Music Video Analysis In Full Essay Form

Essay Analysis for ‘It’s Raining Men’ by Geri Halliwell



It is evident in the video that there is a great deal of reference of to musicals; it demonstrates intertextuality, as the music video takes the form of a song and dance routine. References are made to musicals such as ‘Fame’ and ‘Footloose’, there is a link with the ‘Bridget Jones’ film, and also, there is minor reference to the fact that it is a cover version of the hit by ‘The Weathergirls’ in the 1980’s.
Fast paced editing is used throughout, and this fits the mood of the music video, as the movements made throughout use a lot of energy; it is a dance video. The pace of the editing fits the tempo of the music throughout the video.
We can tell that the people present in the video are dancers as their specialist movements are complimented and highlighted by the camera; the gaze of the camera shows footwork and body movement. In the video, there is large emphasis on Geri Halliwell’s body, and she is extremely sexualised throughout. The camera, more often than not, represents the male gaze; as it pans up and down her body, highlighting the extremity of her fitness and, emphasising her physique. It can be considered that there is significance in the fact that we do not see Geri Halliwell’s face for the first part of the video; it is all about her body. Her costumes throughout the piece encourage the viewer to look at her body; there are many examples of crop tops, and there is also one scene in which she is wearing yellow hot pants.
The mise-en-scène is typical of the beginning of a musical; there is a big open room (allowing space to dance), a long table with judges seated along it, the traffic can be heard in the road outside, the viewer can hear the scratch of the record as Geri Halliwell puts it into the player, and her footsteps are emphasised as she walks into the room. The emphasis of her footsteps creates a sense of anticipation; a build up for the minute and a half of introduction to the video. A sense of anticipation is also created through the unknown identity of the dancer; as we do not see her face, the dancer’s identity is unknown. The mise-en-scène is made significantly more appropriate through the formality of the judges; we would not expect them to enjoy the kind of performance that they are being shown. This is shown through an almost ‘clash of cultures’; we expect that they are of higher social class than her. We assume that the judges are expecting a more formal routine, as we, the audience are, also. I find it interesting that Geri Halliwell has so many costume changes throughout the music video.
The clothing in the music video demonstrates the time in which it was produced. Although records were used scarcely when the video was made, a record is still used, in reference to the origin of the song; the 1980’s.
The first shot of Geri Halliwell’s face that the camera shows is after she has fallen on the floor, and as she lifts her face into the frame. The mode of address is expected to be formal, however it is not; she says ‘Can I start again?’, and the formality of the judges is demonstrated through one of them replying, ‘In your own time Miss Halliwell’. From this the viewer can tell already that she is going to have her work cut out for her; as she is a misfit. It can be considered that there is significance in the fact that out of a line of around five judges, only one is female. As Geri Halliwell kisses one of the judges; the viewer is once again reminded of the gap in social class; it is not what we would expect one to do in an audition for dance school.
In one of the most unusual shots in the music video, the camera is looking on to the judges feet, as they start to tap their feet in time to the music. This demonstrates their enjoyment and appreciation for her performance, and through this the audience is shocked.
There is a large number of over-the-shoulder shots in the video; and this can be considered to have sexual connotations. There is significance in her physical abilities and fitness, as she is being portrayed as largely sexually attractive. The system of looks continues from the judges to a student at the dance school; that is walking past, stopping in the doorway to watch. It is evident from his facial expression that he finds Geri Halliwell sexually attractive. Further on in the video, more students gather to watch at the doorway of the room she is dancing in, and eventually the number of spectators is so high that they have to fight their way through to see her. This gives her star status and represents the audience’s appreciation.
There is a significant link between the camera movements and angles and the lyrics of the song ‘It’s Raining Men’. For example; as Geri Halliwell sings ‘humidity’s rising’ the camera pans up her body. Also, as the lyrics follow ‘perfect high’, a crane shot is added into the video to match it. Throughout the video, the lyrics are made good use of, without a literal representation. In the second phase of the video, she is above the other dancers, and the camera tilts up towards her; this gives her supremacy and dominance; alike most of the camerawork in the video. For example, when Geri Halliwell is wearing the blue top in the video, the camera is at a low-angle; this also gives her dominance. The shots are tightly framed to make the scene look crowded; this urges the audience to have the understanding that she is popular at her dance school. Another way in which she is presented as popular in the piece, is as she leads the other dancers out onto the street to dance, there is significance in the fact that she is leading. Her dominance in the routine is shown through her powerful gestures, such as, throwing her hands widespread into the air; this suggests that she is triumphant. This is significantly differing to the vulnerable and nervous girl in the audition at the beginning of the piece; in the latter part of the video she is always smiling, and looks like she is having fun. There is a series of cuts in between shots throughout the video.
The camera repetitively cuts back to her face in the sequence. This contrasts largely to the other dancers; as their faces are generally not shown, and at least not in close-up; the camera concentrates on the specifically expert dance moves of the other dancers; this emphasises their expertise. An example of this in the music video is in what can be considered the third sequence, where Geri Halliwell is wearing an orange top, and the camerawork is mostly intimate close-ups.
The colours in the music video can be considered dull; until the dancers burst in on Geri Halliwell’s audition. Their clothes are very bright colours, and this is emphasised, as well as her bare midriff in comparison to the other dancers. The iconography of everyday people is reflected in their casual clothing.
The fact that the narrative is set in New York is represented by the yellow cab in the ‘dancing in the street’ sequence. The video is typical of a song and dance routine; all of the iconic features are present throughout.
The voyeurism is explicit in specific shots. Through the use of Geri Halliwell’s body throughout the video; it can be considered that she is being presented as an exhibitionist.

