1. MUSIC VIDEO TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Three Days Grace – Pain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud4HuAzHEUc
The video begins with shots of 4 people 2 of which are female and 2 male. The 2 females are
standing around almost lifelessly whereas the 2 males are listening to music through
headphones and moving around more. This could connote that the music is bringing them
to life as shown in sharp binary oppositions between the two genders. The females not
listening to music could connote a stereotype that the rock genre is more appealing to
males than females. However, the use of both genders in a rock music video could show
that the artists have a wide audience of both males and females. Through both genders
shown in the video both genders will be able to identify more closely and relate to the
product (Uses and Gratification). On the other hand, if the video focused more on one
gender the other may still find it appealing through escapism (U+G). During the opening
shot there is a non diabetic sound of bird tweeting. The clarity of the sound highlights even
further to the audience how lifeless the female is. The bird tweeting connotes the start of
something (in this case the video) as birds often tweet in the morning at the beginning of
the day. The shots between the 4 people are fast which could be to prevent audience
boredom while still building suspense to the start of the music. The music starting almost
acts as an equilibrium for the audience due to the blank negative sound after the bird
tweets.
As the music starts the lead singer is shown singing into a hand held microphone. The
audience may identify with this on a more personal level compared to the standard
microphone on a stand as it is more personalised (eg easier for singer to walk around with
it). The microphone could also represent the band as unique. The singer has an indirect
mode of address and is not centred in the rule of thirds, but despite this still holds power
due to being the main thing on screen and through a blurred depth of field. The music at
this point is calm however the singer makes some jagged movements as he sings. The
camera starts at a mid shot but slowly moves into a close up as the singer sings which could
be to build suspense for audiences. The singer has long hair and is wearing all black clothing
so conforms to generic conventions of the rock genre. Audiences will be able to identify
with this due to these conventions and fans of the rock genre may have increased appeal.
Through Hypodermic Needle the clothing could connote straight away to audiences that this
band is of the rock genre. In the rock genre the clothing may give the singer the role of hero
due to being fashionable (Propps), whereas out of the rock genre the black clothing could
make him seem evil and therefore the role of a villain. As the other instruments come in the
rest of the band are seen wearing generic clothing of the rock genre (eg black clothing) and
therefore this connotes further confirmation of the rock genre for fans and allows them to
identify closer with the music (U+G). The camera rotates around the different band
members and their instruments making the sound diagetic. This also conforms to the rock

2. genre as usually in rock videos if the singer is shown the band is also, whereas in other
genres such as RnB this is not the case.
During the singers first verse there is a flash of one of the males shown at the beginning
standing in almost exactly the same way as the lead singer and shown in the same way
through rule of thirds, mid shot. This similarity could give audiences pleasure through
making them feel closer to the band on a personal level as it connotes how the singer and
the male are relating. This also later happens with a female character so therefore widens
the appeal to both genders and lessens and therefore widens the target audience and
lessens male rock stereotypes. The characters are seen wearing less rock like clothes then
the singer and therefore this could widen appeal and target audiences of the band further
as it shows that things like this are not needed to identify with the product (U+G). The
normal clothing of the male and female also lessens binary oppositions and creates a binary
oppositions in clothing between the characters and the singer. The male is also later seen
with a graffiti background connoting more urban and hip hop genres. This therefore further
widens the product appeal and connotes how anyone can listen to the music.
During the choruses the band and singer move have allot stronger and faster movements as
appose to the verses. This helps make the choruses more powerful and hard hitting as it
helps audiences identify that this is the main bit of the song, and conforms to generic
conventions of the rock genre is which the choruses are usually the loudest, most impacting.
The male and female characters are also shown singing and nodding/dancing to the chorus
which shows how they are relating to the product and find it appealing. Through
Hypodermic Needle this could make audiences find the product appealing. The singers hero
role is strengthened through this and he is also given power through it. There is a close up of
the male characters face as he sings along to the chorus. This shows the angry emotions of
the characters which further show how he is relating to the song. The female is shown with
a hood up which could connote negative stereotypes of young people and rebellion.
The lead singer is shown singing in many different locations/times/situations yet is still
holding the same body language and emotion which makes the product seem more true and
genuine and therefore audiences may relate to it on a more serious level. The band are
located in a decilet, large, dimly lit house. This conforms to generic conventions of the rock
genre through lighting etc whilst the size of the house does represent success and
dominance of the band. This is similar with the bands expensive instruments as they to
represent the rock genre whilst representing success and power. Through the windows it is
evident that it is daytime and therefore daylight should be lighting up the setting, however
it is still dull and dim which could connote the darkness of the emotion and lyrics etc in the
song.
Near the end of the video all characters and members of the band are shown with the same
tattoo on the back of their neck. The tattoo is a red cross X and therefore holds negative and
powerful connotations. Red represents the anger in the song and X could represent

