The document analyzes the music video for "Holocene" by Bon Iver. It discusses the visual, audio, narrative and technical codes used in the video. Visually, the video features natural rural settings that create a sense of surrealism. Audio-wise, the song's ambient style complements the slow visuals. Narratively, the video depicts a journey that reinforces the song's themes of redemption. Technically, subtle camera movements and long shots are used to immerse the viewer in the vast natural locations.

1. Textual Analysis
Kieran Panchal

2. Holocene – Bon Iver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcyIpul8OE

3. Visual Codes
The location in this video is arguably one of the most important
aspects. The use of the different rural and natural locations, such as
glaciers and deserted mountain areas creates a sense of surrealism
and adds an escapist element to the piece, arguably making it appear
more aethetically pleasing.
Throughout, the colours are kept vibrant and warm, and the grading is
relatively minimal. This enhances the natural mise-en-scene whilst
creating a happy and joyous undertone.
In addition, the only props used in the majority of the piece are ones
that could be found naturally or in nature, such as a stick and a rock.
Once again, this adds to the organic feel of the video, enhancing the
natural feel of the mise-en-scene.

4. Audio Codes
Throughout the video, the sound is entirely non-diegetic – a common
convention of music videos. The song used is Holocene by Bon Iver, an
alternative track focussing heavily upon soft falsetto vocals and
minimal guitar and piano layers. The low tempo and ambient feel of
the song compliments the soft and slow visuals idyllically, and both
work together to create a particular immersive experience for the
viewer.

5. Narrative and Enigma Code
When asked about the meaning of Holocene, writer Bon Iver said: "It is a
metaphor for when you're not doing well. But it's also a song about
redemption and realising that you're worth something; that you're special
and not special at the same time." I feel that the director, 'Nabil',
encapsulates this perfectly in the video whilst leaving us asking lots of
questions.
Throughout the video, as a viewer we are taken on a journey, following a
young child as he embarks upon a journey, visiting many vast but
picturesque locations. In my opinion this reinforces what Bon Iver claims
to the song to be about, as it contextualises the tiny existence of
humankind in relation to our surroundings whilst showing that as humans
we still have the ability to achieve. As a viewer we are left asking many
questions such as who the character is, why he's there and why he's alone,
however, I feel that this adds to the ambience and ambiguity of the piece
making it more effective overall.

6. Technical Codes
The use of subtle camera movement is prominent throughout this video, with slow
zooms and tracking shots being used frequently throughout. The framing orients
the viewer within the mise-en-scène and the movement of the frame provides the
illusion of the viewer journeying through the world of the narrative. Simply, the use
of subtle camera movements allows us to get more involved in the film piece and
removes any static element in the shot.
Long shots are used frequently and particularly effectively throughout the video. I
believe that these are so significant as they create the vast sense of space and
allow us to take in the expansive locations, which are unique to this video.
Slow motion shots complimented by slow paced editing can also be observed when
analysing this video, such as when the character is skimming stones into the glacial
pool. This combinations dramaticise the piece and add to the calming and soft
atmosphere created in the remainder of the video.

7. Late Night - Foals
• https://vimeo.com/60057960

8. Visual Codes
From the beginning of the video, the setting and atmosphere is established
immediately with the use of an establishing shot, utilising low-key lighting, and
presenting a gritty, industrial Eastern European setting which is continued
throughout. Following this, we go inside the bar to see Foals playing to a small
audience. The sense and atmosphere within the location is represented
exceptionally well, with the dark dingy setting.
The mise-en-scene remains consistent throughout and is particularly effective,
with the low-key lighting helping to create a sense of tension and melancholia.
To further intensify this, a dark colour scheme is used throughout, with black
formal costumes and old fashioned props being used. Other props also help
reinforce the gloomy and sombre ambience. In particular, the frequent use of
blood connotes the infliction of injury and helps to fortify the dismal
undertone.

9. Audio Codes
Although the main audio used in this piece is the music track, synchronous
diegetic audio has also been used in some cases, which is becoming more of a
common convention of modern music videos. In this particular video, the
sounds of background Russian dialogue add to the immersive experience,
allowing the viewer to feel more focused on the setting.
In addition, diegetic sounds of screaming can be heard as a character is giving
birth/having sex followed by the sound of cries from a newly born baby. This
enhances the viewing experience for the audience, as it allows for an even
greater connection with the visuals resulting in greater involvement with the
narrative being shown on the screen. This helps to further emphasise the
significance of the story.

