Music Video Analysis - 'Titanium' by David Guetta ft Sia
Now that I have analysed the concept of the video, I will be looking at the elements included that ‘make’ the video, such as lighting, editing, and locations. Firstly, I will look at the lighting. For a lot of the video, it is filmed outside using natural lighting which is refreshing for a music video. One reason why they may have used natural lighting could be that it gives less of an ‘artificial’ effect, meaning the shots are more realistic, raw and ‘normal’ in the way that we are looking at the very common issue of bullying, subtly highlighting how bullying is a subject that doesn’t need ‘sugar-coating’ – it is ‘what it is’, perhaps suggesting that natural lighting is primarily used to highlight a realistic situation in which a teenager goes through. Towards the evening however, the lighting gets darker which has many connotations; firstly, it could suggest that the boy featured in the video is feeling increasingly upset. We start where he seems to feel sorrow yet he has less and less self-love throughout the video. This could mirror the theme of bullying through how the effects of being bullied starts as fairly minor yet the more you are being bullied, the less it is bearable for a victim. The idea of ‘darkness’ is used by many other creators, with just one example being from JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ in which quotes ‘We’ve all got both light and darkness inside us. What matters is the part we choose to action’. What is interesting, however, is how in general, society relates ‘darkness’ to negative connotations. This I have realised could be a powerful tool when crafting a mood and atmosphere for my own video. I could use darkness to convey these emotions or even I could choose to intentionally try and create sadness using it’s opposite: light. Something else to consider is the running motif of torchlights in the video, that creates an overall effect of ‘standing out’ through the fact that torchlights are used to make something become visible, as if we the ‘bullies’, highlighting the flaws of the boy, when we shouldn’t treat people differently for our differences; everyone deserves spotlights of celebration rather than scrutiny.
As well as this, a variety of camera angles and shots are used in the music video, such as long shots. These help to create a sense of isolation among the persona of the boy. It makes us an audience seem further way from the boy, as if he is helpless yet we can’t help him. It also could suggest that we are distant from him in a sense that we do not know what he is going through, meaning emotionally we are not in the same place as him. These types are effective in how they could have several possible meanings, predominantly a feeling of isolation or someone being of lower status. There is a point where the camera focuses on a woman hid behind a door and the boy as he walks past is not in focus, symbolising how the woman – who we presume to be a teacher – has a higher status from the point of view of the type of society in which the boy is being bullied by. Because we are not focused on the boy, it is as if he of less significance because we are more interested in the teacher’s reaction, which allows us to gain knowledge about the boy’s character. Many jump cuts are used during the period in which the boy is quickly cycling. The jump cuts help to create the illusion that the boy is actually cycling faster than we may think. This technique in the cinematography is especially useful in trying to hint to the audience that this boy may have superpowers. It also builds tension and is paired with the chorus so it acts as a climax in the storyline, where so far, we know he may be disliked but now he has chosen to flee and be himself in a sense. I could use this filming technique in my own music video with the help of a build of music to create more tension and drama as well as unveiling to the audience that coming up is an important part of the storyline, as a subtle indicator. The video also used mid-shots which helps the audience pick up on smaller details like the pair of keys on the kitchen counter. It also adds variety to the visuals, so zooming in means we will as an audience member will not become disinterested in static, two-dimensional visuals. For example, if a whole video was shot completely as wide of landscapes, we would quickly become disinterested because of the lack of variety and scope. Another mid-shot is included with the camera facing upwards behind a police officer, almost giving the point of view effect of someone behind. Because of the titled angle, it suggests that the boy has power over the officers, and entrance them by moving objects. The officer is still for a few moments, looking up at the extraordinary sights which has him fixated.
In terms of locations, most of the video was filmed in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Canada, which is an island off Montreal. Canada is a very ‘accepting’ place, such as the fact that they legalised same-sex marriage in 2005; this is in contrast to how the boy in the video feels alone and unaccepted. I also think that the setting seems like a normal town, which helps to distinguish the boy as even more different, contrasted with a normal background. There is also a sense of an ordinary setting within an extraordinary situation which I could bring into my own music video as it predominantly focuses on the storyline. I however, am also interested in using a studio location, for a fresh, clinical atmosphere which is very modern and contemporary. However, this video has really opened my eyes to using landscapes and scenes to contribute towards the effect of a story. For example, a background could be in stark contrast to characters or blend into the characters for visual effects.
