conventions of my sub genre: pop acoustic
TRANSCRIPT
Conventions of my sub-genre:Pop Acoustic
I have previously looked at the shot types, lighting and length of shots in my
Textual Analysis blog post.
Therefore, I will explore the other conventions of my genre: Editing and Mise
en Scene.I will use screen shots from a variety of music videos by Acoustic pop singers in my genre such as: Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding,
James Blunt and Lorde.
MISE EN SCENECOSTUME
The male costumes are very casual and laid-back every day wear. Plain t-shirts and basic clothing allow the audience to empathise as they feel the singer is ‘normal’. Also, through-out acoustic videos, the music is focused on the lyrics and music instead of an exaggerated over-dramatic
image.
The female clothing in Ed Sheeran’s songs are very basic, baggy, ripped almost giving the
implication the female is poor, This is further reflected through
the lyrics.
Due to the bedroom scenes, female lingerie appears in many music videos. However usually to
express undying love instead of a sexual appeal. The large amount of bare skin on show reflects the narrative actress being stripped of their mask, down to their true
raw self.
The female in this video wears a white dress, connoting purity and an angel. Once again, the simplicity of costume is reflected.
MISE EN SCENEMAKEUP
The makeup is normally very basic and natural. With clear, pale skin, either a nude lip or deep maroon, natural eye brows and black
eyeliner.
Lorde has a very distinct makeup- deep red lip, black
winged eyeliner and curly hair.
The hair is commonly long, naturally messy ‘bed hair’ with loose waves.
MISE EN SCENESCENERY
Out-door shots of abandoned, empty scenes is very common in our genre. Whether that be the environment, or simply a street
lit with lights. There is usually meaning/emotion behind them and they link with the
lyrics.
The indoor shots are usually bedrooms or simple
rooms with white backgrounds and light colours. The low level lighting changes the
atmosphere. It is common for the performance setting
to be the same as the narrative, however different lighting, atmosphere and a solo
singer.
Screen shots taken from James Blunt “Goodbye my Lover”
MISE EN SCENEPROPS
Duvet/sleeping bag- implies little belongings, homeless
Angel wings- connotes cupid (lyrics in song), purity, saviour, magic and power
Empty, un-made bed implies someone woke up in a rush, never returned, had a bad nights
sleep, missing personOld-fashioned camera
Electric razor suggests he’s creating a new
identity, shedding past self/bad
memories
Boxing gloves relate to fighting,
violence, need to survive
Smoke machine/bombs
MISE EN SCENECOLOUREd Sheeran’s ‘A Team’
is completely monochrome. All other music videos I have looked at are in
colour, however never brightly coloured,
normally neutral shades with lots of white.
Ellie Goulding’s Figure 8 begins black and
white and transitions into colour during this close up shot lasting 3
seconds.
EDITINGFocus Pull
Time lapse
Slow motionEffect of misty
lighting reflection
Overlaying images
PERFORMANCE0:00-0:19- Performance scene 10:19-0:24- Performance scene 20:24-0:41- Narrative 0:41-0:52- Performance scene 20:52-1:03- Narrative1:03-1:10- Performance scene 21:10-1:18- Narrative1:18-1:34- Performance scene 21:34-1:41- Narrative1:41-1:58- Performance scene 21:58-2:06- Narrative2:06-2:27- Performance scene 22:27-2:42- Narrative2:42-2:52- Performance scene 22:52-2:58- Narrative2:58-3:09- Performance scene 23:09-3:19- Narrative3:13-3:31- Performance scene 23:31-3:46- Performance scene 1
Seconds:19 5 17 11117867178211510611101615
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’
PERFORMANCEAnalysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’
PERFORMANCEThe performance shots usually
last a longer duration on screen, with fewer shots. This example begins with an extreme close-up, to a close-up then a long shot. The camera gradually distances itself from the singer before switching to the narrative.
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’
NARRATIVEAnalysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’
NARRATIVEThe narrative scenes have many more shots, this example with 8. I believe this is because the shots must build a story and meaning. The scene begins with extreme close-ups of body parts, giving mystery and tension. The same image is taken from two points of view- an artistic approach, this later happens
again, the second image zoomed in further.
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’