COMPARING TWO MUSIC VIDEOS

CHIPMUNK - OOPSY DAISY

JUSTIN BIEBER - SOMEBODY TO LOVE

The two music video’s I will be comparing with each other are:

1.      Justin Bieber – Somebody To Love

2.      Chipmunk – Oopsy Daisy

Justin Bieber, a worldwide pop teen sensation and Chipmunk, a mobo-award winning UK artist are two incredibly talented artists. Both of these artists are young males and both of these videos come under the genre of pop. Also, both of these artists have the theme of love in their songs/videos however only one of the artists has a video girl, this artist being Chipmunk.

Chipmunk’s video Oopsy Daisy is about a breakup. This is clearly shown in the video as the lyrics of this wonderful song are reflected in the music video. Also the video itself presents that Oopsy Daisy is about a breakup due to the camera work and close up’s in the scene in which Chipmunk returns home after touring and see’s his girlfriend left nothing but a note for him saying “I’m sorry”. This shows that’s camera work has an impact on the meaning of a song. Oopsy Daisy tells a story meaning it is narrative whereas Justin Bieber’s Somebody To Love isn’t.

The video to Somebody To Love automatically gives us the party feel. The dim lights, smoky atmosphere and spotlights on Justin and the dancer’s builds tension and suspense in what’s to come when the chorus arrives. This music video concentrated on its lighting and camera movement and the montage editing of the dancers appearing and re-appearing goes in sync with the beat of the sound.

the montage editing of the dancers appearing and reappearing goes in sync with the beat of the digetic sound

shows the dancers in the video giving the sense of a celebration or party shows the dancers in the video giving the sense of a celebration or party shows the dancers in the video giving the sense of a celebration or partyshows the dancers in the video giving the sense of a celebration or partyJustin dances throughout the whole video, and also has other groups of dancers too from different styles of dancing. The video itself is a fun-disco type of video regardless the fact that it is about finding the right girl to love which makes it different to Oopsy Daisy. This video has many dancers, whereas Oopsy Daisy has no dancers.

One obvious similarity is that both songs feature singers, bringing the song and the video to life. Although both songs concentrate on a happy vibe, both videos don’t. One technique which shows this is that both videos use is the use of fire. Oopsy Daisy holds a shot when the camera zooms into Chipmunk’s eye, then the special effects show the cut from his eye to him standing around a circle of fire. In comparison, Somebody To Love shows a similar scene as the fire is surrounding both Bieber and Usher. However in Oopsy Daisy Chipmunk is alone in the circle of fire suggesting his isolation, also the fact that the fire is all around him in a circle shows how he is trapped and cannot leave without getting hurt, however in Somebody To Love, Justin’s not alone. He is accompanied by his dancers and also is not surrounded by the fire but just has fire along the bottom of the shot showing how his video is positive compared to Chipmunk’s. The fire in Chipmunk’s video symbolises fear and isolation whereas in Justin’s video the fire symbolises energy and his passion to love someone.

Another difference between the two videos is that Oopsy Daisy contains shots of flashback of his life with his ex-girlfriend whereas Somebody To Love is all in the present tense with no past flashbacks. The video to Oopsy Daisy plays with fire effects in a clever way. The chorus has a line which goes “destruction like fire” and because of this line all the flashbacks in the video are destroyed by fire. There is a scene in which Chipmunk and his ex are arguing. That scene is then demolished away by fire. Additionally there is another similar scene to this where Chipmunk is laying down on his ex but then that memory burns away and all that’s left is the ashes.

On the other hand, because Somebody To Love is not about a breakup but about finding the right girl to love the video reflects the happy lyrics of the song. Love is said to be an emotion out of this world, the effect of it is like a dream and a fantasy. We dream in the dark and when we wake up the dream seems blurred and foggy. It is as if the beginning of the video gives us this effect of a dream by using fog, as love makes a person feel like they are dreaming. Also, instead of the fire destroying things or representing isolation, the fire is used to go into another shot of Justin and his dancers dancing. However the use of fire could again be used similarly in both videos, as the fire could represent Justin’s love for someone although he is searching, the fire is burning and the fire gets bigger and bigger and his love for someone too could get bigger.