One element that I think has been used well is the costumes. Firstly, I will be looking at the main character’s costume. Bearing that we assume the boy is ‘alone’ and ‘unaccepted’, this can be evident in his costume through his beige coat and red hat that could suggest he lives life in the cold, especially as when he runs from home he could be considered homeless. He also has a bag on his back which indicates to us that he may not plan on coming home for the near future. His clothing adds to his vulnerability in the wood scene as he could be cold. We also know that he feels very disconnected meaning his emotions and clothing both contribute towards a very cold atmosphere. We often see cold breaths of air from the boy’s mouth which can send shivers down the viewers back, and make us feel like we are there, following the boy and his story. Something else to consider is how the police officers are all dressed in dark colours, whereas the boy is wearing fairly light colours in comparison. This helps to clearly distinguish ‘society’ from the ‘victim’; also how ‘society’ is labelled in dark colours symbolises that it is negative, almost evil whereas white is the colour for purity. This makes the police officers a ‘collective’, like a feeling or action. Perhaps the officers are not meant to be people but rather symbolise things that people that have said to him that has stuck in his mind. Often words can be quite powerful when bully’s say things, that stay with you forever. This helps to make the boy look more vulnerable because it is a case of him against the whole of society, which obviously would make you feel so alone, yet he continues to fight through the hate, even though he may not be able to see the light. The video also looked very 80’s inspired which is something I would quite like to explore for my own video, so costumes are an important part in shaping the theming. In this video, even the clothes help to tell a story, so it is important to bear in mind because if everything is crafted except the costumes that do not fit with the story, it could be an important part that is missing.
In terms of props, there are many key ones featured throughout the video that contribute towards the overall significance and theme of the video. Firstly, at the beginning of the video, we see papers smothering the floor. This could symbolise how, through the allegory of paper burning, he is getting weaker and weaker, yet at the same time he still feels anger presented as fire. An alternative interpretation however could be that the paper features people’s opinions of him on them and he is running free of all these assumptions and judgements. Another key feature is his woolly hat, which is a strong motif throughout due to its bright red colour which is in contrast to much of the scenery. It almost emphasises his difference between him and the rest of society. We grow fond of the boy and we recognise him in each shot because of this reminder of the red hat, as if when we see it we grow in fondness. Furthermore, the video features the boy predominantly on a bike, showing his progression and development, as he goes from weak to much stronger. I also feel that when he is on his bike, he feels his strongest, as if he is passionate and has found something to take his anger out on. His physical journey is similar to his mental one, through how he has built up strength yet at the end there is the argument that the ‘bright’ light is the boy killing himself; this creates a cyclical narrative through how the boy emotionally ends up where he began. The bike the that boy uses is also very retro/vintage looking which is definitely something I want to do from an aesthetic perspective. Something else which is very retro is the TV in the boy’s house which adds to this vintage aesthetic. I think that the video was set in the 80’s because the theme of bullying/androgyny wasn’t talked about a lot and was definitely more of a taboo subject. Keys are also featured in the video which holds many connotations; escapism/freedom/responsibility. It’s almost like the sight of the keys for the boy is such a rarity and an object he has been wanting for a long time: escapism, to hide away from others and their judgements. Alternatively, perhaps the boy has been hiding in the dark for so long and the keys represent finally being able to be himself without caring about what others think. This is a liberating feeling for anyone as having the courage to be your true self can be difficult in a world where there is so much hated and anger. This has strongly influenced me to use symbolism in my own music video because it can make for a more rounded, thoroughly thought out and clever video.
So far, we have looked at the visuals and concept of the video but another important element that people often forget are the lyrics and how they relate. The whole song is a semantic field for violence/guns, which builds a rounded sense of standing up for yourself and not listening to what others say about you. I will briefly analyse a few of my favourite lyrics that I think are very cleverly written. The line ‘I’m criticized but all your bullets ricochet’ is very effective through the symbolism of ‘ricochet’ as if hatred just bounces off. Combining all of these elements, I think the music video was excellently crafted and well thought out as it dealt with a delicate topic very well and was very raw and honest about what many people go through in their inner struggles. The cinematography is of a very high quality and there are many creative shots that also relate to the meaning and content of the video. What I will take from this particular analysis is the amount of symbolism used; nearly every scene uses it a lot which obviously means that a lot of thought has gone into each detail and how each detail contributes towards crafting a story, as the video’s ultimate goal, to raise awareness. The video instantly becomes much more than the lyrics, or of the artists, or of commercialism, and the fact that no artists are featured in the video definitely means the story is a lot more purposeful. This is because they did not feel the need to promote themselves in the story as it was more about an issue; it would become a lot more commercial with themselves featuring. It is because of this that I prefer music videos without the artist/band in it, meaning that my own music video may follow a character and their story as opposed to solely the artist showing themselves off. Lastly, the lyrics are very poetic and fit well with the visuals and storyline, building this sense of being ‘bulletproof’; an uplifting and inspiring song and music video.
