Say you won't let go video analysis loops media

1. z
James Arthur – Say
You Won't Let Go
Loops Media

2. z
Cinematography +
editing
 Whole video in black and white (slow, emotional nostalgic feel to the
song, singing in past tense)
 No excessive editing - limited to crossfades and edited
transparencies to show two shots at once
 Cuts to Close up on splashes in the lake
 Cuts to an ELS of the lake with a boat in the distance (misty + bird
flying past)
 Various shots of James playing the guitar (High angle, CU, MS,
MCU...)
 Several setting shots (Low angle of trees, often used when
alternating opacity of shots - sets the peaceful mood)
 Shots fit the song well - when the song slows down, the shots are
longer, and are more meaningful - when the chorus begins, different
shot types are more frequent, with more progression with the couple
 Many slow-motion shots showing the couple - signifier of romance
 The constant two shots portray their relationship - significantly less
as the video progresses, showing their separation

3. z
Narrative (+
lyric/visual link)
 2 parts to the video - James Arthur
singing with his guitar and a
young couple/family
 James Arthur sitting on sofa in
living room - spacious room with
mahogany interior (clearly setting
it up to be a slower song)
 Cuts to Close up on splashes in
the lake
 Cuts to an ELS of the lake with a
boat in the distance (misty + bird
flying past)
 Whole video revolves around the
lyrics "I wanna stay with you, till
we're grey and old" - the couple
gets older, have children + dog
and the girl dies