Comparison essay: Music Videos

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Comparison essay: Music Videos

The construction of a music video is hugely variable because visual style is usually dependant on musical style. Since there are multitudes of music forms and styles, there are consequently a range of music video types. Another factor that effects the construction of a music video is the time of which it was made. Videos will usually conform to the conventions of that decade while clearly indicating the technical limitations of that time also.

When analysing any media text we should consider the key concepts of media and how they have been applied and moulded to suit the form. In this instance I will look at how and why two different music videos have employed these key techniques and concepts.

Firstly, the music video for 'The Rembrants'' "I'll be there for you" was made in 1995, and is most significantly known for being the theme tune to the American sitcom 'Friends.' In this way therefore the music video is intertextual because it combines the medium of television with the music industry. The music video places far more focus on the six 'Friends' characters rather than the artists of the song, and uses the popularity of the sitcom to bring accolade to the song. In this way we can identify this music video as part of the 'chart pop' genre because it has been appropriated to be glamorous. It uses typically attractive people who are noted for their appearance in other publicity materials; in this instance, 'Friends.'
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In terms of representation they each supposedly signify figures that all audiences can relate to. Each character represents a 'type' of person while the idea of them being friends, being there for each other, is encouraging and uplifting for the audience. In relation to mode of address, and how this 'speak to' its audience the video relays an intended message of solidarity and companionship, which suggest that the key value promoted here is that of faithfulness to relationships such as friendships. The minimal set of the mise-en-scene diminishes any sense of materialism and gives a more simplistic feel, ...

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