A2 media coursework analysis of The 1975's Robbers

1. The 1975 - Robbers
JASMIN MAHMOOD

2. Genre Characteristics
 Camera shots are mainly hand held – not many static shots – gives a more realistic feel
almost as though the audience are there watching the action as it happens in real life
 The costume is very casual – leather jackets, baggy vests and jumpers, jeans, military
boots, floral shirts, etc.
 The video uses several settings, mostly based outdoors as they are easily accessible –
very typical of indie/alt. rock music videos
 Use of natural lighting as most settings are outside – again gives a natural, realistic feel
to the music video – feels like the action would happen in real life
 Visuals reflect the bands values – individuality, rebellion, being yourself etc.
 Dull/muted colour palette – no bright colours like a mainstream pop music video for
example
 The concept for the video is unusual and unique

3. Lyrics & music and their relationship with
the visuals
 Whilst the narrative gets quite dramatic, the editing is quite slow which suits the song as the
beat and instrumental are both paced quite slow
 The lyrics reference guns several times – the male protagonist gets hold of a gun which
features in the music video a number of times
 The title of the song and the narrative shows the couple shoplifting to presumably fuel their
addiction to drugs and alcohol

4. Visual Style & Record Label Demands
 The video stars the lead singer of the band Matt Healy – the focus is on him and his
relationship with the female protagonist – he would most likely feature in the music
video due to the demands of the record label to emphasise both his star image and the
image of the band as he is the frontman.
 The video conforms to the stereotypical conventions of an indie rock music video with a
muted colour scheme and the choice of costume however it also appeals to the wider
audience by including a narrative that involves romance which the audience would
relate to

5. Emphasis on looking & voyeurism
 The female protagonist isn’t in as many of the shots as the male protagonist which
suggest the video is from the point of view of the male protagonist and that the
female protagonist is there to fulfil his sexual desires
 This is emphasised by the way the camera lingers on the female character’s body to
show off her figure as she undresses

6. Intertextual references
 The way the pair are reckless and rebellious together in the video and the fact that they
rob a convenience store could link to the idea that they are similar to Bonnie & Clyde
 The video is both a performance and narrative video as the narrative features the lead
singer Matt Healy performing the song to his female counterpart