Birdy- Skinny Love

By Alice Colligan

This zoomed in shot of her foot playing the piano demonstrates that the instrument is vital in this video, following the folk convention. The dull black and white colours create an mysterious atmosphere, fitting with the lyrics and mood of the song.

Next this mid-shot of birdy looks almost like some kind of shadow , which contrasts with the light background and light coming through the window. I think the reason behind her back facing the camera is to create the shadow effect but also to add emotion and intensity to video, seeing as the song “skinny love” is quite emotional. It also helps the target audience to really feel the music and the lyrics.

In this mid shot the white lace dress stood out to me as it’s quite simple but creates a peaceful feeling mixed with a vintage style. With her hair covering her face it a sense of mystery as if like the audience want to know what she looks like. The setting of the abandoned house and mistreated piano reinforces the idea of mystery.

This close-up shot of birdie’s face I think is used to display emotion and to get across quite an sad emotion. This sadness fits with her lyrics and the general mood of the song.

I particularly liked this establishing shot of the window as I thought it was a complete contrast to the dark colours in this video. Also the white misty light compliments the other shot of the white lace dress. As the window appears to be an antique it connotates with the ongoing vintage style.

This eye level mid shot of just her hands playing the piano links with the first shot of her foot using the peddles on the piano. The reason for so many shots of her playing the instrument emphasises the folk convention of the music being the most important thing in the video.

Next this mid-shot of Birdy shows her making no eye-contact with the camera, agreeing with the folk genre convention that appearance isn’t the most important theme in most folk videos. Also with the artist looking down it emphasises the theme of secrecy running through out the video.

Finally this long shot where you can see all of the artists body. I think is used to show the full setting of the video. The dark setting of the house with no lights is juxtaposed with the beaming light of the window.