In both videos camera techniques are used. These techniques consist of close ups, long shots, zoom, point of view and so on. One of my favourites for Oopsy Daisy was the point of view shot. When the flash back’s are shown and in some shots we cannot see the present Chipmunk looking at them. The shots where we can’t see him are the point of view shots, the camera plays the role of Chipmunk’s eyes and I think this is a very intelligent technique.

On the other hand, my favourite technique from Somebody To Love is the scene in which the camera is at a low angle tilted upwards towards Justin as he has his hands reaching out towards the camera whilst singing “I need somebody”. It gives me the feel that he is reaching out for me and that the camera plays the role of any girl who is a fan of Justin Bieber. Me being a huge fan presents that this particular shot means something.

To conclude, both music videos’ are extremely excellent however they both present and express the theme of love in different ways. Although they are both pop videos, the love they each present are different kinds of love. The lyrics and video combine together and as a result produce two amazing pop music videos from my two favourite artists. 

COOKING SHOW

This is a video of me and my friend explaining the "ingredients" of a Pop music video. I think that this well as it allowed us to identify and establish the codes and conventions of the pop music video genre.

REPRESENTATION STUDY: GENDER

NICKI MINAJ - SUPER BASS

This is an extreme close up of Nicki Minaj wearing bright heavy make up. This kind of make up is conventional in the genre of Pop music videos. The colour yellow connotes happiness and the hair being pink is Nicki Minaj's star persona. The pink hair also connotes her girly side. The pink dots on her face connote sweetness and innocence.

A car is sports car is conventional in hip-hop music videos, and therefore the use of a car is unconventional in Super Bass as it is a pop music video. Interestingly, the car is pink. Pink is a well known girly colour and although the artist, Nicki Minaj is not in the shot. The colour of the car connotes empowerment for women as stereo
typically cars are known to be a "men's thing".

The use of the prop money is also unconventional in pop music videos, but conventional in rap and hip-hop videos. Nicki Minaj is a rapper/singer therefore the masculine props are a part of her star persona. Cinematography uses shallow focus to blur some of the stacks of money.

Apart from props and Nicki Minaj, this is the first shot of a male the audience see. This is the idea of a female gaze. It is a close up of a topless man who is considered sexy. His face cannot be seen and therefore this objectifies him. Mise en scene uses a blue light to shine on him connoting his objectification status.

Again, a male is being objectified. His face is still not shown however his lips are which are also considered sexy for females. This extreme close up is shown during the lyrics "kiss him on the lip lip" and therefore the shot is in sync with the lyric. Also, the lips are in the rule of thirds signifying their importance and highlighting their objectification.

In this mid shot, you can see that Nicki Minaj is dressed wearing revealing clothes. However she is wearing a white vest top with shorts (although you cannot see the shorts) which is a casual outfit. She is playing with the male's tie showing that he is being objectified as a prop in this shot. There is a light shining directly over him giving him importance, however overall Nicki Minaj is empowered in this shot. Also, this shot is shown when she says "you're so shy and I'm loving your tie". It is conventional in pop music videos for the lyrics to go with the visuals.

In this mid shot, there is a topless male in the background of the shot. He is positioned slightly behind Nicki as if he there for decoration. She is dancing in front of him and she is composed directly in the center enhancing her importance and empowerment. He is clearly objectified and is represented as a sexual object.

 This mid shot displays Nicki Minaj in the foreground dancing. In the background, in shallow focus there are girls who are dressed exactly like her and in her star persona however wearing a different coloured bra. This enhances the fact that Nicki Minaj is empowering in this music video as she has girls behind her who are dressed exactly like her signifying her power and importance.

This screen shot is a low angle which connotes Nicki Minaj's power. Also, mise en scene displays a strobe light shining directly on her also connoting her power. You can still see the other girls in the background dressed like her however they are again in shallow focus.

