2. Initial things I noticed…
• Strobe editing – long shots with close up - touch
• Reference to triangles – triangle bracelet, triangle hair accessory
• Same shots different angles
• Radioscope/mirror – drug reference?
• Mid shot/close ups
• High angle – Ariel view
• Limited costume change
• Dismemberment – shots of body parts
• Low key lighting - black background
• Fade to whites/bright light
• Slow motion
• new location at middle eight – darker – colder colour scheme
• Performer looking away from camera – encourage vouyerism?
• Start shots close up of arms
• Editing techniques used to create binary opposites – Levi’s theory
3. SHOTS
The shots within the video mostly consist of mid
shots/close ups with the occasional long shot (when she
lead down). This is because the video is concentrating
soley on Little Boots, and less on other things. Moreover, I
think this has also been done to enable the audience to
identify with/become Little Boots, hence reinforcing star’s
image. Similar to the Ke$ha video, there were also many
cuts to parts of the artists’ body – arms, lips, eyes. I believe
this is done to create sexual desire aswell as encourage
voyeurism within the video.
MOVEMENTS
The camera was mostly static throughout this video, apart
from the frequent use of the radioscope lens – which
moved as appropriate. However, there were a few slow tilt
ups/pans to make the video more interesting to watch.
ANGLES
Similar to Ke$ha’s video, many of the performance shots
were exactly the same, but filmed from different angles
(high, side). Furthermore, there were also many high
angle/ariel shots of Little Boots lying down. This could be
done to make the subject look vulnerable and to reinforce
her feminine traits.
CAMERA
4. EDITING
This video contains no narrative, and is
purely performance. There is frequent use of
the radioscope effect/lens, which could be
referencing drugs. Again, there is a mirror
effect applied to a few shots, which could be
illustrating a squiffy view/take on things.
Additionally, rapid strobe editing to the beat
is frequently used, and the ‘mis up’ often
consists of long shots and extreme close ups,
bringing about an idea of touch.
Finally, during the middle eight, the mood of
the song changed and the pace of editing
was rapidly slowed down. There were some
points within the video where slow motion
was used. This is to create contrast and a
binary opposite within the video.
5. MISE EN SCENE
LOCATION
The video was shot in one primary location – a lit studio,
where Little Boots could control the lighting, creating various
effects and moods. It was clear that this video was soley
about the artist as no establishing shots of the surrounding
were used, and the subject took up most of the shot when
performing.
PROPS
The piano played a big part in this video, featuring in many
extreme close ups. I believe this piano is used to emphasise
the synth pop genre, and reinforce that it’s not all ‘computer
based’. Also, the starking contrast between the black and
white keys, are cohesive with the lighting, which also adds to
the effects.
COSTUME
Little Boots did not have a costume change, she remained
the same throughout. However, she wore a triangle
hairband, triangle bracelet, and a triangle themed dress,
further making the audience identify her with triangles. Her
hair is also tied up in buns, representing her as cute and
innocent.
LIGHTING
The studio lighting created a binary opposite of light and
dark, creating a visually engaging video. The lights would
often create a triangle.
6. PERFORMANCE
This video was 100% performance,
therefore all eyes were on Little Boots.
Once again, Little Boots is trying to not only
sell her music, but herself as an artist and a
franchise.
Interestingly, Little Boots often looks away
from the camera when performing, and
often looks down/at herself – this
evidences use of the Male Gaze.
Moreover, there are also shots of the artist
sitting provocatively and facing away from
the camera, this delves into John Berger’s
theory that women like to be watched from
afar.
Many close ups are used when Little Boots
is singing, to reinforce the song, connecting
the audience, with the lyrics, with her.
7. REPRESENTATION
In this video, it is obvious that Little Boots is trying to
subtly build her sexual appeal.
This is due to the frequent close ups partnered with
the direct address and heavy eye makeup.
Unlike Ke$ha who was ‘indulging in herself’, Little
Boots is directly speaking to the audience, drawing
them in, and forcing the audience into a ‘Male Gaze’.
Furthermore, the ariel shot of Little Boots makes the
audience objectify her body, representing her
traditional and feminine.
The absence of a man is also notable. It portrays a
modern representation of an independent woman,
which can be threatening however attractive.
Furthermore, it gives Little Boots control, as the
direct address gives the audience the message of ‘you
can look but you can’t touch’, which is dangerous,
however can be turned into sexual appeal.
In conclusion, Little Boots is represented modernly,
and shots of her lips, eyes and body often reinforce
this, thus her femininity.
