Music Video Analysis

Music Video analysis

All I Want-Kodaline

This music video is an example of a narrative video. The story relates to the lyrics, as the main character has an attraction to the girl in the office, but she isn’t interested due to his unusual face. All he wants is to have a normal life, and to be able to talk to this girl, but he is bullied by his co-workers which lowers his confidence.

The mes-en scene indicates that the main setting of the video is an office. The music has not started yet, and the sounds of phones ringing are typical of what you would find within an office.

The reaction shot, shows the sense of fear the woman presents to what she has just seen. The sound of her screams indicates her terror

The reaction shot from the man, explains the woman’s terror as she is shocked by the man’s unusual facial features. A sense of surprise is shown by the acting of the man.

Within the music video, members of the band appear as extras. They have cameo roles within the music video; however they are never of main focus or importance within the narrative. The lack of focus on the musicians is typical of what you might find in many alternative music videos. Pop videos usually have a lot of focus on the artist and their glamorous representation, while many alternative artists want to put more focus on the music itself rather than on their image.

the over the shoulder camera angle, gives the impression that the man in the video is spying on the girl. The blurred part of the office cubicle in the shot, gives the effect that the audience is watching him secretly.

In this long shot, the view of the girl in the reflection is symbolic of the man wanting to be with someone who may not have the same intention. It is represents her as being close to him, in his field of vision, but only just out of reach.

The lens flare in this shot, gives the impression that this is a happier time for the man and it gives it more of a sentimental feel. The flare has connotations of warmth, and a joyful quality to it.

The low angle makes the man seem more superior, in association to the dog. It puts the viewer in the dog’s perspective, and suggests they have a close bond that he may long to have with a real person. This personal connection encourages empathy from the viewer, as it would seem he has no real friends.

The scenes of the man in the house with his dog further emphasise his loneliness. The props of the guitar and the painting set show him to be creative, which makes him seem more mindful. He also interacts with the dog as if it was a friend of his, suggesting that it is all he wants.

in this scene, the dark lighting has connotations of the sad and depressed mood he is in. The empty chares show him to be completely alone, and rejected from his colleagues.

The fighting sequence occurs to go with the music picking up. The song begins to sound more cheerful and optimistic, and therefore goes with the character overcoming his colleagues to protect the girl.

The running and the fast paced editing, also goes with the music picking up towards the end of the song. It suggests a conclusion is coming and that there is a happy ending.

The video ends with a long shot of the man running down the street in joy, giving the video a happy ending. This imitates the typical scene in a film where the hero walks away into the horizon.