This long shot displays Nicki Minaj in the middle of the group of girls dressed like her star persona. This time, they are not in the background or in shallow focus. This displays that women overall are empowered as there are no males in this shot. Also, it connotes equality as each girl is standing equally to Nicki Minaj. The colours of the costume are bright and colourful which is a convention is pop music
                                                                                    videos. The colours are childish and girly. Also, the colour of the boots are displayed in a equal pattern. Two pinks in the middle, followed by white on either side, followed by green on either side. The boots are popular boots called Doc Martens. The boots being in the music video is an example of commodity.

This shot is similar to the one shown before. However, the performance is different. Nicki Minaj has her arms spread out whilst the girls lean over away from her. This connotes her authority and power and again is an example of her being empowered. There are props of "super bass" systems built into ice sculptures in the background.

This is a close up of the costume. These are Doc Martens and encourages the idea of commodity.

This is a mid shot highlighting the women's bum. Because you cannot see their faces in this shot and just parts of the body in which men would find sexy, females are being objectified in this shot and shown for the male gaze. The females are represented in a provocative way and are wearing revealing clothes. The bright colours of the bras stand out underneath the white top making them eye-catching.

This is an extreme close up of very high heels. High heels are costume in which are considered sexy. I think that in this particular shot, because it only shows the heels, Nicki Minaj is being objectified. The colours are bright, colourful and pastel colours in which are girly. In a way, because of the heels, it could also empower Nicki as she is using them as a symbol of control over the males.

In this mid shot, these men are being objectified. Their performance shows them sitting down in a provocative manner and watching Nicki Minaj waiting for her to come over. The white arm band connotes purity, however it counteracts their seductive behaviour. The back ground is a clear blue sky also connoting purity and nature. The nature in which the men are behaving in is not pure and therefore counteracts the background. The prop of a blue ball is being to used for the males to look sexy and therefore are there for the female gaze.

This long shot shows Nicki Minaj walking across an artificial beach. She is composed in the rule of thirds. She is wearing green which has connotations of self respect and well being. It is known to be a 'safe' colour because of  traffic lights. The costume in which Nicki Minaj is wearing goes completely against the connotations of green. She is dressed revealingly and walking in front of the gaze of 5 men. The men are wearing nothing but their beach shorts and white arm bands. Like the girls in previous shots, the men are wearing brightly coloured clothing. The beach chairs and rocks they are sitting on are also brightly coloured. Playful and bright colours are connotations of a pop video. In this shot, both Nicki Minaj and the men are being objectified however Nicki Minaj is also being empowered. She is standing above the men who are looking up at her connoting her power and importance. She is objectified because her costume is there for the male gaze whereas the men are objectified because they are topless which is considered sexy and for the female gaze.

 In this mid shot, Nicki Minaj is in shallow focus whereas the males are in deep focus in the background. This reinforces Nicki's empowerment in the music video. Nicki's costume resembles a Mexican beaded lizard which one of the worlds most dangerous lizards. She could also be portrayed as a mermaid. Although mermaids are mythical creatures, they are also supposed to be very powerful under sea which reinforces Nicki's power. Her star persona is dangerous and feisty as she raps. The hair colour change is also a part of her star persona and makes her recognizable by the audience.

This extreme long shot displays Nicki's star persona. The pink water, the pink rocks, and objectified males. Nicki is very girly. In terms of empowerment and objectification, because of the high angle and distance (extreme long shot) of shot, I think that every one in the shot is being objectified. Nicki however is in the rule of thirds and is composed higher than the male who is with her. His performance also shows him looking up to her making her empowered over him.

This close up denotes Nicki pouring pink liquid over her breasts. The performance of this is provocative and seductive and therefore is objectifying her. However, there are no males in the shot, and she is doing it to attract male attention could mean that she is empowered within her actions. The pink liquid, bright pink lips and green hair is part of her star persona. Also, editing uses slow motion to slow down the act of this performance ensuring its purpose for the male gaze.

