{Breezeblocks

∆- Music Video Analysis

Alt-j (∆) Alternative music genre

Artist and Genre

Signed to ‘Infectious Records’ in 2011 ‘Breezeblocks’ released by ‘Loud and

Quiet’ Music video directed by Ellis Bahl

Production company and record company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVeMiVU77wo

Consists of a murder shown in reverse. The view of who is in the wrong depends on which way the individual views the video.

Music video

Opens with high angle shot of a woman held down in a bath- dead- by a Breezeblock (referencing to the song name). Puts the audience in a privileged position, onlookers of a murder.

Constant cuts to close-ups and extreme close ups, which don’t reveal the full story. It connotes the idea of piecing together a story; a mystery.

Repeated cutaway to a close up of a knife, the mise-en-scene of the knife having connotations of death, murder and violence. Gives the music video a dark and disturbing tone.

Extreme close-up of the wedding ring, reveals key information. Showing that the man is married; hinting at the idea of affairs resulting in violence.

The close-ups are particularly effective as they are keeping the story mysterious by only revealing small details. It also makes the audience feel close to the action; we as an audience are involved in the fight. In relation to the song, the lyrics of the song become more meaningful and like a story due to the video.

Technical aspects: Use of the camera

Not cut to the beat of the song. The only relation the song has to the video is the subject matter.

No lip-syncing or appearance of band members; unlike the majority of music videos.

The video has been rewind, to create confusion and mystery. A story is being pieced together.

Lots of fast cuts to various angles, makes the audience feel disorientated. Fast cuts as the man and woman fight highlights the speed and intensity of the fight.Editing

The prop of the knife has connotations of violence and murder, this giving the video a dark undertone. This also gives the audience an idea of the story and generating questions.

Low key lighting gives the video a mysterious and negative feel. Music video performed in a basement, and therefore this suggests ideas of kidnap.

Mise-en-scene of the wedding ring suggests affair related problems.

Dark clothing, adding to the dark atmosphere.

Mise-en-scene