A2 Music Video: Music Video Deconstructions

Paramore . Ignorance


Camera Movement + Composition:
Compositionally, this entire video is a combination of close ups and extreme close ups with the occasional wide shot. All of these shots are of the band, individual members and their instruments. The compositions and angles of this music video seem purposely messy as the subjects are never framed straight (tilted) nor does there seem to be any purpose for why the shots are angled how they are. There are high angles, then cuts to low angles, to mid shots with no particular order. I'm guessing that it is in relation to the cramped, exciting and messy atmosphere. On top of this, there is a light bulb prop that the lead singer is holding throughout the song and I have noticed that the camera follows her and the bulb which will also affect the composition.

The camera movements used are very simple but interesting, it begins with a pan towards the band in a cramped room,, the camera is mostly shaky throughout, and the entire video is shot dynamically. Along with shakiness there are small pans following the band members movements. However, they're space is limited making the cameras movement limited also. This also relates to the narrative in that the lead singer is singled out, almost trapped by the limits. Because this is a fast paced song with strong drum beats, the different shots last for a small number of seconds before cutting to a new angle and new composition.

Narrative:
After deconstructing this music video, I found that it portrays the lead singer being singled out and "ignored" by the other members of the band which relates to the song title. The light bulb shines throughout the video and it is constantly on her without being able to reach the other members strengthening the ignored idea. Towards the end of the video, it is shown that the spotlight is only ever on her when the band members are able to wrap the wire around her. So the narrative, camera movements and props are all closely related in this song.

Location:
The majority of "Ignorance" has been filmed in a small blackened room with all lighting limited to a bright light bulb held by the lead singer. And there is also a larger performance area and a small glass box where the lead singer is laid in white clothes with her hair pulled back. These relate to the narrative and song lyrics in the sense that the limited or empty rooms show her being ignored. I feel that because it is only two simple locations that you get to focus on the performance and band more than their music video.

Costumes/Props:
The entire band are dressed in black and placed within a darkened room. The lead singers hair can almost be seen as a costume as it is her identity and is what singles her out in this video. (much like Slash with the big hair, hat, sunglasses etc…) The key prop in this music video is the bright light bulb held by the singer as it is the only part (other than lyrics) that is telling a story. This light bulb is also the focal point of the camera shots and is the only item providing light to the video.

SFX:
I do not think that this video took too much work at post production. The effects that may have been used could be brightening the light bulb for better effect. There is also a section where the lead singer is contained in a box surrounded by blue lights, this could have possibly been done in post production, but because of the simplicity of the music video, not much was needed to make it better. The idea itself is good enough.