In this mid shot both Nicki and the male are composed in the rule of thirds. Nicki's performance shows her throwing the pink liquid on the male. The performance shows her being in control and dominant making her empowering. The male is topless and has a tattoo on his chest in which, stereotypically women find attractive. His body is shining which is purposely for the female gaze which objectifies him. Editing also slows down this shot reinforcing that Nicki is superior and the male is inferior.

This is a prop of an ice sculptured motorcycle. Again, Nicki has taken a stereotypical male interest and made it girly to suit her star persona. She then uses this prop and sits on it in a provocative manner. There are no males in this shot and she is not wearing revealing clothes therefore she is not being objectified or there for the male gaze.

In this long shot, unconventionally Nicki is in the background however she is higher than everyone else and is directly composed in the center. She is dancing on a male as if he is a toy to dance with. Nicki is surrounded by girls who are imitating her, and other males who are imitating the male she is dancing around. This shows Nicki being empowered as people are copying her. The people in this shot are dressed in glow in the dark costume. Lighting is low key however because of the costume, the shot still appears bright and eye catching which is a convention of a pop music video. The floor is lit up with pink lighting which conforms to Nicki Minaj's star persona.

This mid shot denotes Nicki and other girls playing with pink feathers. It is almost child like as if it is a group of girls having a pillow fight at a sleep over. However, they are playing with the feathers in a flirty, seductive, playful way. The feathers are pink and so is the floor. This conforms to Nicki Minaj's star persona. There are no males in this shot.

In this long shot, both Nicki and the male are dancing. However, this time the male is fully dressed. Nicki is mainly dancing in a sexy way and you cannot see her face. This objectifies her and exposes her to the male gaze. This shot cuts to and forth between another shot of Nicki dancing on a boy however the shots mainly only show close up's of parts of her body which again is objectifying her.

The music video ends with this close up of Nicki Minaj looking fierce. This is a convention in her music videos. This shot then fades to black. There are no males in the shot or in the shot after which empowers Nicki as regardless of it being her song, she has more screen time.

Here is a screen shot from the ending of a different Nicki Minaj song (Right By My Side) in which she is pulling a fierce face.

INTERTEXTUALITY MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSIS

TYGA - RACK CITY

Rack City is a song by an American rapper called Tyga. It is a typical narrative video because the conventions of a narrative video are use of characters, story line, often the artist plays one of the characters, however aspects of performance based on Grand Theft Auto. Tyga throughout the video makes intertextual references to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto. Also, in the making of this music video, Tyga mentions that he wanted the music video to be like a movie. 

The music video begins with an establishing shot of a city known as 'Rack City'. This is a common convention in films as most films usually open with establishing shots. The lighting is low key and it looks as it if is sun set bringing the shot a magical feel. The buildings in the shot look like silhouettes.

Following the establishing shot is an introduction to characters within the music video. These introductions are supported by text edited over the shot. The text looks like credits at the end of a film. In post production the footage of each character is stilled for a few seconds which emphasizes the importance of them. The lighting is low key and the setting is grim looking. The male in this screen shot is topless and wearing a chunky chain. His face expression shows him looking angry and he seems dominant in the situation.

Here is another screen shot similar to before, however in this screen shot the audience is introduced to the artist. This again looks like credits at the end of a film. The text is framed in the rule of thirds which reinforces the characters importance. Tyga is also topless however he is wearing no chain. He is a different setting to the male in the previous screen shot. The packages behind Tyga make it seem as if he in a warehouse. Mise en scene denotes him wearing a bandana around his head connoting conflict as bandana's are symbols of gang crime.

This is a close up of the love interest in the music video. Love interest are common in films. The text of her character name is framed in the rule of thirds. The background is in shallow focus highlighting her importance as she is in deep focus. The pink lipstick is girly and is a part of her star persona. Pink has connotations of love. Also, the prop of a candy cane in her mouth is sexual which is exposing her to the male gaze.