3. rebelling (doing wrong) or that the characters are special for identifying with the song (X
marks the spot). The tattoos act as a logo and therefore help create a brand identity for the
band. This could increase audience appeal as audiences can make associations with the red
x and the band and therefore the band can achieve more audience awareness. As soon as
the music stops the band members all begin to act more calmly and normally which could
connote how the product is unique and bringing life to those who listen or relate. It could
also allow audiences escapism(U+G), due to the video making it seem as if the song placed
people in a state different to normal life.

4. Linkin Park – Papercut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjVkXlxsO8Q&list=PL08230BC08BF305AC
The video begins with a long shot of a well lighted room, with one of the band members
opening a door into the room. The door being opened connotes the start of the song, and
could relate to audiences by connoting that audiences are opening a door by consuming the
product (opening the door has positive connotations). The band enter in slow motion and
jump cuts which appeals to audiences as it is at a clear medium for them to identify with
through slow motion highlighting each member of the band and jump cuts not making the
process boring. Band members are also seen preparing and picking up instruments which
connotes that music will soon be heard and rises suspense to the start of the song. The
instruments could highlight a near start of the song to audiences through Uses and
Gratification (identify) and Hypodermic needle.
The music begins acting as an equilibrium to the previous silence. Band members are now
seen dancing to the music and using instruments, allowing audiences to identify them as the
band and possibly the heroes of the video (Propps). Fans may also identify with the video
concept of being in a room with the band through escapism (U+G). The camera travels
around the room and zooms into each member of the band, which could connote they all
have the same amount of power dominance. This is also shown through the rule of thirds.
However, it could also be argued that the first two band members shown once the music
had began were the most powerful due to being shown first. Equal band dominance is a
generic convention of the rock genre as appose to other genres such as RnB in which often
the main singer/artist is given more dominance and power in videos. There is a close up of a
lamp turning off/getting darker by itself along with a similar yet possibly non diagetic sound.
This could connote Disequilibrium. The camera then pans to another much more
scary/negative looking room which also connotes disequilibrium and binary oppositions due
to the difference between this room and the room the band members are in. The darkness
of the room connotes enigma and conforms to the rock genre through generic darkness and
black colours. This could appeal to fans of the rock genre as a clear generic convention could
allow them to identify more clearly with the product (U+G). Despite the rooms negative
connotations, when it is first seen there is a “powering up sound” which contrasts the sound
heard during the shot of the lamp (binary oppositions). This sound has positive connotations
and could build suspense for audiences to the “drop” of the song. The song then “drops”
and seems to begin fully which along with the powering up noise acts as an equilibrium. This
confirms to the rock genre as despite there being a negative and dark room being shown the
music drops here which connotes equilibrium and therefore making darkness etc less of a
disequilibrium like many rock products do. There are many generic conventions in this room
such as chains and blood. The blood could relate to the title of the song and therefore
appeal to the audiences through a relation in the video narrative to the music being heard.

