Research - Analysing costume, setting and location

Song/artist: Jeremih ft 50 Cent - Down On Me

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Costume: The first appearance on 50 Cent shows him wearing an urban styled outfit including a diamond cross chain, sunglasses and a snap-back. Jeremih is also seen as wearing a similar outfit as he wear a back v-neck with sunglasses following a black hoodie. The whole representation of the artists give the audience the sense that the genre of the song is hip-hop, as the culture is seen through their image which portrays them both as wealthy and urban. The models are dressed in mainly underwear which express their sexuality; this supports Laura Muvley's theory of the male gaze. 

Location/Setting: The location is set in a large dark room which gives an urban feel to the whole concept of the video. There is a scene in the video where the females' figures are used through a translucent wall which is done to emphasize the sexual content of the video. 

Props: The models in the video are dancing with objects such as an umbrella, a guitar and a chair. The simple idea of the video people quite basic is to bring the attention to the stars and the models of the video which relate to the lyrics of the song. Jeremih is wearing headphones towards the end of the video; the speakers in the background and the guitar played by the model all are used so that the theme of the video is evolved around the music which is very technological. 

Song/Artist: Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce - Telephone

Genre: Pop

Costume: The costumes in this video appear to be very fancy, unusual and unique in order to draw attention to the stars of the video - Lady Gaga and Beyonce in this case. The costumes are extremely exaggerated and unusual which reflect the personality of the artist and her style; for example, Gaga is wearing soda cans in her hair replacing rollers and in another clip where she is wearing glasses which have lighten cigarettes attached. The video portrays the whole idea of a pop video, consisting of the stars and their image being the main focus of the video.

Location/setting: The first location is a prison which sets the story as this is where the narrative of the story starts. The video is then filmed inside the prison as Gaga is taken to jail, which sets up the idea of there being a make-believe story. Lady Gaga takes on more than one role as she is seen in the jail, then takes on being the chef in the kitchen which makes the audience believe that there is a story, therefore she is the main character who narrates the video. 

Props: Many props are used to create a realistic scenario of the video. For example, dishes and food are used for the dining scene which set up the scene. A telephone is also used as a prop to emphasise the fact that she is on the phone and it is relevant to the lyrics of the song and the title which is 'Telephone'.

Song/artist: Mumford and Sons - Hopeless Wonderer

Genre: Indie/Folk/Country

Costume: The costumes of this video seem to be very simple. I've noticed that in the indie genre, music videos appear to be a lot more about the music than the actual image of the band of aritsts. Four of the band members are wearing similar costumes: Simple shirts and trousers and waistcoats. 

Location: The first scene takes place in a field which is relevent towards the indie theme as it is filmed in daylight and is very simple. The video constists of farm related locations, props and costumes which are appropriate for the genre of the video. The second location takes place in a barn. The main focus of the video is the actual music as instruments are used to create the sense that they are playing live.

Props: Like most of their videos, this video uses mainly instruments as props to highlight their actual music. A large piano is being played in timing of the music to reflect the occupation of that specific members place in the band. For example another member is playing a guitar and the lead member of the band will usually be singing.