After the introduction of the characters, the music video cuts to black. After we see this long shot of Tyga riding a car. The car has ROADSTARR printed on to it which is an intertextual reference to the game creators of Grand Theft Auto (GTA). It is written in the same typography and has the same logo of a star.

 Here is the Rockstar logo.

This close up denotes the artist Tyga's costume. This is the typical costume in which game players of GTA go for. The black bandanna represents crime in which people commit in the game. Also, the multiple tattoos Tyga has connotes the game character as the main character is usually covered in tattoos as they symbolise respect. Tyga is represented as a stereotypical rap artist. The lighting in this shot is low key. Tyga is composed slight off center.

 This is the antagonist in the music video. This music video is a narrative and 'Mr. Rose' is the villain. The use of the red tint connotes danger which automatically allows the audience to identify that he is the "bad guy." In the background, there is the prop of  a yellow and black striped tape in which represents danger reinforcing that 'Mr. Rose' is the "bad guy." He is also composed in the center making him dominant and superior.

 This text has intertextual references to GTA. 'Rack City' has been typed using the same typography in which the game uses. The background within the text is a shallow focused mid shot of Tyga which connotes his importance. The colour gold represents the jewelry in which he wears which reinforces his star persona as a rap artist.

This is the original GTA typography. As you can see, the composition of each word is uneven. This is also done in the 'Rack City' title in which reinforces the intertextual reference to the game. Furthermore, the typography has a black outline to it in which the 'Rack City' logo conforms to and also uses a black outline.

This point of view shot belonging to the main artist has a voyeuristic feel to it. It makes the audience feel as if they are looking through the binoculars. The use of the binoculars, truck and the army men with guns makes it seem as if it is a mission and Tyga is secretly watching the men waiting to attack. GTA is a game well known for its mission modes and therefore this shot has intertextual references to the game.

 This long shot reinforces the idea of a mission. This gang whose identity is being hidden with masks are about to rob Mr. Rose. The all black costume is a symbol of unity between the gang. Gangs are common in the game GTA. The gang are composed in the rule of thirds connoting their importance. Also, the background shows a deserted warehouse. Missions in GTA commonly involve the player going to deserted locations such as a warehouse.

 This long shot denotes the army men attacking. The use of the props, guns has intertextual references to the game. The prop also conforms to rap music videos.

 This mid shot displays females being objectified. The use of the red tint connotes love and danger. The girl on the right is framed in the rule of thirds reinforcing that she is the love interest. GTA objectifies females like this as well. There are strip clubs within the game in which the character can visit and throw money at strippers. GTA is also an American game. The prop of American dollars reinforces the intertextual references to the game.

 This mid shot denotes Tyga talking to Mr. Rose. There is a female in the background of the shot being objectified as she is standing there playing golf on her own. Both, Tyga and Mr. Rose are composed in the rule of thirds. This is a restricted shot of Mr. Rose as he has his back towards the audience. Also, the use of low key lighting makes him appear as a silhouette which reinforces the restricted shot. Tyga is again dressed as a game character. The location is ostentatious in which conforms to the criminals locations in the game. When the game characters are talking to one another, subtitles appear on the bottom of the screen in white. In this shot, the audience can see white subtitles on the bottom of the screen. This again makes intertextual references to the game.

This is an example of the game during a conversation between three characters.

 This long shot looks voyeuristic. The 'bad guys' have caught the love interest and are using her as bait in an abandoned warehouse. This scene is a mission in the game GTA where the main character needs to rescue the love interest. The lighting is low key in which reinforces the dull dark mood of the "bad guy" characters. The female is represented as inferior as mise en scene denotes her tied to a chair whilst blind folded. There is light shining on the wet floor of the warehouse. This gives the scene a game-like effect as the shot looks pixelised connoting the graphics in a game.

 This is a mid shot of Mr. Rose. He is composed in the rule of thirds reinforcing his superiority. His performance shows him sniffing a rose in which is symbolic as his name is Mr. Rose. Also, the red tint connotes danger but it is also symbolic for him as red is the colour of a rose. The red tint acts as a visual motif for him. The use of the subtitles at the bottom of the shot conforms to the intertextual reference of the game GTA.