Notes Of Ideas From Watching Other Music Videos

From The Ritz To The Rubble - Arctic Monkeys
- Like the use of greyscale
- Like the bricks in the background
- Like the lighting, very effective
- Not much eye contact with the camera, more focus on instruments and other elements of the music video
- Like the camera falling at the end
- Most of the focus on the main singer/ main band member

Misfit - Amy Studt
- Like that in some of the scenes she is singing and in others she is not, good variety
- Like the 'over-the-shoulder into mirror' shot
- Generally boring scenery, mostly around school

Headlock - Imogen Heap
- Good use of shots of sky and nature around
- Good variety of shots
- Clothes used in the video are very effective
- All of the focus is on one female, works well

You And Whose Army? - Radiohead
- Like the contrast between the speed of the music and the speed inwhich the character is moving, Music is slow, he is moving fast
- Slow video, could be considered boring, but, it can be considered that it fits the song well, as that is also slow
- Good use of black and white
- Good storyline in the video

Fairytale - Sara Baraielles
- Good change of scenery, interesting locations used
- Good change of costumes and outfits

Low Happening - Howling Bells
- Good shots; half of face, through legs, looking at the camera
- Good use of materials; red paint
- Good out of focus

Kryptonite - Mario
- Like the dancing in front of a black background with no props around
- Like the focus on the singer, dancing and singing but hardly noticing the camera's presence

Broken Strings - Nelly Furtado and James Morrison
(Official video)
- Like the fact that she is looking through a one way window at him, watching him
- She is anonymous until she starts singing, we do not see her whole face
- Like the hands being in the same place on the mirror

Roxanne - Sting and The Police
- Like the use of the scenery around and in London
- Like the hair make-up and costumes

Everything In It's Right Place - Radiohead
- Dark with the use of lights is effective

How has analysing other music videos helped me?

This analysis has enabled me to gain a better understanding of exactly what I want my music video to include and look like. It has given me more ideas to put forward in the production of my group's music video and given me a better understanding of exactly what elements of music videos I both like and don't like.

Textual Analysis Of Trance Music Video

Name of track: Sandstorm
Artist/director: Darude

Features to look for

Genre characteristics

• long shots
• moving camera- which is sometimes handheld
• sportswear- this relates to lots of energy being used as the music is fast-paced
• very repetitive
• 0.40 minutes

What is the relationship between the lyrics and visuals?

