Write up of Videos watched in Class

We viewed a number of videos in class to get a better understanding of why artists choose to do certain things and whether or not the song connects with what we as an audience visualize on screen.

• 'It's Raining Men' - Cover By Geri Haliwell (Original - By The Weather Girls)
• What are your first impressions of the video?

The first impression we get of the video is it is a pop song. This is due to the fact that the song itself is very upbeat and something that would influence females to view it as it is about men.

• What is the camera work like?

The camera transitions are very quick and jumpy, to go along with the energetic pace of the song. We see many jump cuts from Geri Haliwell dancing in a collage to her showing her athletic side and kick boxing.

• What impressions do we get of the Artist?

Due to the fact that Geri is dancing at a very fast pace we get the impression that she is full of energy and she is very active. we also notice how when she is dancing there are lots of young males staring at her as she is wearing very tight clothes and her tummy is showing. (voyerism) This can also be classed as her being slightly promiscuous as she kisses the judge at her audition. However on the other hand the energy in her video shows that she just wants to have fun therefore it brings out her personality.

• What Music conventions are displayed?

We see that they have used lots of water in the video to compliment the song as it is about 'raining' men. We also notice how the lyrics match the visuals.

• 'Golden Retriever' - By Super Furry Animals
• What are your first impressions of the artist?

As soon as the music begins we notice that it is a rock video, this is due to the electric guitars and the loud music.

• What is the Camera Work like?

Again like the previous video the camera shots goes along to the pace of the music. There are many close ups if the band and the whole video takes place in a cardboard box.

• What Impressions do we get of the Artist?

The only thing we notice is that they have a strange sense of humour as we don't quite understand the reason why they have chosen to do the video in a cardboard box or why they are referring to a female as a golden retriever.

• What Music Conventions are displayed?

The video does have dogs in it therefore relating to the title of the song as do the band turn in to 'Golden Retrievers'. In this video the dog is the voyeuristic focus for the audience as that is the main feature. However yet again the music compliments the visuals.

• 'Material Girl' - Madonna
• What are your first Impressions of the Video?

We first notice that the video is set out to be an old film strip. We also noticed that is also very cleverly mirroring the video by 'Marilyn Monroe'

• What is the Camera work like?

There aren't as many close ups although some. There are more tracking shots of Madonna parading around the stage set ( which is set up in a theatrical manor)

• What impressions do we get of the Artist?

We can see that she like Geri, is using her body as a way of being very promiscuous and flirtations this is because her song is about being materialistic. We also notice how she is very in control of the situation even though she is surrounded by lots of men.

• What Music Conventions are Displayed?

The video is set out on a stage. However in the beginning of the video there is a clip of Madonna in he dressing room on the phone saying to someone 'he thinks he can buy me Diamonds' again this shows her being in control.