10. Narrative and Enigma Code
This video would be categorised as a hybrid music video as it contains elements Performance (when
we see shots of the band playing), Narrative (when we're shown the chronological story of the events
taking place within the building) and Concept (the band start bleeding which gets heavier as they
continue to play).
This music video can be interpreted in many different ways. In my own point of view the piece is
particularly symbolic and contains a significant underlying message. The way that the video is so
open to interpretation in itself is an example of enigma code, as it leaves us asking many questions as
viewers. Firstly, the location is thought-provoking, as it allows us to ask ourselves why Foals, a well-
established British rock band are performing in a desolate bar in Eastern Europe. The main enigma
however, stems from the narrative and conceptual elements of the video. An example of this is that
we are unsure of the characters' backgrounds, especially that of the man who is shown attempting to
commit suicide. This ambiguity leaves us asking questions again, as it makes us inquisitive and eager
to learn about his life and circumstances. Additionally, as aforementioned, towards the end of the
video the singer, Yannis, begins to bleed from his nose, before spreading over the entirety of his
body. This is also ambiguous, as we are not shown a reason for this taking place but are left to make
our own assumptions of the context surrounding this.
My own personal interpretation of the narrative is that the message being delivered here is that all
humans are bound together by blood, and that regardless of our circumstances or where we're from
we are all the same. I feel that the video portrays this very effectively.

11. Technical Codes
One of the most significant shot types in my opinion is the
Steadicam shot. This gives the impression that the shot is from
the point of view of one of the characters in the scene, making
the viewer feel although they are included and that they are a
part of the story.
The video uses close up shots throughout which also work very
effectively. The extreme close up and close up shots show
texture and detail distinctively, creating an aesthetically pleasing
viewing.
The editing is also significant in this video. This is almost an
example of montage editing, as all of the different story lines are
being shown simultaneously. The fast paced cutting creates a
chaotic feel and adds to the immersive experience.

12. Running Wild - Drenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mimom_NdOWU

13. Visual Codes
Immediately in this video, the rural location is established through the use of
long establishing shots. This is reinforced with the title 'Throwley Farm,
Derbyshire', that promptly allows the audience to identify with the setting,
permitting them to become immersed in the video from the beginning.
The use of colour grading is one of the most effective visual elements, as I feel
that it is the most important factor of creating the overall tone of the video. In
particular, the colours used in this video are very dull (with greys being
prominent), unsaturated with little contrast, creating a feeling that the mise-
en-scene has been stripped of all positivity.
The dirty costume, make up and props used are typical of what would be
found in this kind of setting, creating verisimilitude and a sense of reality
which could be argued to enhance the experience for the viewer.

14. Audio Codes
Challenging the conventions of a traditional music video this
music video uses a narration. This takes place over the track '
Running Wild' when there is an absence of vocals. Alternatively,
on occasions the soundtrack's volume is decreased to allow for
the narrative over the top. In my opinion the use of this
narration is very effective, as it gives the viewer an
autobiographical insight into the characters' lives, allowing them
to form a stronger connection.
The track Running Wild, is an alternative rock song, which
contrasts greatly with the feel of the video for effect. This is an
example of juxtaposition.

15. Narrative and Enigma Code
Although the tone of the song contrasts greatly to that of the
video, the meaning of the song 'Running Wild' is ingrained
within the video. Running Wild tackles the fear associated with
getting older, concepts that may in fact scare the band. The
instrumentation of the track represents this fear as well. The
lead guitar seems to stalk the listener, to warn them of letting
their adolescent years slip away. The video represents this also,
as it is the story of the generations of the family living on the
farm and how the younger generations will follow on from
what's left behind of their ancestors.
The narration continued throughout reinforces this and helps
reduce much of the enigma. However as an audience, we are
still intrigued to ask further questions about the lives of the
family shown.

16. Technical Codes
When looking at many other music videos I found that generally,
camera movement is incorporated into establishing shots.
However, in Running Wild, no camera movement is used in the
establishing shots. In my opinion, this helps construct an
impression of still and motionless life which reinforces the
narrative of the video, which is fortified with the slow pace of
editing.
Steadycam POV shots are also used extensively and effectively
throughout this video. The use of these makes the viewer feel
greater involvement in the video as it creates a first person
effect. In addition to this, the continual camera zooming
movements suggests that we are following the family on their
joruney; again connecting to the piece's narrative.