• there aren't any lyrics- which is quite typical/commonly found in songs of this genre
• either no lyrics or very few
• the only sound outside of the music is a dog snarling
• 2.01 minutes

What is the relationship between the music and visuals?

• as the best gets faster, the movement, in relation to this, does also
• running- significant as the music is very fast/ energetic
• 0.33 minutes

Are there close-ups of the artist and star image motifs?

• I am assuming that the actual artist is not in the video, but there are medium shots and close-ups of things that relate to the video
• no extreme close-ups of the people's faces
• there is no reference to star image motifs
• 0.49 minutes

Is there reference to the notion of looking?

• there are people along the journey that watch the chase
• there are no references to the 'male gaze'
• 1.11 minutes

Is it performance-based or concept-based? How much of each?

• narrative-based
• story of running and being chased- taken something
• no performance or concept in the video
• 0.35 minutes

Evaluation of analysis

After analysing a music video for this particular genre of music, I can conclude that this type of song is not befitting my groups' interests or abilities.

Textual Analysis Of Drum & Bass Music Video

Name of track: Original Nuttah
Artist/director: UK Apache & Shy FX

Features

Genre Characteristics

• very fast dancing- lots of women dancing around
• man in front of the camera, miming, and using his hands as a ‘way of dancing’- using hand and arm gestures
• 0.32 minutes

What is the relationship between the lyrics and visuals?

• miming the words in the song in front of the camera
• 0.38 minutes

What is the relationship between the music and visuals?

• fast music and fast lyrics
• fast dancing to compliment the speed of the music and lyrics
• fast-pace editing, fast shot changes, and the length of the shots, themselves, are not very long
• 1.20 minutes

Are there close-ups of the artist and star image motifs?

• camera very low-down
• the artist is crouching down throughout- to look into the camera. this ranges from a medium to a long shot
• 0.20 minutes

Is there reference to the notion of looking?

• there isn't reference to the notion of looking as such; however, there are women dressed in a way that would appeal sexually encouraging, for example, in very short shorts etc.
• this can be interpreted as provocative
• 1.26 minutes

Is it performance-based, narrative-based or concept-based? How much of each?

• performance-based only
• there is only singing and dancing in the video- there is no narrative
• 1.11 minutes

Evaluation of analysis

After analysing a music video for this particular genre of music, I can conclude that this type of song is not befitting my groups' interests or abilities.

Research Of Genres

What is a genre of music and what are the main ones?

'A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other types of music. Some state that genre and style are two separate terms, and that secondary characteristics such as subject matter can also differentiate between genres. A music genre (or sub-genre) could be defined by the techniques, the styles, the context and the themes (content, spirit). Also, geographical origin sometimes is used to define the music genre, though a single geographical category will normally include a wide variety of sub-genres.'

'There are a large number of criteria with which one may classify musical genres, including:

• The Art/Popular/Traditional distinction
• Regional and National distinctions
• Fusional origins'

Through general research on the internet, I have found that the main genres of music are

• Classical
• Drum & Bass
• Electronic
• Folk
• Garage
• Grime
• Heavy Metal
• Indie
• Jazz
• Pop
• Punk
• Rap/Hip Hop
• Reggae
• Rock
• Romantic
• R&B
• Trance

What are the main genres that my group is considering using to produce a music video?

In order to gain the best possible research before answering this question, even to ourselves, we decided to analyse two genres each. We tried to make the eight genres that we would analyse entirely contrasting; so that we would be able to compare and consider all types or genres of music.
I personally think that our group would best create a music video, and other tasks to go with this, for a song from the music genres R&B, Indie or Electronic.

The genre of music to which 'Into Dust by Mazzy Star' falls can be considered to be Alternative Rock, Dream Pop, Psychedelic, or Acoustic.

What is the RnB Genre?

'Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B and sometimes described as mainstream R&B) is a music genre of western popular music. Although the acronym “R&B” originates from its association with traditional rhythm and blues music, the term R&B is today most often used to define a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in the 1980s. This newer style combines elements of soul, funk, dance and, from 1986 on with the advent of New Jack Swing branded R&B, hip hop.'

