Thursday, 15 October 2015

Genre conventions- Industrial/ electronic music video's #3

Music video analysis #3 - Down In It

Act: Nine Inch Nails
Track: Down In It
Year: 1989
Director: Eric Zimmerman and Benjamin Stokes
Genre: Industrial/ Electronic
Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrrEo3hZABU 
Main audience: Contrary to both other video's reviewed so far, this video is more widely accessible due to the fact it hosts far less controversial or shocking subject material, however, there are still elements of darkness (Conventional of the genre) such as brief themes of suicide. The main audience demographic for this production would be male, ages 16-25.
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Relationship between the visuals and lyrics: The lyrical value of the song is seen to be in conjunction with the video production. This is due to the clear synergy between the narrative in both the lyrics and video. However utilizing Goodwin's theory of lyrical classification, it is clear to see that the production is not actually illustrative and more amplifying. This is due to the fact the lyricism's discuss emotional thought such as "I was swimming in the hate now I crawl on the ground"where as the video only amplifies this by showing Reznor climbing to the top of a building with the intent of suicide. This coincides with Archer's theory that music video's only suggest story-lines and focus on mere fragments of the lyrics".

This video is significantly more disjointed due to it's numerous oblique shots and changes in filming equipment, ranging from Steadicam to handheld cameras. This is seen when the camera frame no longer fits the entirety of the screen and is the outsides (Top and bottom) are replaced with various psychedelic colours. This demonstrates a low budget as well as a rough and disorientating video. In addition to this the disjointed effect is further propelled by the plethora of visual effects on the production itself. These visual effects include that of brightly coloured lighting, extremely quick cuts, colour inverts, stop motion images, strobe lighting, graphic matches, and a spinning camera. 


Oblique shot
In addition to the whirling graphics and disorientating editing, the Gothic costume design is present, with Reznor being dressed in leather black clothing. This is conventional of the industrial electronic scene and is seen in this production. Going hand in hand with this is the dark subject matter of self destruction and the video depicting suicide.


Gothic dark clothing 
There is little mode of address throughout this video due to the disconnected format of the narrative. However throughout the video there are several cuts to Reznor singing to the audience for one line at a time. This maintains a personal connection with the audience.   


Occasional direct address 
This video contradicts with Propp's theory of having a designated role for the main character. This is due to the fact the main protagonist in this video (Reznor) commits suicide, and in doing so, fails to connect with a role associated with heroism or bravery. As well as Propp's theory, this video challenges Campbell's theory of a mono-mythical tale of a hero.

Influences to consider:

- Gothic clothing 
- Implications of suicide 



3 comments:

  1. Detailed denotation needed - vital for blog, Eval, exam... "leather black clothing" = ?detail?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Example of why tagging helps: 'theory' and Propp would be appropriate, v useful to see in a 'labels' gadget

    ReplyDelete
  3. Once more with audience: NIN do NOW have a mature audience but have always had a strong teen following; shocking subject matter does not = older audience.

    ReplyDelete

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