2. Around the world – Daft Punk
General Information:
"Around the World" is a song by Daft Punk. It is from the album Homework
from 1997. The song is mainly recognized for its simple lyrics being "Around
the World". It is also known for its music video, which was directed by Michel
Gondry and because the video was very unique for it’s time as music video’s
during that time usually consisted an artist performing. Furthermore, it
became a major club hit globally and was a big hit considering the dance
charts.
3. Grondy’s Vision
Throughout the music video, it contains four different groups of
characters performing a dance sequence on a circle
platform, which represents a vinyl record. It features; four
robots, four tall athletes wearing prosthetic heads, four
synchronized swimmers and four skeletons. Each group of
characters perform a dance sequence in a different part of the
vinyl record stage.
Each group of four characters represents a different
instrument. According to Gondry, the robots like characters
represent the singing voice due to the singing voice edited to
sound like a robot. The fast pace bass guitar symbolises the
athletes whereas the keyboard represents the female dancers
as the high pitched keyboard sounds more feminine compared
to the other instruments. The "itchy" skeletons dance to the
guitar line and the mummies represent the drum beat. This is
meant to be a visual representation of the song.
The dance sequence was improved and initially developed by
choreographer Blanca Li. Costumes were designed by Florence
Fontaine lights were operated by the director's brother. Many
of Grondy’s family members were involved in the making of the
music video.
4. Camera Work
The music video consisted of many
shots, angles and camera movement
throughout. It started of with a long sot
showing everything in the scene e.g.- dancers
on dark stage with a colourful light background.
This was used frequently. In some cases
zooming in and out was used, zooming in was
used so that the audience can focus on a
particular character group (the mummies).
Whereas zooming out was to then show the
whole scene after focusing on that one group.
Some low and high angles were also used in
particular when shooting the characters on the
right and left. The camera also tracked in
around the circular stage which signifies the
lyrics “Around the world.”
There was also some ariel shot(birds eye view)
which looked visually interesting due the dance
sequence happening on the round rotating
stage.
5. Lighting
The music video was shot in a dark
setting using artificial light in some
areas. The background consists of a
wall of light which changes colours and
the lights flashed and where edited to
suit in rhythm, when a different beat
kicked in the song (climax of song) .
Since the setting was dark there was
the main focus on the stage which
contained a lighting (spot light) which
also sometimes differed depending on
the change of rhythm, beat and etc.
6. Editing
There was not many computer editing or any transitions
in the video as the main focus was the stage full of
dancing ad the rhythmic lighting. It only consisted of the
simple shot to next shot.
7. MISE en SCENE
Throughout the music video, it contains four different groups of characters performing a dance
sequence on a circle platform, which represents a vinyl record. It features; four robots, four tall
athletes wearing prosthetic heads, four synchronized swimmers and four skeletons. Each group
of characters perform a dance sequence in a different part of the vinyl record stage.
The stage is round and has a higher platform in the middle it also consists a short stair case on
both left and right, it also rotates in some scenes of the video which represents the lyrics
“Around the world.”
The background consists of a wall of light which changes colours and the lights flashed and
where edited to suit in rhythm, when a different beat kicked in the song. The further
surrounding is just black therefore the stage and what on it is the only focus.
Each dance group are dressed up in different characters. the female dancers are wearing
costumes of a synchronized swimmer which in Grondy’s view are meant to be ‘disco girls’. There
also four robot characters dressed in a futuristic helmet and in silver suit which is now the iconic
symbol or identifier of the band. There are also costumes of mummies, tall athletes and
skeletons. Each different groups of characters are meant to represent the diversity of the world
and the different areas amongst it.
8. Sound
There are no extra sounds besides the sound track in the video which
includes:
•Instruments: keyboard, drums, guitar, bass guitar and etc
•A robotic voice as the singer