As well as this, a variety of camera angles and shots are used in the music video, such as long shots. These help to create a sense of isolation among the persona of the boy. It makes us an audience seem further way from the boy, as if he is helpless yet we can’t help him. It also could suggest that we are distant from him in a sense that we do not know what he is going through, meaning emotionally we are not in the same place as him. These types are effective in how they could have several possible meanings, predominantly a feeling of isolation or someone being of lower status. There is a point where the camera focuses on a woman hid behind a door and the boy as he walks past is not in focus, symbolising how the woman – who we presume to be a teacher – has a higher status from the point of view of the type of society in which the boy is being bullied by. Because we are not focused on the boy, it is as if he of less significance because we are more interested in the teacher’s reaction, which allows us to gain knowledge about the boy’s character. Many jump cuts are used during the period in which the boy is quickly cycling. The jump cuts help to create the illusion that the boy is actually cycling faster than we may think. This technique in the cinematography is especially useful in trying to hint to the audience that this boy may have superpowers. It also builds tension and is paired with the chorus so it acts as a climax in the storyline, where so far, we know he may be disliked but now he has chosen to flee and be himself in a sense. I could use this filming technique in my own music video with the help of a build of music to create more tension and drama as well as unveiling to the audience that coming up is an important part of the storyline, as a subtle indicator. The video also used mid-shots which helps the audience pick up on smaller details like the pair of keys on the kitchen counter. It also adds variety to the visuals, so zooming in means we will as an audience member will not become disinterested in static, two-dimensional visuals. For example, if a whole video was shot completely as wide of landscapes, we would quickly become disinterested because of the lack of variety and scope. Another mid-shot is included with the camera facing upwards behind a police officer, almost giving the point of view effect of someone behind. Because of the titled angle, it suggests that the boy has power over the officers, and entrance them by moving objects. The officer is still for a few moments, looking up at the extraordinary sights which has him fixated.
In terms of locations, most of the video was filmed in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Canada, which is an island off Montreal. Canada is a very ‘accepting’ place, such as the fact that they legalised same-sex marriage in 2005; this is in contrast to how the boy in the video feels alone and unaccepted. I also think that the setting seems like a normal town, which helps to distinguish the boy as even more different, contrasted with a normal background. There is also a sense of an ordinary setting within an extraordinary situation which I could bring into my own music video as it predominantly focuses on the storyline. I however, am also interested in using a studio location, for a fresh, clinical atmosphere which is very modern and contemporary. However, this video has really opened my eyes to using landscapes and scenes to contribute towards the effect of a story. For example, a background could be in stark contrast to characters or blend into the characters for visual effects.
One element that I think has been used well is the costumes. Firstly, I will be looking at the main character’s costume. Bearing that we assume the boy is ‘alone’ and ‘unaccepted’, this can be evident in his costume through his beige coat and red hat that could suggest he lives life in the cold, especially as when he runs from home he could be considered homeless. He also has a bag on his back which indicates to us that he may not plan on coming home for the near future. His clothing adds to his vulnerability in the wood scene as he could be cold. We also know that he feels very disconnected meaning his emotions and clothing both contribute towards a very cold atmosphere. We often see cold breaths of air from the boy’s mouth which can send shivers down the viewers back, and make us feel like we are there, following the boy and his story. Something else to consider is how the police officers are all dressed in dark colours, whereas the boy is wearing fairly light colours in comparison. This helps to clearly distinguish ‘society’ from the ‘victim’; also how ‘society’ is labelled in dark colours symbolises that it is negative, almost evil whereas white is the colour for purity. This makes the police officers a ‘collective’, like a feeling or action. Perhaps the officers are not meant to be people but rather symbolise things that people that have said to him that has stuck in his mind. Often words can be quite powerful when bully’s say things, that stay with you forever. This helps to make the boy look more vulnerable because it is a case of him against the whole of society, which obviously would make you feel so alone, yet he continues to fight through the hate, even though he may not be able to see the light. The video also looked very 80’s inspired which is something I would quite like to explore for my own video, so costumes are an important part in shaping the theming. In this video, even the clothes help to tell a story, so it is important to bear in mind because if everything is crafted except the costumes that do not fit with the story, it could be an important part that is missing.
