James Wakeling 13B Media Studies - Music Video

The video I am analysing is Underclass Hero by Sum 41 as it is closely associated with the genre (post-grunge) that the track we intend to use for our video is part of. It contains the prominent punk-rock/grunge themes of anti-establishment and anarchy, and is about the struggle of the class system in society. It was released on the 15th May 2007 on Island Records and reached No.4 on the MuchMusic Countdown

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=i1bTsaIf2ww

The video for “Underclass Hero” premiered on the 29th May 2007 on the bands website
it features a group performance of the band playing behind a large group of teenagers, with fireworks, a marching-band and a bonfire in the background - it signifies rebelliousness and chaos and there is an almost comedic element of having a mascot, in a foam anarchy symbol suit.
The video was co-directed by Marc Klasfeld and Sum 41 drummer Steve Jocz.
The band are playing outside in a field to a crowd of teenagers circled around a huge bonfire, with one dressed up in a comic foam Anarchy outfit. There are cheerleaders performing routines whilst a brass band appears to play – there are several people acting over-excitingly, one sliding around a plastic slide then spraying beer over himself and people nearby. At the end the lead singer performs to the camera in front of the crowd acting hysterically in the background
1 – Goodwin
Band performance – main attraction
Concept narrative – young people acting wildly in a rebellious manner
This is the result of a type of formula to give deliberately give continuity to the bands meta-narrative and star-status as ‘young, rock stars’
The video illustrates on the songs lyrics about authority and corruption by portraying the young crowd members as rebelling against ‘the establishment’
Klasfeld also gives Amplification by using recurring elements of his work, particularly camera techniques such as 180 degree movements around the lead singer/members of the band and mid shots whilst performing, combined with low angle shots reminiscent of his other work – e.g. Foo Fighters – Times Like These
2 – Visual techniques
· C/Ups of each band member
· Mid shots whilst performing to show instruments
· Editing - Quick cuts between members
· over cranked shots – mostly of crowd
· Mise-en-scene – performing in a field at night, lit by a bonfire and fireworks
· Long shots at the end – show size of crowd
· Use of handi-cam
· 180 degree movements from side to side of performers
· Tracking shot – character moving on plastic slide
· Low angle – lead singer singing
· First person mode of address – both lead singer (at end) and crowd members in front of bonfire – breaks the “fourth wall”
3 – Band Representation
· The band are easily recogniseable – wearing informal costume – ‘rock band’
‘Grain of voice’ – almost shouty quality reminiscent of late 90’s/early 00’s and American Pie films (as they were in soundtrack)
4 – Intertextuality
· Use some elements from other work by director – mainly camera techniques
· Some self-reference – e.g. crowd in ‘In Too Deep’
5 – Postmodern features
Represents questionable behaviour to some aspects of society
6 - Social Groups Representation
· All young – probably students – mainly white – ‘good natured’
7 – Ideological discourse
· possibly tries to confront conventional stereotypes of young people as being irresponsible – they are acting wildly and being anarchic but do not do anything illegal
· critical of authority/social structures
8 – Video Consumption
this video would be aimed at young audiences of a similar age to the characters in the video – has similarities to some peoples lifestyle