Music Video Analysis

Maximo Park - Our Velocity

The music video features a performance based video with no storyline which is unconventional. Almost the whole of the film is shot in one shot rather than the generic quick flashes of shots used in most modern music videos. The video is simple and relies heavily on good editing.
The idea of the video is to have the band playing multiple times all in one shot. This is done by shooting the band playing in different positions and then merging the images together. The lighting constantly changes using many different colours. This creates a disco effect which references 'dancing' This goes with the song well. The videos in the past by the same band have been all performance based as well.

The video has a busy mise-en-scene which matches the song as it is has a great structure a layers. This is also matches by the 'busy' lighting which produces a very colourful scenery.

The trend is set by the lead singer who has a smart and intelligent look which audiences could aspire to and this has a good look on the band. There are many close ups and low angle shots of the lead singer Paul Smith who is given that star image. This is enhanced by his clothing, he wears a smart shirt and blazer with a top hat. This gives him the main focus as he is represented as important as he is the lead singer. The black clothing worn by the band contrasts with the light background of white and the light colours that are in the video.

The band is given the image of being good performers and from this I feel people would want to see them live. This way it promotes the band and could increase there ticket sales. The band in the past have mainly used performance based videos but have occasionally used a storyline. The image of the band is therefore kept the same.

Asking a few people on there comments on the video many had different opinions. It was all agreed that it was a simple video but many thought it was effective. I also had 2 people that found it uninteresting. The trend set by the lead singer is a smart and intelligent look which audiences could aspire to and has a good look on the band.

The video has featured on many popular music video channels such as '4music', ' TMF' and 'Q' this has given the band good publicity and promotes the song well. This shows they are a mainstream band and are therfore popular.

The editing gives the video complexity and without the new technologies the music video would not have been as effective. Editing software has developed massively in the last 10 years. The video just being a performance would always be very simple but with the added effects it makes it more interesting.

Overall the video is simple but effective and has helped me produce ideas for our music video by using multiple shots of a character.