1. Confessions Music Video Analysis
In order to further develop own media production and to gain a better understanding
of the in and out’s of creating, producing, and editing our own media projects. It was
thought best to focus on RnB music, as we had decided this would be our chosen
genre. It was hoped looking out 3 Music Videos we would be able to gain an insight
into target audience, different camera techniques and even creative ideas.
The first video I analysed was Usher’s – Confessions part II. This video was a follow
on from part 1. It is important to note that the song was from his own experiences and
very personal. It is this key factor that may have had an affect on the making of the
video and is again something we may be able to use.
The beginning of the video starts with Usher’s interlude in which he is talking on the
phone. High key lighting has been used. This plays a larger part once the audience
watches further into the music video. Soon enough, the lighting changes from high
key to low key. The video becomes a lot darker and more intimate. The fact it is so
light in the beginning is possibly because the status quo had not changed. After the
phone call however this changes. Lighting could be suggestive of the protagonists,
Usher’s, mood. Where at the beginning he was content. Now he has a secret.
Something he has to get off his chest, so the music video follows his mood.
High-Key Lighting Low-Key Lighting
To match the lighting is his clothing. From the images above it is very clear to see that
in the first image, his clothing is very light, and bright and generally a lot more
happier. In the second image it is darker, and more dismal. Clothing is suggestive for
the way the audience feels, where in the first image the audience themselves feel a lot
more calm, a lot more happier. Where as watching Usher in his darker clothing, it
reflects on the audience, viewing becomes a lot more intense.
2. One of the camera shots that stands out in the music video is the tracking shot at the
beginning of the music video. Here an audience feels a very personal connection to
Usher. Where he is walking away from everyone else, he is still with us (the
audience). Usher is singing into the camera which is tracking him. As if he is singing
to us directly. Automatically the feel of the video changes, from something that was
potentially a cheerful song. However once the status quo changes, the feel for the
song turns dark, and a lot more intimate as he pours his heart out to the viewer. In
many way the audience adopts the role of a friend, who Usher is confessing to.
A second technique used by Usher is silhouettes. Again playing on the use of light.
The black could convey a meaning of darkness and unknown but more than that he is
3. in a confession booth, playing on the words of the title. CONFESSIONS. As if he is
confessing his sins to a Pastor.
Shots remain relatively low, and the video is broken down through the use of jump
cuts. The fact Usher employs the use of so many jump cuts could fir the fact his mind
is wandering as he reveals all his secrets to the audience.
|The narrative of the video follows the lyrics very closely. However, rather than show
the narrative through use of acting, Usher again simply reverts to the play on words of
the title, revealing what he has done to the audience.
One thing to note is that Usher subverts the normal conventions of a RnB music
video. For one he is the only actor seen, no one else, except for one case near the end.
Usher doesn’t use flashy cars, or special effects, or establishing shots. The general
feel to the music video plays on the intimacy the audience feels with usher. Close up’s
are the main shots used.
In the video it could be suggested usher aims not to represent any given social group.
He is simply a man singing about his mistakes in life and in love.