5. A band member begins singing/rapping. He is given power through the rule of thirds, direct
mode of address and depth of field. Although he is rapping the rock genre is still connoted
strongly through things such as rock background music, guitars being shown, and generic
rock clothing and style such as all black, red and Mohawks. The contrast between rap and
rock creates a binary oppositions yet still fits which allows audience appeal and escapism
(U+G) as many rock songs would not contain rap. The chorus begins and the lead singer is
singing. It is now clear to the audience through the lyrics and emotion being shown through
things such as close ups of the band that the dark room being shown is a visual
interpretation of a negative/darker side of the band that they are talking about. This makes
the narrative clearer and therefore easier for audiences to identify with (U+g). A visual
interpretation of band emotions could appeal to fans as it could make them feel as if they
know the band on a more personal level. Audiences may also have increased appeal through
relating with what the band are saying, and those who don’t may have increased appeal
through escapism (U+G). At one point a light turns on in the dark room, which could
connote that this side of the artists has been activated/come to life. The light shows words
scribbled onto the wall which through the scratches and capital letters connote anger and
conform to the pace and emotion of the song. Soon after this a member of the band
addresses the audience as “you” through lyrics. This could appeal to audiences through
possible social interaction with the band (U+G) and relating more strongly to the product.
Eventually a person is seen in the darker room acting manically. This connotes further that
the room has been brought to life and therefore also the emotion and feelings of the band
lyrics. The person is acting manically and this is highlighted through jump cuts and through
pace being sped up. Band members such as the first one that rapped also act manically
which shows a relation between the person in the room and the band members, and makes
the narrative clearer and easier to identify with (U+G). Things begin happening in both
rooms that are way out of the ordinary and allow audience escapism, through the idea that
the video is a different reality (such as moving owl statue, paintings, walls). A possible
member of the band sitting on a sofa who has been previously still and calm is seen noticing
these changes through close up shots. The shots show importance to this character and that
actually he is important to the narrative. These hallucinogenic aspects could connote drug
use or that this character is experiencing a darker side to himself as connoted in the lyrics.
Throughout all the changes in the room the camera movement is fast and therefore
matches the pace of the song. The speeding up of characters such as the person in the room
also matches the music with the narrative. The person in the dark room is seen opening his
eyes, connoting life and power. Whereas the calm character in the lit room is seen to be
melting away. This could connote that this darker side has taken over, and could connote a
change in roles from hero to villain (Propps), along with disequilibrium.
Foo Fighters – All my life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ04WbgI9rg

6. The video opens with a low angle shot of a billboard with Foo Fighters advertising. The
words “in concert tonight” allow audiences to identify a possible narrative that may take
place for the video. The low angle shot connotes power and dominance to the Foo Fighters
as it is as if we are looking up to them as the audience. Some audiences may therefore see
them as hero roles (Propps). The black typography connotes the rock genre, and against a
white background offers binary oppositions. The typography is in capital letters, further
connoting dominance. However, the advertising looks unprofessional for a band of that
scale so it could be a reference to when the band was previously less popular. It could also
be on a smaller scale to help appeal to audiences on a more personal level. It could also
appeal to audiences as it connotes that the band may wish to be modest and not boast of
their success, therefore strengthening them being seen as heroes and idols. This contrasts
other genres such as Rap in which artists may use expensive items such as Jewellery to
boast success. The camera then pans to a stadium, which due to the branding on the
advertising audiences are able to identify as the place of the performance (U+G). The
stadium looks large, modern and even dominant so actually does connote the band as
successful, wealthy, powerful and popular (this creates a binary oppositions to the billboard
advertisement). The first shot of the band is a low angle shot, making them seem dominant
and powerful. The first two band members are arguably being connoted as the most
important due to them being equal in the rule of thirds, and in front and more clear to the
audience. By this point the music has begun acting as an equilibrium to the previous silence.
It is also repetitive creating suspense to the “drop” of the song. The band are holding guitars
so it is as if they are about to go on stage and perform. The clothes of the band are not
particular generic to the rock genre, however the genre is still connoted through guitars,
long hair and tattoos.
The band goes on stage and the lead singer begins singing. It is dark (connoting enigma) and
there is a bright light shining only on a lead singer as he sings. The light makes him seem as
if he is the most important, and makes him stand out through the binary oppositions of light
and dark. There is a high angle shot of the singer however he is still connoted as powerful
through the light. The high angle shows audiences that the other band members are there,
however are not shown due to darkness as therefore connoting further the lead singers
power and importance. This could represent the lead singer being the front man who often
in bands is the face of the music. The camera eventually goes down to an slight low angle
close up of the singers face. The slight low angle shows dominance, and the close up shows
the passion and emotion in his face while singing. This can make the product more
appealing to audiences. As the “drop” kicks in their is a sting from the guitar which gives the
start even more power and impact. The stage is lit up connoting the energy of the song.
Audiences can clearly identify the band members, which could connote how the music has
brought them to life (now that they are using the instruments, they are visible) making the
product more appealing to audiences and even connoting escapism for audiences. The band
are playing seriously and passionately, and are nodding/moving at the pace of the music.

