Video Deconstruction 2. Radiohead- Creep.

Imogen Potter, 7137.

As soon as this music video began, the band were dimly lit with a bright colourful background, this draws your attention to the scenery which then illuminates the instruments to make them the focal point which is often something we see in this genre. The colours chosen for this backdrop could relate to the sun and sea as there is blue and yellows; as well as linking to nature, this connotes a calming, peaceful place which could help the audience be engrossed in the music and in the video. Leading on, a bright shining shot of the guitarist is shown, this links to how our genre always likes to make their instruments visible in their videos.

The shots all continue to focus on the different instrumentalists using close-up shots and clever lighting to highlight the performers. Below are a few examples of the unique, individual lighting used:

The circular lights could be used to resemble the moon which again relates to the reoccurring theme of nature. Moons are often used to connote eeriness and to scare the audience, the dark figure in the front of the shot resembles this by having a neutral expression that is somewhat creepy and wearing a plain dark outfit.

Next the performer is in the very front of the shot and is the focal point, this has been created by using a close-up shot. Again, the lighting is effective, a beam of light has been used which looks very natural and could link back to connoting the moon and how it shines. Using Goodwin's theory, I can already tell that this music video is performance-based as the vocalist is singing the words of the song in time with the music.

Long shots are then used to make it look like the band are on a stage performing in front of an audience, this makes the viewer feel a connection with the band as if they are there. It also could have been used to increase the bands image as it makes them look very popular and down-to-earth. Colourful lighting continues to occur and there is a strobe light focusing on the lead singer, this creates a sense of familiarity for the audience and highlights the main vocalist.

Camera then pans following the 180 degree rule which eventually shows the whole band one-by-one instead of just focusing on specific members. This is a good technique to make the audience familiar with different instrumentalists and vocalists as it always shows them in the same place. When the music becomes more upbeat at about 1minute in, the lights flash using on-beat editing to create a dramatic feel. The camera then shakes and flicks to different shots of the audience and the stage. This could make the viewer feel as if they are there in order to create a more personal brand image.

Radiohead are dressed all in plain black, I think that this is so they contrast their busy lighting and backgrounds to show that they do not want to just blend in with the crowd and that instead, they want to stand out. It could also be to make their band seem more relatable because they are not in extravagant, unattainable clothing. Another reason for having black outfits could be to make handheld instruments such as guitars stand out.

Just like previously, the band all switch from being fairly still to moving dramatically when the music changes. This allows the audience to know that the climax of the song is about to appear. The guitarist and some of the other band members begin to repeatedly bang their heads overdramatically, this could be to show their enthusiasm and passion for the music that they are a part of.

The chorus continues so the lights and camera shots are still irrational. At some points you can not really make out what the shot is of, this could be to keep the audience engrossed and keep watching to see what it turns out to be. When the audience in the video are shown, they all appear to be dancing and having fun which could be to make the band seem enticing. Also, they seem to be pushing one another which is to show the rebellion and affect that the band can have on their fans.

When the music changes again and decreases in tempo, the lighting slows down and becomes more consistent. At the same time, the band all act calmer and the audience are not shown. This is to change the mood instantly and make it become more reflective and subdued. Although, in one shot the audience are seen, but you only see their hands waving in the air which looks soothing and not dramatic like they were previously, I feel this is to set the mood calmer and reflect the slower tempo. To end, the video just fades out slowly, finishing on a slower note almost reminiscent of how the video started.