Media Language

1. MEDIA LANGUAGE
Analysing the use of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and context in ‘Lazarus’ by
David Bowie

2. CONTEXT
• The song ‘Lazarus’ is part of David Bowies album ‘Blackstar’ written before his death on the 10th January 2016
• David Bowie is well known for his many alter-egos and characters played in his performances on stage and in
his music videos
• He tends to usually create a story/short film in his music videos which overall gives the song itself an added
dimension. Such as ‘Blackstar’ itself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kszLwBaC4Sw)
• One of Bowies most iconic characters was Ziggy Stardust, releasing the album titled ‘The rise and fall of Ziggy
Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’
• ‘Blackstar’ as mentioned was released two days before his death. Diverting away from the Pop genre. Many say
that this is his most extreme album in existence.
• ‘Blackstar’ was nominated for, and won all 5 Grammies in 2017

3. CINEMATOGRAPHY
The cinematography could adapt the interpretation of Bowies alter-egos and characters in
relation to him and his strength. The high angle shots looking down at Bowie instantly deprives
him of power. With the camera panning up his body to start with giving him a sense of exposure
and additional vulnerability. The high angle shots also are rather fluidly moving with canted
angles, with no still shots being used. This could infer that he is unstable or not in control – and
in this case – not in control of his wellbeing.
Parallel to this, the shots of Bowie as he exits the wardrobe and is wearing a timid costume yet
hinting towards his infamous use of characters and alter-egos are mid shots. This, unlike the
bed shots, creates a rather powerful image, reinforced by the odd low angle composition. With
this, the audience can easily identify with Bowie and appreciate what they love about him – this
being his powerful costumes that shook a nation. With no extreme uses of low angles in the
video, it is fair to say that Bowie is respected and respectful of his fans and doesn’t want to
position himself above them I this dark time. Instead, the audience can feel sympathetic for
Bowie as they are mainly looking down on him.
The extreme close up shots play on the sensitivity of the video and story. The audience who
have loved Bowie throughout his career are presented with an intense visual of the man
himself, in pain, and bedridden. This overall play on sensitivity provides the audience with a
feeling of connection and a way to say goodbye to the idol before he departs.

4. MISE-EN-SCENE
The location and setting of the video is very simplistic. This simplicity proves effective as there
is only a few things to focus on, therefore, making them more impactful and intense. At first
glance, it seems like Bowie is sitting in a bed in a hospital room. This instantly signifies a
danger to his health or alternatively a progression. Regardless, it connects well to the real life
story of Bowie at the time.
The wardrobe in the corner of the room could be a hint towards his many alter-egos and the
way he can easily change from one to another by a change of costume. However, the way that
bowie is bed-bound infers that he is himself, and his alter-ego is one he cannot change. He
wears a bandage covering his eyes, with buttons where they would be. This signifies blindness
or limited vision which again could link to his health impact. Furthermore, it could symbolise a
sense of vulnerability, with it acting as a mask so to speak, meaning that he is trying to grasp
another alter-ego image to protect his real self. This is reinforced by his white drapes which
would infer innocence and vulnerability also.
When he emerges from the wardrobe, he is wearing a black costume. This in itself could
example the struggle to change to an alter-ego, or even could signify that the life left in him and
all of his characters is gone. Alternatively, the dancing could infer that he is still alive, and as
lively as before. Also that he doesn’t need a persona/character to be significant. When he is
writing, we see him begin to struggle, this could also infer that he has come to an end with
himself. Alternatively inferring that his pain has fuelled his writing.

5. EDITING
The editing is continuous, making a chronological story with a single stranded narrative. The
way that the only editing techniques are used are cuts makes the video seem more delicate
and raw. This raw style emphasises the overall message and sensitivity to connect to the
audience.
The way that Bowie moves gives a performance, his jiggered transitions and fluidity both
reduce the need for any altering to the clip speed. This furthermore presents a raw nature as
Bowie is the main focus of the video and doesn’t want it to be any less humble than it already
is. This is evident from when he backs into the wardrobe. This shot isn’t a reversed clip of him
coming out of the wardrobe, it is just him moving back into it. This emphasises the way that
bowie wants to portray himself in a way that he wants and doesn’t need any help from others –
editors – to compose sequences which are even this simple.
Overall, I can take some elements of this video and apply it to my own. I especially like that way that the simplistic mise-en-
scene can create an eerie an intense shot as the main focus is the only focus. Therefore, developing the connection with the
audience and allowing them to pay full attention to a specific subject. As well as this, the way that the camerawork is used in
order to develop atmosphere and demonstrate the stability of certain characters is very intriguing and shall be used in my own
production.