DW: Auter analysis part two

Jay Z - 99 Problems (Directed by Mark Romanek in 2004) 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uikJTnmtgw

This video is more of a montage/compilation of life in a predominantly afro-Caribbean neighbourhood in the USA.  It involves a lot of reference to culture and history of the area, for example the shops and buildings shown, as well as religious practices and types of people who live in the area. I believe the artist has shot the video in this way to shed light upon the somewhat “gritty” lifestyle which some people have to, or choose to live in the deprived area in which he grew up. This fits the lyrics of the song - rapping about his past and his surroundings, which is represented by what we see on screen. Unlike many hip hop videos Jay Z is displayed individually and independently, rather than in a group or gang as many rap videos do. This can be seen as a sign of strength and fearlessness perhaps.

When looking at techniques within the video, black and white is used throughout. I feel this gives the video a different feel to most modern music videos in that it does not try and  show off and promote people or products. It is not “flash” and a means of advertising, it is simply showing what life is like living in some parts of Brooklyn, it does not promote the lifestyle, but then it does not display it negatively either. This may be conceived as unusual for a music video in that it just shows simple daily occurrences. The use of slow motion also builds on this as it helps make the visuals more clear.

The cutting rate is relatively fast and is this way to compress many different scenes and events as possible, to provide the viewer with the best “taste” of Brooklyn life. Prevalence is given mainly to Jay Z however world famous hip hop producer Rick Rubin can been seen making appearances along side him within the video, Rick made the track with Jay Z.

Calvin Harris - I am not alone (Directed by Calvin Harris in 2008)

The video is extremely bizarre and disjunctive. The few lyrics which the video has do not relate to the events displayed on screen. There are two narratives going on within the video, one being that of a little boy in the winter woods, and the other being of a scientist doing unexplained experiments on women. Having said this, there is an element of dance performance maintained by women dancers who appear to be controlled by the scientist (played by Calvin Harris).

In terms of techniques used in the video, fluctuations of lighting and saturation are significantly used to make the set seem more dark and dingy. This helps reinforce the notion of the scientists “weirdness” and also the disjuncture of the video. Also this may be disliked by some viewers, it does make the video completely unique and unlike any other. This makes the video independent and helps the artist stand out, without really promoting him on screen in terms of close ups of his face and style, him lip syncing etc. which is what many artists tend to do in the music industry. Other effects include pro filmic effects - making liquids/potions look brighter than they are, as well and things like sparks when sharpening knives, which are simply there to enhance the video.