Details of the Video:
- Directed by WeWereMonkeys.
- Music video by Of Monsters and Men performing Little Talks. (C) 2012 SKRIMSL ehf Laekjaras 1, under exclusive license to Republic Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
- Uploaded to YouTube on the 2nd of February, 2012.
The video is a combination of Narrative Artistic/ Abstract, as the video is a unique style of animation with a vague storyline of explorers encountering numerous monsters attached.
Mise en scene:
The colour scheme of the video is mostly black and white with the exception of the female character and the monster at the end. This emphasises the importance of those two characters and how they differ from the rest the world shown. The boat that the explorers are shown to be travelling in at the very start of the video somewhat resembles a house. This initially introduces the idea that the adventure in the music video could be a metaphor for the journeys undergone in relationships and families. Some big statuesque figures the size of mountains are shown in the background of the video, surrounding the protagonists. The stone creatures, e.g: the owl, could be representations of the skills required to solve the situations encountered along the journey, such as knowledge, wisdom and courage.
Editing:
The footage fades to white after each monster is destroyed, giving a sense of finality to each chapter in the explorer's journey. The music video fades to black at the end, which complies to the codes and conventions. Most actions and events, such as the bird monster crying out and the protagonists walking, are coordinated with the tempo and beat of the song which gives the sense that the visuals and audio belong together. Something similar to a slow motion effect is used during the slower section of the song when the explorers sink underwater. This is especially effective as the slower tempo increases the effect of the sluggishness one often experiences underwater.
Camera shots, angles and composition:
Close up shots of the character's faces are used to give the audience a better understanding of the differences between the black and white and coloured character, as well as clarifying that the characters belong to a fantasy world which allows for a greater amount of interpretations. A close up shot of the colourful female figure is shown both at the start and the end of the music video. The repetition of these shots gives the music video a sense of completion, as the contrast of the female character's facial expressions signify a successful change from the outcome of the adventure shown. The close up shot of one of the black and white male characters peering through the meteorite object as it cracked open was especially effective at introducing a sense of wonder at the events within this fantasy world. This wonder and awe could reflect the exciting element of discovery experienced within new relationships and friendships. Some tracking shots and high angled shots are used when following the explorers, giving a clearer insight into the distances they travel throughout the narrative. Similarly, the screen often pans out in order to show the extent and size of the dangers and obstacles the explorers tackle and overcome during the video. Occasionally the black and white explorers are framed by intimidating dangers, such as a walkway surrounded by gargoyles and the legs of a giant beast. This illustrates the omnipresent inevitability of obstacles throughout any form of journey, including relationships, as suggested by the song lyrics.
Sound/ Lyrical context and analysis:
According to www.interviewmagazine.com: "The self-described folk-indie band (Of Monsters and Men) is truly inspired by storytelling and making sure that everyone who listens comes up with their own interpretations to their stories." This explains why it is impossible to construct a foolproof analysis of the music video, as the artist attempts to leave it as open as possible to allow for multiple interpretations. The song is seemingly about a romantic discourse between lovers, but the lyrical content is very much open to individual interpretation.
Mise en scene:
The colour scheme of the video is mostly black and white with the exception of the female character and the monster at the end. This emphasises the importance of those two characters and how they differ from the rest the world shown. The boat that the explorers are shown to be travelling in at the very start of the video somewhat resembles a house. This initially introduces the idea that the adventure in the music video could be a metaphor for the journeys undergone in relationships and families. Some big statuesque figures the size of mountains are shown in the background of the video, surrounding the protagonists. The stone creatures, e.g: the owl, could be representations of the skills required to solve the situations encountered along the journey, such as knowledge, wisdom and courage.
Editing:
The footage fades to white after each monster is destroyed, giving a sense of finality to each chapter in the explorer's journey. The music video fades to black at the end, which complies to the codes and conventions. Most actions and events, such as the bird monster crying out and the protagonists walking, are coordinated with the tempo and beat of the song which gives the sense that the visuals and audio belong together. Something similar to a slow motion effect is used during the slower section of the song when the explorers sink underwater. This is especially effective as the slower tempo increases the effect of the sluggishness one often experiences underwater.
Camera shots, angles and composition:
Close up shots of the character's faces are used to give the audience a better understanding of the differences between the black and white and coloured character, as well as clarifying that the characters belong to a fantasy world which allows for a greater amount of interpretations. A close up shot of the colourful female figure is shown both at the start and the end of the music video. The repetition of these shots gives the music video a sense of completion, as the contrast of the female character's facial expressions signify a successful change from the outcome of the adventure shown. The close up shot of one of the black and white male characters peering through the meteorite object as it cracked open was especially effective at introducing a sense of wonder at the events within this fantasy world. This wonder and awe could reflect the exciting element of discovery experienced within new relationships and friendships. Some tracking shots and high angled shots are used when following the explorers, giving a clearer insight into the distances they travel throughout the narrative. Similarly, the screen often pans out in order to show the extent and size of the dangers and obstacles the explorers tackle and overcome during the video. Occasionally the black and white explorers are framed by intimidating dangers, such as a walkway surrounded by gargoyles and the legs of a giant beast. This illustrates the omnipresent inevitability of obstacles throughout any form of journey, including relationships, as suggested by the song lyrics.
Sound/ Lyrical context and analysis:
According to www.interviewmagazine.com: "The self-described folk-indie band (Of Monsters and Men) is truly inspired by storytelling and making sure that everyone who listens comes up with their own interpretations to their stories." This explains why it is impossible to construct a foolproof analysis of the music video, as the artist attempts to leave it as open as possible to allow for multiple interpretations. The song is seemingly about a romantic discourse between lovers, but the lyrical content is very much open to individual interpretation.
No comments:
Post a Comment