1. Conventions Within a
Music Video of the
Indie Folk Genre
Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks
Sauzanne Micael

2. Grizzly Bears – Two Weeks
Grizzly Bear are an indie-rock musical band that came together in 2002, originating
from Brooklyn, New York. Their music is heavily used in advertisements and their
international success is recognised, specifically in the UK, appealing to a wider
demographic. Although they belong to this genre, they also elect traditional and
electronic instruments, creating a sound that can easily elevate them into different
genres. By analysing a music video by Grizzly Bear, I will essentially be able to transfer
different aspects of music videos.

3. Camera (Angles/Shots/Movement)
There in no camera movement in the duration of the music video as it
solely relies on the build up of shots and angles in jump cuts to reflect
what is occurring. Many close – up shots of the artists are used to
capture the artists which displays their heads directly at the centre of
the screen repetitively, using the rule of thirds. Each member of the
bands looks directly in the camera, using direct mode of address to
specifically target the individual that is watching the music video. This
is a very intriguing technique, coupled with the editing of their eyes as
it creates a connection between the audience and the artists. These
close-up shots also capture the eerie, humorous smiling that creates a
happier motif.

4. Editing
The constant jump shots that show the different artists
within the band in a non-linear way effectively presents
which of the artists is singing at a particular time. This is
essential and practical as it allows the audience to gather
who they are listening to at a given time. There is a
humorous element to the music video as the artists eyes
and facial features have been enlarged in a dramatic way.
Big eyes often connote curiosity and the idea of being very
receptive. In a way, big eyes are also associated with
innocence and children often have larger eyes at a younger
age. Therefore for these adult males to have oversized eyes,
the audience feels compelled to sympathise for them. The
captivated by the ending of the music video as CGI as part of
the editing process to appear as though the artists are on
fire, sparks flying from their bodies. This ties is with the
idea of the artists being receptive as when individual have to
much on their plate, they are often described as going up in
flames. This could metaphorically mean they have a lot of
their mind, hence their facial features being enlarged. The
editing of the music video is seemingly slow paced and
includes the use of many sharp cuts.

5. Sound
Although the hybrid genre of the song is indie rock,
the same technique of a progression in the volume
is evident. The music artists are featured in the
entirety of the music video, singing along. The
simplistic style of the music video contrasts
dramatically to the increasing pace of the song.
This allows the audience to take in the music and
allows little distraction, that could potentially take
away from the song. However, the ending of the
music video eventually supports the songs
energetic feel as the artist burn in flames. This
produces a sense of excitement which is odd,
considering people burning and sparking in flames
is arguably scary. This is because the music video
creates a calm build-up and the audience were
prepared slowly for something to happen; which it
does.
JUXTAPOSITION

6. Mis-en-Scene
Location - Straight away, the audience is able to identify the location of the
music video. They are able to question within the first 6 seconds why the members of
the band appear to be in a Church and what relevance this has to the narrative or the
lyrics to the song. This immediate introduction to a location sparks interest from the
start. By the end of the music video, it is still somewhat unclear why there seems to
be no real relevance for the location to the song. This allows the music video to
remain memorable as audiences have the chance to discuss what they witnessed.
Lighting - Artificial lighting is predominantly injected within this music
video. For instance, in the foreground of the shot, a surreal looking light is
reflected onto the artists faces that gives them a glowing effect. This light
makes them look more empowered. As well as this, artificial light is also
used in the editing process to light up their cheeks which eventually lights
up their whole head leading to them catching on fire.
Facial Expressions and Body Language - With very
little body movement, the music video still manages to create an amusing
atmosphere as the artists all begin smiling mid way. This is exaggerated
with the editing involved as their eyes and mouth are adjusted. This in turn
makes the audience smile as their facial expressions are contagious.

7. Lyric Break Down
Save up all the days
A routine malaise
Just like yesterday
I told you I would stay
Would you always?
Maybe sometimes?
Make it easy?
Take your time
Think of all the ways
Momentary phase
Just like yesterday
I told you I would stay
Every time you try
Quarter half a mile
Just like yesterday
I told you I would stay
Would you always?
Maybe sometimes?
Make it easy?
Take your time
Would you always?
Maybe sometimes?
Make it easy?
Take your time
Always
Sometimes
Easy
Time
The constant rhetorical questions included in the lyrics which are highlighted creates
an automatic link between the audience and the band as they feel compelled to
answer them. Therefore the audience should expect a sense of direct mode of address
in the overall music video.

8. Conventions Used Within the Music
Video
• Direct mode of address
• Artificial Lighting
• Close-up Shots and Establishing shots
• Absence of a narrative