Cinematography
Aim: In this section I will be identifying the meanings of Cinematography in relation to three music videos.
Define: Cinematography frames the mise en scene, looks at the movement, positioning, angle and format of the camera.
Explain: Cinematography refers to the angle and positioning of the camera in order to communicate space to the viewer.
The angle, positioning and movement of the camera is hand held, in order to promote realism through a documentary style.
Define: Cinematography frames the mise en scene, looks at the movement, positioning, angle and format of the camera.
Explain: Cinematography refers to the angle and positioning of the camera in order to communicate space to the viewer.
The angle, positioning and movement of the camera is hand held, in order to promote realism through a documentary style.
MUSIC VIDEO 1 - STRESS BY JUSTICE
How is Cinematography recognised throughout the music video 'Stress'?
The media language throughout the video makes the viewer feel disconnected with the action which is happening. This is due to the cinematography used to make the audience members feel at a lower status than the youth.
The audience are in 'point of view' of the camera and therefore the documentary begins observational but ends with the viewers being socially aware. It can also be described as reflexive because the viewers are constantly catching eye contact with the youngsters, and seeing them speak to the camera. The song does not contain any lyrics in order to keep the focus on the action which is being captured by the camera.
MUSIC VIDEO 2 - A TEAM BY ED SHEERAN
I chose to analyse this music video because I felt it followed a similar storyline to my music video, of a girl who appears to be vulnerably housed.
A hand held camera as well as static shots have been used throughout as well as occasional long shots, medium shots and close ups. The camera is constantly following and focusing on the main character (young girl). All of these techniques mean that the film is in a documentary style and was made on a reasonably low budget. There are a couple of low angle shots which show the unstable state the girl is in as she has holes in her tights and can be seen carrying around a sleeping bag.
I chose to analyse this music video because I felt it followed a similar storyline to my music video, of a girl who appears to be vulnerably housed.
A hand held camera as well as static shots have been used throughout as well as occasional long shots, medium shots and close ups. The camera is constantly following and focusing on the main character (young girl). All of these techniques mean that the film is in a documentary style and was made on a reasonably low budget. There are a couple of low angle shots which show the unstable state the girl is in as she has holes in her tights and can be seen carrying around a sleeping bag.
MUSIC VIDEO 3 - FEATHERSTONE BY THE PAPER KITES
Through using techniques such as close-ups, the audience are able to identify the different emotions of the characters as well as their thoughts and feelings towards certain situations (e.g. pillow fight). There are also many medium and long shots which help provide a greater sense of depth (i.e you are aware the children are playing deep in the woods) and perspective (i.e the trees are very tall in contrast to the size of the children). The light between the trees created a magical atmosphere due to the positioning of the camera.
Through using techniques such as close-ups, the audience are able to identify the different emotions of the characters as well as their thoughts and feelings towards certain situations (e.g. pillow fight). There are also many medium and long shots which help provide a greater sense of depth (i.e you are aware the children are playing deep in the woods) and perspective (i.e the trees are very tall in contrast to the size of the children). The light between the trees created a magical atmosphere due to the positioning of the camera.
Cinematography within my music video:
CLOSE-UP of young girls face, allowing audience to empathise with her
Through analysing music videos I have been able to learn from some of the shots the directors have included and why they have used them. For instance the 'A Team' use many close ups of the girl's face, making the scene even more vivd for the audience as we are able to empathise with the character because of the 'up-close and personal style of filming'. We begin to create a relationship with the character.
My music video has many close-ups, produced by a hand held camera in order to show the mindset of the characters.
My music video has many close-ups, produced by a hand held camera in order to show the mindset of the characters.
We also combined many wide shots to familiarise the audience with the spaces they occupied.
We presented juxtaposition through the busy spaces where people live, socialise, eat and breathe in contrast to the image the audience receive of the single mum when they realise that they will actually be sleeping rough outside. She tries to hide her pain from Daisy however, through the camera homing in to the teenager's face. Her eyes reflect the sadness and concern that is at the forefront of this teenage mum's mind. The abandoned location reflects, ironically, the 'abandonment' that this teenager is experiencing firsthand. In contrast, Daisy in many of her close-ups shows a lively and carefree disposition which is oblivious to the reality of the difficulties her young mum is facing.