7. The fast shots between the different band members also matches the music. Both of these
match the video narrative to the music, making it a more effective watch for audiences.
Therefore conforming to audience expectations and allowing them to identify more
enjoyably (U+g). There is a large heart logo behind them on stage, which is a logo of an
album from the band. This being shown in the video offers the band a more clear brand
identity and promotes the product. Audiences can now make associations between the logo
and product through Hypodermic Needle. The heart is red, conforming to the rock genre. It
looks hand drawn so therefore makes the product seem more personal from the band and
therefore appealing to audiences. The heart connotes love so in this case could connote the
band and fans love for music. The heart later changes to what looks like a puddle of blood.
The blood conforms to the rock genre. Heartbreak is also connoted and some may make this
interpretation through lyrics. However, some may not due to the explosive and powerful
nature of the song.
Later in the song there is a break in the powerful verses and choruses, leaving the same
suspense building repetitive guitar sound heard at the beginning. This break makes the song
more unique, less appealing and includes more suspense building, so therefore would
appeal to audiences. During this period the band are shown in slow motion, which matches
the music as although the guitar is not slow paced, it has a less powerful sound to the verses
and choruses. The band members are still seen jumping wildly (generic convention of rock
genre) so the passion and emotion of the song is not lost. This could appeal to audiences as
they still feel a clear identity and relation to the product. The heart logo returns and is now
yellow coloured, connoting energy (however there is still switches between red and yellow).
The stage darkens again and only members of the band are lit. Once again, the lead singer is
the main focus so his importance is still connoted. There are flashes of light and dark which
conform to the rock genre through unpredictable and wild connotations. As the music kicks
in again the stage is completely darkened and is given a red background. The red colour
connotes the rock genre further, and through the heart brand audiences may make
associations between this colour and the band. The band are now unable to be seen
properly which gives them even more wild connotations, this also makes the band seem
unique. The singer then begins singing again more emotionally and powerfully and his
movements match the music, connoting to audiences the passion and therefore allowing
them to more strongly identify with the product (U+g). The lead singer is clearly visible
through lighting whereas the others aren’t which once again connotes him as more
important represents him as the front man for the band. However, the band are still visible
and it is still clear they play an important role in the music due to the clear activity behind
the lead singer. The stage is relit as the chorus comes in and three banners drop behind the
band with the bands logo. These banners completely dominate the rule of thirds and are
clear for the audience to identify with. The FF makes it obvious for audiences that it is a logo
for the band, and once again the red connotes the rock genre. There are also flashes of the
heart and blood on separate screens. The use of many backdrops/screens as apposed to the

8. darkness and use of one screen previously in the song connotes how the song has
progressed and is now well into its duration. The many screens also connote a finale. At the
end of the song lyrics of the song are shown on the screens. This offers audiences a chance
to identify with the product even more (U+G) and experience social interaction through
singing with the singer (U+G). The typography is clear through size, and binary oppositions
of black and white. The text used conforms to the rock genre as it is not plain and rough
around the edges of the letters (connoting wildness and rebellion which are common rock
themes).
After the music stops the camera zooms out and it is made obvious to the audience that
nobody has watched the performance in the narrative. This connotes the band as
passionate and dedicated as it shows how they put everything into the music even in times
of practice or when other bands would not see the point of performing. This connotes a love
for the music and fans will identify with this (U+g). The last shot is of the stadium and a now
dark sky, contrasting the stadium in daytime when first seen. Despite the 4-5 minute length
of the song it is now dark connoting that time has gone due to having fun. This makes the
product seem more enjoyable and even connotes escapism into a trance when listening to
the song (U+G).