Sunday, 12 October 2014

What is the function of a music video?

Music videos are primarily made to promote songs so their recordings get more sales. I think that a good music video should be entertaining and provide the viewer with a pleasurable experience to encourage them to watch it again.



I think that the song '6 Foot 7 Foot' by Lil Wayne and Cory Gunz is a good example of a music video for an array of reasons. One aspect that I particularly enjoy about the video is the examples of intertextuality that feature throughout the song. This is because the video contains various references to the film 'Inception', which engaged me as I was aware of what was being referred to and so I felt special. Another factor that I liked in this video was the different images that appeared when Wayne said a certain lyric or punchline. For example, when Lil Wayne says 'Real g's move in silence like lasagna' there is a high angle shot of him at a table with lasagna in front of him followed by a close up of the food. This brings his lyrics to life and allows me to connect to the song on a different level compared to if he was just shown rapping normally when he said it.

intertextuality
An example of intertextuality in the song


I also enjoyed the fact that Lil Wayne's outfit changes depending on which way he is presenting himself in his lyrics. For instance, when he says 'People say I'm borderline crazy' there is a wide shot of him standing up in a straitjacket, which portrays his lyrics and further engages the viewer. The cinematography that is used in the video also links to the lyrics. An example of this is when Wayne says 'Woman of my dreams, I don't see so I can't find her' and there is a wide shot showing three attractive women in the foreground and Weezy in the background looking away from them. I thought this was a good combination because he is out of focus and they are in focus, thus reflecting the fact that he can't see them. Moreover, one of the women in the frame is breaking the fourth wall and looking at the camera which relates to the theme of vision as the viewer is making eye contact with her, whereas Tunechi can't.


The 'don't see' shot








Lil Wayne in a straitjacket















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