Video AnalysisState Of Shock – Best I Ever Had

Directed by Colin Minihan, the video is of a narrative style, cutting between shots of the band and of the ‘storyline’.

The camera fades in, focusing on the lead singer. The medium shot of the singer, pulls the audience's attention to him, becoming the focal point of the video so far. The ‘blacking out’ of the rest of the setting, emphasises the pianist/singer's importance. However, the ‘blacking out’ also leads to the cuts between the band and the narrated storyline, indicating the sequences are memories. This coincides with the lyrics, of losing someone & by incorporating a retrospective view, Colin Minihan is able to get the audience to sympathise with the singer & to be ‘pulled’ in/have their interest piqued.

Sitting the lead singer at the piano, keeping it between the camera & the singer, invokes a sense of ‘distance’, as furthering the idea of the singer reminiscing about the past and putting emphasis on the lyrics.

Dressing the singer in a collard shirt & waistcoat indicates the alternative rock genre of the band. Also giving the singer and the band a ‘sex’ appeal and a rebellious style.

The rain in the screen shot and the blue tint emphasises the pain and sadness within the song. (Of the regret of breaking up with the girl). The long shot of the lead singer/pianist also puts emphasis on the walls surrounding him. The walls can be a metaphor for the emotions of the song, of the loss of the lead singer’s girlfriend. By placing the band in a ‘barren’ and ‘prison-like’ setting, Colin Minihan has kept the focus upon the band and not on the settings. The cuts between the band and the narrative ‘storyline’ emphasises the message behind the lyrics, the pain of losing a girlfriend (‘Now I know I messed up bad. You were the best I ever had’).

The addition of a storm puts emphasis on the crescendo of the music, adding to the emotions and causing the audience to sympathise and perhaps relate to the ‘storyline’ of the video.

Following Andrew Goodwin’s forms and conventions, Colin Minihan has involved the band within the music video. It further publicises the band (fans wanting to watch more, as their favourite band is incorporated within one of their videos).

The video cuts to slow-motion shots of the band, emphasising their significance and conforming to the forms and conventions Andrew Goodwin created. (The band being present within the video).