Textual Analysis of Music Videos.

Malbec - The Answering Machine

A video created and distributed by the band itself, 'The Answering Machine' is packed with complex technical edits and slightly controversial expression - all with a simple twist of the same people being featured continously against a plain background. The single was released around the internet in 2009, being available for free download and sharing. Although the band being hugely popular on the web, and having this song in particular featured on the soundtrack for American series 'Chuck', the band is still widely undiscovered and remains unsigned. I would categorise the band as being a mixture of indie pop/electro/ska, giving them tones that would be familiar to a wide variety of people - but with an individual twist.  

Lyrics:

There's a part of me that's living

there's a part of me that died.

There's a part of me within you,

the part of me that tried.

There's a part of me that suffers,

and a part of me that's loved.

There's a part of me below,

and a part of me above.

We're all in one (x4)

There's a part of us in a war,

and a part of us in peace.

There's a part of him in everything,

even things we cannot see.

There's a part of you in giving,

and a part of us in trying.

There's a part of us in the future,

the path we shall decide.

We're all in one (x4)

  

Analysis of Digipaks - Broken Social Scene and Dark Was the Night.

Broken Social Scene:

The general appearance of this Digipak is quite rustic and simplistic, with it's neutral tones and uncomplicated text. This choice of casing has clearly been used as a special edition promotion (looking at the sticker on the bottom right hand corner), and so gives the buyer something quite unique to add to their collection. 

Looking more closely at the front of the album case you will see that the artists title is quite bold, making it difficult to miss; perhaps this is because the band isn't particularly well known. You can also see upon closer inspection that there is in fact duck tape stuck all over the front, this is probably highlighting the bands name 'Broken Social Scene' - the duck tape is an attempt at fixing the social scene. 

Looking at the back you will see that the track listings are fairly simplistically set out, making them easy to follow when listening to the album. With the appearance of the song listings being stuck together and then layered onto the case, it continues the overall 'homemade' effect.


The inside of the case is fairly straightforward, carrying on the rustic, simplistic approach. The blues and the whites give a calming effect, maybe reflecting the sky. Contrasting with this, however, is the harsh black CD itself - this could be highlighting the fact that the album is strong and bold.


You can also see that the design allows a pamphlet to fit neatly inside the case, this is a useful design as it keeps the packaging simple and tidy, making it more appealing as well as interesting - like finding little treasures.

Study: Submarine

Plot:

Fourteen year old Oliver finds it hard in school, fighting for popularity, so when a beautiful dark haired Jordana shows an interest in him he sets out to be the best boyfriend in the world. With his mother's ex boyfriend recently moved in next door, his parents all ready rocky marriage becomes a whole lot harder to maintain. Oliver is determined to fix his parents marriage, as well as keeping hold of Jordana. 

Actors:

Craig Roberts - Welsh

Yasmin Paige - English

Noah Taylor - English

Paddy Considine - English

Sally Hawkins - English




Director:
Richard Ayoade

Genre:
Comedy/Drama

Production Company:
Film4
Red Hour Films

Distribution:
Optimum Releasing (UK)

Exhibition:
Opening Weekend - £244,476 (UK) (20 March 2011) (60 Screens)

Total Gross - $466,702 (USA) (14 August 2011)

Study: Robin Hood (2010)

Plot:

Following King Richard's death, Robin Longstride (Robin Hood) and his men return to England. Upon their return they discover a dead knight and comrade; Robert of Locksley. Discovering that Locksley had been ambushed by Godfrey, Robin swears to return his sword to his father Walter in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages Robin Hood to impersonate the dead knight in order to prevent his land being taken by the crown. Robin soon finds himself with a ready-made wife; Marian. In order to secure a French take over, Godfrey takes advantage of the King's weakness, worming his way into the King's  services as Earl Marshal of England. Upon this he proceeds to destroy towns under the pretext of collecting Royal Taxes. Robin Hood and his men must navigate the politics of barons, royals, traitors, and the French.

Actors:
Russell Crowe - Australian
Cate Blanchett - Australian
Mark Strong - British
Max Von Sydow - Swedish
William Hurt - American

Director:
Ridley Scott

Style/Genre:

Action packed period drama.

Production Company:

Universal Studios

Scott Free

Distribution:

Universal Pictures

Exhibition:

United Kingdom on 12 May 2010, after premiering at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival

United States on 14 May 2010.

British Film Character Analysis - Tom Hardy

Name: Eames (Inception)

Characteristics: Cocky, suave, intelligent, cunning, theatrical, slightly upper class, tongue-in-cheek and a gambler.

Semiotics: Smartly dressed; shirt and pressed trousers, expensive wrist watch, smoothed down brown hair, neatly trimmed facial hair, broad shoulders, strong muscular physique.