Maroon 5 - MapsMusic Video Analysis

Firstly, there is a non-diegetic sound which is slow and funky. This beat is effective as it relates to the narrative to the story. We get the impression that this character is panicking due to his hand gestures and facial expression. The sideways close up shot shows the star constructor ‘Adam Levine’ leaning against the wall impatiently waiting for the elevator to open. This is effective to the target audience as it creates a enigma code as the audience are questioning themselves “why is he panicking?”, this creates tension and suspense for the audience.

Suddenly, the establishing shot shows the Mise en scene of the music video, the Mise en scene is based in a hospital which suggest that narrative of the story is based casualties and death. Throughout this music video, there are many dark colours which connote death and sympathy. The panic from the star constructor shows tension and suspense the audience are feeling as they anticipate on the results.

As the music gradually increases its intensity, we get to see what all the panic is about. The narrative of the story shows his girlfriend dead on the hospital bed, trying to be revived by the surgeons. This is effective as the high angle shot brings out the sympathy from the audience as they are engaged in the music video.

Representation

• The male character is represented as a trendy, cool, funky character who loves to party. • The tattoos on his sleeve portrays his sophisticated look. • Although this song was created by a band, they have used the main vocalist as the main character in

this music video which could be effective as he is extremely popular and could attract more attention and raise awareness.

• The women is represented as a casual, well-dressed character who also looks as if she loves to party. The red dress she is wearing connotes her party antics.

• The couples relationship looks stable and strong as they cuddle on the sofa. • We get the impression that this couple have a middle class status due to the surroundings. • The living room shows us that they make a decent living as the room is plain and simple.• The lighting throughout this music video are mainly dark colours as they portray the narrative which

is the women character dies in a car crash. The dark colours connote death and sympathy as the star constructions are trying to bring the sympathy out of the audience.

• The target audience for this music video is targeted at couples as they can also relate to the situations this music video has seen. Also, it could be seen as moral values as couples can learn from their mistakes.

Genre Conventions• The genre for this music video is ‘Pop’.• The fast pace editing is a genre signifier of the pop genre.• The common theme of love is a main convention in the pop genre, as love

portrayed in the majority of pop music videos.• The funky beat and catchy chorus entices the audience significantly, the lyrics

“So I’m following the map that leads to you” shows the link with the theme love which is a convention of the genre.

• The excitement of the narrative engages the audience immediately as they are trying to figure out the binary opposition which is ‘Love vs Hate’.