Research: Previous student video review

As part of reviewing an original music video from previous media students, I have decided to review the video cover of Coldplay's 'Fix You', created by Nora, Tobi, Keith and Rex.

                   
                 Nora Ehizode, Tobi Quadri, Keith Drew, Rex Ejimonyeabala from 283goswell on Vimeo.

After watching many of the previous student videos, this video done a very good job in drawing my attention to the themes and conventions that were put together to create this great final product. Aside to my enjoyment in watching this, I have to point out that I'm not an avid follower of this genre of music, so it would be taken that viewing a video to a song which isn't of one's taste in music would make it harder to appreciate both of them at all, however, this video breaks this typicality for me.

This amplification style music video achieves it's potential and matches the conventions in which amplification music videos follow, by adding new layers of meaning to accompany the song visually, but at the same time, linking back to the song through the ideas which are expressed visually, allowing us to easily identify these links. One idea which was used in this video that I particularly admired was the use of having the artist perform in the same scene as one of the actors in the video, however, making it clear as if they didn't notice each other in order to create a more powerful illustration of the lyrics by having the artist sing within the narrative scenes of the video.

Furthermore, I believe the use of costume was effective and made the music video look much more authentic. The use of props tied with the suitable choice of costume, in this instance the bag held by the young man who is smartly dressed, highlights that the actor is someone who works, suggestively for a professional company considering the choice of prop and costume. This example displays ideas on screen about the character, and brings them to life, which for me allowed me to appreciate the song along with the video more.

Another thing which I also liked is the use of colour editing within this video. The video begins with a black and white filter over the original video. This sets the initial mood for the video, in this instance being down and negative. However, a little later into the video, this filter is removed, which instantly changes the mood of the video and aids the presence of continuity as this convention is used more than once. A range of different locations were also used, allowing for more base tracks, and making the video much more enjoyable.