What makes for an effective Music Video?

I have chosen to analyse 'The Pretender' by Foo Fighters.


1. Instant Impact!


The video has a very unique setting which is instantly memorable as 'The Pretender' music video. As the video builds, police in riot uniforms appear, leaving the viewer to question to why they are there, and the chaos that forms when the red backdrop explodes (3:28) makes for a memorable sequence that creates an impact.

2. Non-Linear Editing


The video features constant cross-cutting between the band performing, and the group of police gathering. This technique allows both the narrative of the band and the police to be told, as well as establishing the conflict and tension between the two. The video also features slow motion from 3:28 until the end of the video, as the camera cuts between the action happening all around to show the events all happening at once.


3. Repetitions


Throughout the video, the camera frequently shows a close up of the lead singer Dave Grohl, in front of the microphone from his right side.

The camera also often shows an extreme close up of Dave Grohls face.

The camera often also pans behind the back of the band to show the gathering group of police.

The video repeatedly cuts between the members of the band as they play, as well as cutting between the police as they gather. Towards the end of the video, during the slow motion section, there are repeat shots of the police struggling in the explosion whilst the band continue to play.


4. Strong Sense of Artist Identity


This is shown through the bands performance (5. A Performance) which is the main focus of the video. The band is shown to be very typically rock, through their appearance - long hair/spikey hair, beards, tattoo's, dressing in black - and their attitudes, as they play very aggressively and powerfully, focused on the performance and their instruments, all of which create a strong artist identity.


6. Visual Pleasures


The video has many quick cuts and pans of close up action between the band, which creates pace and makes the video exciting to watch, especially as it is cut to the beat of the music. The mise-en-scene of the setting features striking red black and white colours, all of which contrast to add the conflict between the two groups and adds to the dynamics of the video.

7. Wow-Factor!


The wow-factor of the video is the moment that the red back drop explodes and covers the band and police in water. The slow motion effect as the police start running, before the explosion, adds to the dramatic effect and shock.

8. Provoke a Reaction


This particular sequence definitely provokes a reaction, as it is the most aggressive point in the song as it reaches a climax, and it engages the viewer, exciting and enthralling the audience.


9. Works on Different Levels


This video works on different levels, aside from the obvious aggression and rebelious attitude towards authority, Dave Grohl sings about not being just another face in the crowd. He implores the listener to stand up and fight for what they believe in, and is a very inspiring song.


10. Pop Culture


The video does not feature popular culture significantly, though perhaps the police in riot uniform could be a symbol of pop culture. The police dress in armoured gear, wearing visors and carrying riot shields; images that have become very prevalent in the modern day, and they represent an image of authority and often oppression.