Textual analysis of music videos - Ingrid Michaelson (Maybe)

Mise en Scene

There are multiple colours used throughout the video showing the quirky side to the video. At the beginning there is a red curtain shown this is a key signifier to the performing arts aspect of the music video as well as this red used shows fame and passion.  The scene is framed with a blue border the use of a turquoise shade of blue connotes freedom, expression and individuality, and acts as a contrast compared to the red.

Throughout the music video there are loads of multi-coloured animations that are added, these additions show that the type of music shown has no limitations it can cover all corners of musical genre shown it is not just tied down to one sound. The background is made with a green screen and features multicoloured building shapes that create a fantasy world in which the music video takes place, this makes the audience feel a sense of escape. In the background a neutral colour is used so that the attention is not taken away from the occurrences in the video and also to show that the type of music shown starts off as a blank canvas and can be interpreted in many ways by the audience. The singer wears normal typical clothes that are coloured beige and browns showing her to be plain and simple making it easier for the audience to relate to her.

Camera shot and movement


Throughout the music video there are two main shots used: a long shot and a close up – the long shots are used so that the audience can easily see and relate to the artist. It also allows the audience to pick up on different aspects of the music through her attire and mannerisms which can be clearly seen through the long shots: for example a long shot is shown of her dodging and side stepping certain animations giving a secondary meaning of her avoiding or overcoming obstacles this can only be properly observed when a long shot is used.

Close ups are used so that the audience can see the artists expression clearly and be able to identify her. It shows the audience her plain make up and clothes  therefore showing that the artist is nothing ‘special’ she is just an ordinary person and therefore she is easy to connect with from the audiences perspective.

Tracking is also used throughout the track to follow her on her journey –this links to narrative where the artist has embarked on a quest to overcome obstacles and eliminate ‘issue’ that arise. The side profile that the audience gain of the artist help illuminate the idea that she is on a journey this mood of address shows that she wishes for the audience to be with her through ups and downs and therefore a relationship is formed between the artist and audience.

Editing



The editing used is very inventive and creative as it occurs alongside the movement of the multi-coloured animation as the shapes and objects move along the page the camera view changes along with the size of the artist. This happens in a series of slides where the artist is pushed out of the screen or swiped over changing the audience’s perspective, this style of editing is not seamless and therefore realism is avoided again adding to the fantasy view of the music video world.

Genre


The genre is portrayed through the colours used the expressive array of colours display individuality and uniqueness features of the indie genre as well as this the floaty dress worn by the artist reflects a hippy style and gives a an idea of what type of audience will be interested in this genre – those who seek distinctiveness and escapism.



Representation


The artist takes on a countertypeof the typical association attributed to women; for example she is shown to be a bearer of obstacles which she can overcome. The secondary level of meaning regardingt the lyrics of the siong is about ridding herself of the male in her life which makes her the  more dominant character and shows she can survive without him.