Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Analysis of 'We No Speak Americano' Music Video


The establishing shot is of a early 90’s Ford driving through a country road, a medium shot is effectively used to show us a basic over-sight of the location. From the start, some editing features are noticeable; a Sepia tint is used in conjunction with feathering of the edges of the frame. This has the effect of making the video appear aged and pays tribute to the stereotype that goes with the early 90’s film quality.

The camera work is very simple, long or medium/long shots are used, and the occasional medium close up. If the aim of the director is to emulate the early ninetee's filming style, job well done. I personally don't like the style, since it makes the video feel 2D and inclosed. The most interesting camera work would have to be the pans used for chase scenes or to follow a singular character, apart from that, there isn't much camera work to comment on

The song has no lyrics, and as such, there is no dialogue in the video. Instead of dialogue, there are speech cards edited in when someone is saying something. The video matches the pace of the upbeat song, as do certain actions in the video, e.g. the girl sulking with the flower in her hand as the trumpet toots.

The editing is something in which the styling of the video has strayed from the early 1930's films. Fast cuts are used to match the beat of the song, and an aging effect is used, which causes the video to darken in certain places at random times. Speech cards are used instead ofdialogue, like silent movies. A couple of frames are skipped within a few seconds, jolting the video, and keeping it in pace with the song itself, and making it appear aged.

The customs, buildings and vehicles all appear early 1900's. The three females we see are all covered and dressed appropriately to their time. Their roles are a little different to what would be expected of them, a woman of that period would not be in a pub getting drunk, or doing manual work, the little girl selling flowers is viable.

Altogether, the narrative of the video is good, the editing and camerawork both suite the theme of the video, and the mise-en scene is believable.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wavpWRK6IX8

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