In terms of props, there are many key ones featured throughout the video that contribute towards the overall significance and theme of the video. Firstly, at the beginning of the video, we see papers smothering the floor. This could symbolise how, through the allegory of paper burning, he is getting weaker and weaker, yet at the same time he still feels anger presented as fire. An alternative interpretation however could be that the paper features people’s opinions of him on them and he is running free of all these assumptions and judgements. Another key feature is his woolly hat, which is a strong motif throughout due to its bright red colour which is in contrast to much of the scenery. It almost emphasises his difference between him and the rest of society. We grow fond of the boy and we recognise him in each shot because of this reminder of the red hat, as if when we see it we grow in fondness. Furthermore, the video features the boy predominantly on a bike, showing his progression and development, as he goes from weak to much stronger. I also feel that when he is on his bike, he feels his strongest, as if he is passionate and has found something to take his anger out on. His physical journey is similar to his mental one, through how he has built up strength yet at the end there is the argument that the ‘bright’ light is the boy killing himself; this creates a cyclical narrative through how the boy emotionally ends up where he began. The bike the that boy uses is also very retro/vintage looking which is definitely something I want to do from an aesthetic perspective. Something else which is very retro is the TV in the boy’s house which adds to this vintage aesthetic. I think that the video was set in the 80’s because the theme of bullying/androgyny wasn’t talked about a lot and was definitely more of a taboo subject. Keys are also featured in the video which holds many connotations; escapism/freedom/responsibility. It’s almost like the sight of the keys for the boy is such a rarity and an object he has been wanting for a long time: escapism, to hide away from others and their judgements. Alternatively, perhaps the boy has been hiding in the dark for so long and the keys represent finally being able to be himself without caring about what others think. This is a liberating feeling for anyone as having the courage to be your true self can be difficult in a world where there is so much hated and anger. This has strongly influenced me to use symbolism in my own music video because it can make for a more rounded, thoroughly thought out and clever video.
So far, we have looked at the visuals and concept of the video but another important element that people often forget are the lyrics and how they relate. The whole song is a semantic field for violence/guns, which builds a rounded sense of standing up for yourself and not listening to what others say about you. I will briefly analyse a few of my favourite lyrics that I think are very cleverly written. The line ‘I’m criticized but all your bullets ricochet’ is very effective through the symbolism of ‘ricochet’ as if hatred just bounces off. Combining all of these elements, I think the music video was excellently crafted and well thought out as it dealt with a delicate topic very well and was very raw and honest about what many people go through in their inner struggles. The cinematography is of a very high quality and there are many creative shots that also relate to the meaning and content of the video. What I will take from this particular analysis is the amount of symbolism used; nearly every scene uses it a lot which obviously means that a lot of thought has gone into each detail and how each detail contributes towards crafting a story, as the video’s ultimate goal, to raise awareness. The video instantly becomes much more than the lyrics, or of the artists, or of commercialism, and the fact that no artists are featured in the video definitely means the story is a lot more purposeful. This is because they did not feel the need to promote themselves in the story as it was more about an issue; it would become a lot more commercial with themselves featuring. It is because of this that I prefer music videos without the artist/band in it, meaning that my own music video may follow a character and their story as opposed to solely the artist showing themselves off. Lastly, the lyrics are very poetic and fit well with the visuals and storyline, building this sense of being ‘bulletproof’; an uplifting and inspiring song and music video.
You have gone very in depth on this so well done.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you learnt from this analysis that would be useful in storyboarding and making your own music video?
I have learnt a lot, such as how I may have to research in depth to deliver an authentic representation of a message/concept. For example, I like it in music videos when you watch it and get the main concept behind it, however when you watch it for a second time, you realise smaller details that relate to the theme/message such as an object in the background. This is a nice detail because it makes for a more rounded meaning.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!! Thank you so much for the way you have analyzed this video!! It has really been very helpful to me due the kind of studies I am doing currently.
ReplyDelete