'The abbreviation R&B is almost always used instead of the full rhythm and blues term, although some sources refer to the style as urban contemporary (the name of the radio format that plays hip hop and contemporary R&B).'
'Contemporary R&B has a polished record production style, drum machine-backed rhythms, the occasional saxophone laced beat to give a jazz feel (mostly common in R&B songs prior to the year 1993), and a smooth, lush style of vocal arrangement. Electronic influences are becoming an increasing trend in contemporary R&B, and the use of hip hop-inspired beats are typical, although the roughness and grit inherent in hip hop is may be reduced and smoothed out. R&B vocalists are often known for their use of melisma, popularized by vocalists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyonce Knowles and Mariah Carey.'

Using the website 'www.' i found a spider diagram that I have made a rough copy of, as part of my research towards the genres that are of today. There are many different subgenres nowadays; I would say, based on my research, moreso than at any previous time. I will consider the genres and subgenres that are highlighted through the spider diagram below.

Forms And Conventions Of Music Videos

In this post I will highlight the requirements that I will need to consider throughout the planning, filming and constrauction of my music video.

The Forms and Conventions of Music Videos
- Relationship between lyrics and visuals
- Visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting
- Relationship between music and visuals
- Each genre has its own music video style and iconography (Lighting, setting etc.)
- Demand for close-up shots of artist
- Some artists can develop their own style (e.g Lady Gaga)
- Likely to be reference to voyerism (The notion of looking)

Lyrics
- Help to establish a general feeling or mood, or a sense of subject matter
- Key lines may play a part in the visuals
- Rarely a whole/ literal interpretation

Music
- Makes use of the tempo to drive the editing
- May make use of the particular sounds from the track by foregrounding instruments

Genre
- Can be difficult to categorise
- Look closely for the distinctive features (Reflected in the mise-en-scene)
- Certain themes are going to be appropriate to certain genres

Camera Work
- How is it used and how images are sequenced have significant impact
- Gives a very dynamic feel to the video

Editing
- Film to edit
- Fast cut montage - Quick editing/ flashes of images (Can encourage repeated/ multiple viewings)

Narrative
- Often fragmented

Initial Meeting

For our A Level Media coursework, Myself, Georgia, Nathan and Carli will all be working in one group. We have decided that we will most likely work well together as we seem to have a very good mixture of skills, some are creative, and others are organised etc.
In our first meeting we discussed what genre of music we would all be most comfortable making the music video for. We decided that we needed to do some research into the existing media products of different genres and then compare results. We analysed two music videos of different genres each;

Bethany- 'Trance' and 'Drum & Bass'
Georgia- 'R&B' and 'Rock'
Nathan- 'Indie' and 'Rap'
Carli- 'Pop' and 'Grime'

We discovered that most of the genres would involve very complicated videos, and despite being a difficult genre, it would be more appropriate to us, as a group, if we made a video using a song that was in the R&B genre, as this is the type of genre that all of the members in the group are most familiar with.
We watched and discussed the features of a large number of music videos including 'Watcha Say by Jason Derulo', 'Baby By Me by 50 Cent and Ne-Yo', and 'Broken Strings by James Morrison and Nelly Furtado'. We made a list of the elements of the music videos that we liked and then conversed on what we should include in our own. We all had a large number of ideas.

However, despite, having both a large amount and wide variety of ideas for an R&B music video, we decided that it would not fit the materials we have available to us. For example, R&B videos are very expensive to make; they usually include fast cars, clubs, dancers etc. and this would not fit the task appropriately, as we are a group of A Level students.

So, as a result, we had to reconsider the genre that we would take a song from, to use to produce our music video.

Brief

1. A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two of the following three options:

• a website homepage for the band;
• a cover for its release as part of the digipak (CD/DVD package);
• a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package).

NOTE: All material for all tasks are to be produced by you yourself with the exception of acknowledged non-original sound or image material used in a limited way in video / radio work.

Formats - Video work must be in DVD format; audio work must be in CD format. No print item should be larger than A3 size. Games should be either in Flash format or playable on an exiting console.