Coffee and TV-Blur

2. INTR0
I have decided to look at Blur’s song Coffee and TV.
In order to broaden my analysis I have taken 5
screen shots of interesting points within the
music video and have analysed each individually
in aim to break the video down.

3. SCREEN SHOT ONE

4. CAMERA
The use of a slightly low angle, allows us, the viewer to see
the foreground of the medium shot as well as the mans’
forlorn look. This invites us into the Televised bard styled
video, by showing the start of the story and setting the
scene. The low angle also makes the man appear to be
lost in thought isolating him from his surroundings,
emphasising the sadness seen in his expression.

5. MISE-EN-SCENE
We are shown a family eating breakfast highlighting the
title of the song through the bright yellow coffee mugs.
The importance of the milk carton and photo in the
background create an interesting contrast. Whilst the
brighter coloured carton remains out of focus, our
attention is drawn to it as it obstructs the view of the
shot. The photograph in the background is also mirrored
in the foreground , emphasising the male featuring.

6. SOUND AND EDITING
As the shot continues the camera pans down leading to a
jump cut of the table and the milk carton coming to life.
The editing paired with the slow beat of the drums in
the background creates the chilled laidback sound of the
song, highlighting the genre of music and vibe of Blur.

7. SCREEN SHOT 2

8. CAMERA
A side tracking shot is used to show the progress of the
milk cartons’ journey, also paired with the quickened
pace of music it forces the audience to keep up with the
changing shot. The close up shot allows the viewer to
experience the overly happy, cute animated face of the
cartoon adding to their enjoyment and attachment to
this little character.

9. MISE-EN-SCENE
The bright colours and cartoon face of the milk cartoon add
a comedic value to the music video. Taking a serious
subject but adding humour appeals to the audience and
captures their attention whilst delivering a more serious
message. Contrastingly the monotone image on the side
of the cartoon advertising the missing person
reemphasises the main story line and theme of the
video.

10. SOUND AND EDITING
The comedic value of the the milk cartoon is re inverted
with the music, it’s as if the music is diegetic and the
cartoon is swaggering along to it. The phase of the shot
also picks up in time with the quickening upbeat
chorus.

11. SCREEN SHOT 3

12. CAMERA
Birds eye view shot is used to show a slightly conventional
death scene were the victim is lying on the road with a
pool of blood (Strawberry Milk) surrounding them. Again
by playing with a conventional image the music video
captivates the viewer, almost mocking the stereotypical
death scene through the use of inanimate, unimportant
objects. In that sense it’s unconventional as you would not
expect to see a milk cartoon brought to life in a alternative
rock band genre. The shot also slowly zooms out allowing
the whole picture to be seen, emphasised in the lyrics
“Take me away from this big bad world”.

13. MISE-EN-SCENE
The contrast in colours between “the big bad world” and
the colourful milk cartoons demonstrates the surreal
element of the music video. The dark greys of the
concrete mirror the darker message in the
song, separating reality from the make believe.

14. SOUND AND EDITING
As the shot zooms out another jump cut is used to show
the exaggerated, pained look on the milk cartons face.
The camera moves from side to side with the carton to
show the distressed situation he finds himself in.

15. SCREEN SHOT 4

16. CAMERA
With the transition into a new location an establishing long
shot is used to show the darker more dangerous
scenery, which offers itself to the genre of alternative
rock that Blur fall into. The darker colours and dingy
back street is more conventional to the rock genre and
Blurs image.

17. MISE-EN-SCENE
The rubbish and the overturned dustbin symbolise a less
safer atmosphere linking more to the bands image.
Paired with the frightened expression on the milk
cartons face, we see the desperation of the carton to
find the missing person. The carton is very much out of
place, surrounded by dark shadows the bright white and
blue stand out. The audience is made to feel slightly
uncomfortable but at the same time humoured by the
terrified look on the milk cartons face.

18. EDITING AND SOUND
As the milk carton enters the ally, a sound bridge featuring
an electric guitar solo comes in. Adding to the creepy,
darker vibe of the ally, the loud ‘electrifying’ music
creates the climax, disturbing the softer music played
before. Enticing and exciting the audience with a new
sense of danger and comedy.

19. SCREEN SHOT 5

20. CAMERA
Finally a long shot allows us to see the band Blur. It
incorporated there relaxed image with the neutral
colours and chilled composition of the band members.
The eye level shot allows the viewer to feel included
within the band rehearsal, welcoming them into the
short clip of the actual band.

21. MISE-EN-SCENE
The warm, inviting, rustic colours of the practise room and
surroundings invites the audience in replicating the
bands persona. It also introduces us to each member of
the band and their instrument within in it. Therefore
within this shot commercial exhibitionist applies.

22. EDITING AND SOUND
The shot slowly pans to the right reemphasising the vibe of
the band and rhythm of the song. As the music picks up
the shots become faster using multiple jump cuts.

23. THEORIES
Goodwin: The theory of disjuncture is applied to this
music video, as the lyrics have little relation to what's
happening on screen.
Shore: Immediate gratification is apparent as the video is
humorous and the character likable, it also includes
parts of classical storytelling’s motifs by following the
journey of a “hero”.
Carlsson: The Televised bard mostly applies to this music
video as the story of the search for a lost person is
portrayed. However nearer the end of the music video
Blur appear performing their song, which is commercial
exhibitionist as they are artists selling their image.

24. Lyrics:
Although not entirely relevant as to the main story of the song, the lyrics
are definitely attached to what is happening. For example the lines :
I've seen so much
I'm goin blind
And i'm braindead virtually
Sociability
It's hard enough for me
Could symbolise the perilous journey the milk carton has had to
undertake in order to find the missing person.
Conventions:
Coffee and TV has played around with the conventions of the alternative
rock genre. Whilst conforming to some such as the the darker dreary
colours of the back ally and the chilled shots of the band in rehearsals,
others such as the whole cheery milk carton character surprise and
interest the viewer. This paired with the length of the video are seen as
unconventional to the genre.