenced My Ideas

Take Shelter - Years&Years

• This video was probably the most influential regarding my ideas. I like the relationship between nature and the artist and actress; it brings them together. There is also an idea given that human animalistic/natural instincts and desires are found within nature. 
• I also like how the narrative ties in with the lyrics and this is important. Essentially the song is about desire: the artist likes it when a girl manipulates him. He tries to stop himself but he can’t and this is demonstrated by him following her in the video. The main ideas conveyed are not being able to resist desire and attraction. 
• Clothing plays an important role. By her extravagant costume, all eyes are on her and her dancing. She is the object of his desire and hence she stands out.
• The performance sections are also relevant. The scenes with the mirrors symbolise her control over him. It is as if there is no escape from her.

How it has inspired my ideas

• There is a clear message given which supports the theme of the lyrics and we need to remember to do the same in our video. Matching the visuals to the lyrics would probably make it easier for the audience to understand the video. This would be incorporating Goodwin's Theory that the lyrics of a song usually links to the visuals of the music video, whether it be complimentary, contradictory or amplified. 
• They have succeeded in drawing in their target audience with the use of actress. She is Emily Browning, who had a role in the "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events." Many people who watched the video were commenting that they remembered her from this and how much they liked her in it etc. Therefore, the video has appealed to the right age groups by casting her. This can help us to remember that there should be something about our video that appeals to our target audience and this can be achieved in a number of ways, from carefully choosing who we cast to making the set exciting. 
• The pop/electronica genre has clearly been expressed due to the club type scenes, the slow motion and the performance in outdoor locations. It is important for our video to follow the conventions of the genre of the music video.
•          This music video has challenged the stereotypical representation of a female to an extent. The woman seems to be the most powerful as she is controlling the artist and has his full attention. However there is also the stereotype that the female is there to be looked at and desired due to the outfit she wears. I can take from this that it is sometimes more interesting to challenge stereotypical gender representations e.g, strong female power, as this can empower female audiences. However, it is equally important to convey the themes of the song, for instance, 'Take Shelter' is about the artist being manipulated, and in this video, the girl is manipulating him.

Little White Lies - Florrie

• I liked the scenic shots which depict the beautiful natural landscape. It also gives a peaceful atmosphere. 
• I thought there was a good range and use of camera shots. I particularly liked the arching around her while she played the drums.
• I liked the idea of using instruments in the song if there are live instruments in the song.
• By her playing the drums, they are challenging the typical representation of this being done by the male. It also gives the artist a bigger appeal it shows that there is more to her than just singing. 
• I liked the symbolism of the plastic bags. They were ambiguous. They may have reflected the white lies building up and polluting her soul. Or their large number may be exaggerating how many white lies she's told. However, as they look beautiful, it reflects the idea that she had "good intentions."

How it has inspired my ideas

• The cutting between performance surrounded by nature and indoors is something that works well together and natural landscapes in videos is something that I have a particularly affinity with. We should try and make our video as visually appealing as possible so that we can engage our audiences.
• Once again, there has been a challenge made against stereotypical representations and if we use a female artist we should do this; give her a strong image to promote female empowerment. 

Bridges - Broods

• I liked the strong emphasis on the themes of love, friendship and happiness
• I liked the fact that the actor and actress are young, reflecting this idea of early/young love, which is relatable to many people.
• The slow motion seemed to capture romantic, special moments.

How it has inspired my ideas

• I like the idea of having a narrative about love in our music video. The theme of love is a very common theme for a narrative and so we would be following a convention. Furthermore, we would more likely make the video relatable to the audience on an emotional level,  and thus have the same effect as this video. 
• I think it is important for our video's narrative to show everyday situations and this one managed to do just that; it showed how happiness often stems from simple things e.g. playing games

Paris - Magic Man

• I loved the editing - the way that it was edited to the beat with the various cuts. It makes it visually appealing to watch. 
• I liked the setting of the performance shots and most of the narrative shots - natural. The tall trees gives the effect of being surrounded by nature. It also conveys a slight mystery that nature has.
• The video has aspects of concept within it. This makes it eccentric but intriguing at the same time, as well as thought provoking. But it relates to the lyrics "it's just a fantasy." 
• Dancing. This looks beautiful and real emotion is released by the dancers.
• I liked the close ups and shots of the instruments being played

Why is it inspirational?

• Editing can be powerful in itself and we need to make full advantage of this to enhance the visual appeal of our video. We could even consider using part of Carol Vernallis' theory; that editing is sometimes intentionally conspicuous to give the music video a certain look.
• This video causes the viewer to think. It would be a great achievement if we were able to evoke emotion or any kind of feeling out of the viewer. This can be achieved by adding elements to our video which makes it different.