This is an analysis of the Foo Fighters music video the Pretender.

1. The pretender-
music video analysis
LOUISE WILCOCK A2 MEDIA

2. The Opening
The opening starts with the lead
singer of the band walking over to
the microphone. The colour scheme
in the room is red and white.
 The colour red is a common
colour used to represent this
genre of music.
As he walks across the room the
lights turn on as he walks. This
represent his power which is
supported by the low camera angle
followed after this shot. The lights
also turn on in time with the rhythm
that the guitar is playing.

3. Close ups
Record companies demand that there is
close ups of the band in there music
video. This will make the band more
recognisable to the audience. However
there is more closes up of the lead band
member compared to the other members
of the band giving him the most
attention.

4. Product placement
Product placement is used by bands to
promote their product. By showing
there product in a music video the
audience will be influenced to buy the
product because the band is using the
product.
The brand of the product will be
associated with both the band and the
audience, the product could be suited
to the genre of music which will also be
suited to person watching the music
video. In addition to this the product
will appeal to them.

5. Playing instruments
Trevor Millum studied how men are represented in
the media. From his research he found out that
men are represented either as:
 Seductive
 Carefree
 Practical
 Comic
 Catalogue
In this music video men are represented as practical
because they are skilful in playing an instrument.
This is supported by a long shot of all the band
members playing instruments as well as there also
being several close ups of the band members
playing which further supports Trevor Millum’s
theory.

6. Editing
During the opening of the song the camera
has captured the action in several long takes,
which gives the video a more calm and laid
back feeling to the video. However as the
video continuous and the band and the band
starts playing the editing becomes faster and
the editing is done to the rhythm of the
song. The frequency of the shots is also
increased which makes the video more
upbeat and suited to the style of music as
well as it fitting the conventions of this
genre.

7. Camera movement
Before the band starts playing the camera is kept steady, but when they start playing
the camera moves quickly and does sharp camera movements. This has been done to
add to the genre of music. The genre of music can be thought of as aggressive and
powerful, the way the camera is moved which is fast and sharp supports the idea of
this and gives use an idea of what the audience for this music video is like.

8. Narrative
During the music video the band is performing. Later on in the video riot
police come lined up opposite the band. From looking at he lyrics of the
song I picked out certain words that were associated with the riot police,
these were surrender and enemy. Also in the video it shows them fighting
against each other which shows that both groups are enemies, and the
word surrender is supported by the band still playing while they are
running at them.
The band playing there instruments is a
common convention for this genre of
music.