 This low angled mid shot denotes Tyga's costume as being blacked out symbolising him as a criminal. This shot is filmed with hand held camera movement making it appear realistic. The background is a plain building in which conforms to the game conventions as there are many plain grey buildings. The low angle connotes him as superior, to which foreshadows future events of the narrative.

 This extreme long shot displays Tyga and his love interest running from an explosion. The explosion is framed in the rule of thirds connoting its importance and that the mission has been completed. The background denotes an urban gritty setting in which there are a lot of in GTA. Also, there is the prop of a helicopter in the background which is a common used transportation in the game.

This long shot denotes Tyga looking at "Rack City". This is how the music video ends. The setting is an establishing shot. The sun is setting connoting a happy ending. Lighting is low key however the sun brings a happy mood to it. Tyga is composed in the of thirds connoting his importance. The text reading "RACK CITY SUMMER 2012 ONLY IN THEATRES" is a pastiche example of an action film.

CHRIS BROWN - SHE AINT YOU

PASTICHE: An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period. (Wikipedia definition)

Chris Brown - She Aint You is a music video in which imitates legendary Michael Jackson's work within the video in a positive way. Chris Brown is known for being a huge fan of Michael Jackson and tends to makes intertextual references to him in his work regularly. This music video in particular was completely dedicated to Michael as a tribute for his death. Chris Brown imitates the pop icon's star persona and choreography. The song itself samples Michael Jackson - Human Nature. The girl singing in She Aint You is a sample of Human Nature. The fact that this is a tribute music video gives it repeatability.

This is how the music video begins. Immediately, the audience are aware that this is a homage to Michael Jackson. The white text stands out on the black background making it eye catching and reinforcing the music videos purpose.

Immediately, the music video starts with an extreme long shot of Chris Brown dressed in Michael Jackson's well known style of a white suit and black hat. Chris' performance denotes him posing as MJ's signature pose. He is composed in the center making this pose important.

 Here is a screen shot from MJ's Smooth Criminal music video in which Chris Brown's costume is dressed like.

This long shot denotes Chris Brown floating in the air. This effect caused a huge buzz and MJ is well known for it. The background is dark, cloudy and gloomy which is a convention of MJ's music videos. Chris Brown's costume is also made to represent MJ's star persona.

This screen shot is taken from MJ's Billie Jean music video in which he has a dark, cloudy, gloomy background.

 This is Chris Brown performance imitating MJ's signature move. He is surrounded by a crowd of dancers as he does it. Chris Brown's costume in this shot is replicating MJ's costume from Smooth Criminal. In that video, MJ is surrounded by dancers. In this scene, Chris Brown is surrounded by dancers.

This is MJ doing his signature move whilst performing at a concert.

 This long shot denotes Chris Brown with two clones of him. This effect has been used in MJ's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough music video. Chris Brown's costume in this shot is snazzy and suave in which represents MJ's costume in Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. 

Here is a screen shot from Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. This is where MJ is composed in the center and there are two clones on either side of him.

 This mid shot is a restricted shot of Chris Brown. He is in the Smooth Criminal costume in this shot. Throughout the music video to Smooth Criminal, MJ continuously does this pose and hides his face from the audience. This is Chris Brown imitating MJ's performance from that music video.

 This mid shot displays Chris Brown in the rule of thirds. His composition is facing away from the audience. The background is red and black connoting love in which is the theme of the song She Ain't You. Chris Brown's costume is smart and formal which is how MJ always dressed.

 This long shot displays an outdoor setting including a dark, cloudy, gloomy sky and water. Chris Brown is dancing on the water. The water highlights Chris doing the moonwalk which is a Michael Jackson dance move.

 This long shot denotes Chris Brown doing another signature MJ move.

Here is a screen shot from MJ's Smooth Criminal music video in which he does his signature move.