JT ft Timberland: What you got (oh no)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xblMkNKd_ss

At the beginning of the music video there is background noise, which allows the group to set the scene of a club for their music video. Also at the beginning, the use of narrative by the two men shown on screen is effective in setting the theme of the song up, that of the pursuit of a female by the protagonist JT character.

The background in the music video is black, and has patterns appearing on it, this is significant as it keeps the audience enticed throughout the music video. Another reason why the background may be black is to contrast the costume of the characters; this contrast and juxtaposition between them make them stand out. This can especially be seen by the female love interest, who is dressed in a white top and the lead protagonist, who wears a waistcoat and white shirt.

The use of shot and editing selection was suited to the genre, this can be seen through the many mid and close up shots that were used on the protagonist. Also, it can be seen that the group have used long shots to effect as they have shown the dancers through this shot choice, this also allows them to distance the protagonist from the dancers.

Another interesting moment in the music video is when the song’s attention and focus change, due to the positioning of the characters. This can be seen at 0:55 – 0:58, this is when the lead in the music video changes and the attention of the audience is then supposed to change to the character on the right, who becomes the protagonist.

The choice of editing is impressive as they are timed and placed correctly in the music video; this is exemplified by the use of swipes and split screen. The swipes between shots are very fast, this bringing the attention of the audience along with the genre better as it matched the fast pace of the song. Furthermore, the use of split screen is discreet, however, when the close up of the protagonist and the shot of the dancer are on the same screen shows that this technique has been used.

This song effectively fits the RnB genre, and can be said to be a correct take upon the Justin Timberlake image and stereotypical element of his music video’s. This can not only be seen through costume, which is accustomed to Justin Timberlake, as he is wearing a hat and waistcoat. It can also be seen by the use of a female love interest and also the use of dancers which are familiar to the RnB genre.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – This is the place

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0URbCIHuo60

The music video opens with a beginning shot of the guitar, and a use edits in mirroring the image, this segment of the start is in colour and then it transforms into black and white. This black and white use of camera continues throughout the music video; and as the lyrics begin to swap back and forth between narrative storyline and the anchor point throughout the music video, of the band on stage, this use of black and white becomes more influential. This is because it shows the simplicity of the band on stage and also shows a clear difference between the narrative and the live performance.

The narrative of the music video fits in effectively with the lyrics that are being sung, for this reason it can be said that this music video is constructed well in regards to the meaning of the song. The use of distorted colour and ghosting also creates the effect of drug and alcohol abuse, which is a main agenda which can be derived from the lyrics. Furthermore, the use of of editing also is influential during the narrative as the background, that surrounds the protagonist is shaking, which also shows another effect of drug and alcohol abuse.

The use of handy cam fit well with the genre of the song, as it is a more alternative, indie/rock genre that is being adhered to. This can further be seen by the use of camera movements, which appear jagged and un-steady, these all comply with the stereotypes that are associated to the indie/rock music genre. Furthermore, this use of camera can also be said to show how un-steady the protagonist is in the narrative part of the story.

The varying use of camera angles and shots are significant as they show the setting and can also be said to mould the audiences perceptions of the character. The use of a CCTV type of camera and editing from 1:09 – 1:17, causes the audience to perceive the protagonist as a criminal, or as a persona that has lost his way. This can also be seen by the use of the extreme long shot, which not only shows the dirty and filthy setting but depicts the loneliness of the protagonist, which shows a concurrence of themes throughout the music video.

The use of the camera, editing and setting are all integral reasons for why this music video clearly portrays the lyrics and beats. Furthermore, the narrative storyline, that accompanies the shots of the band playing a live session is well thought through and matches

the lyrics. More so, the use of the anchor of the live session is effective as lip syncing and colour are effective, as the colour or lack thereof evoke many different emotions in the audience and also match the loneliness in the narrative.