The music video for Coldplay's song "Magic" tells the story of a travelling circus. Ziyi Zhang stars as Cecile, a magician whose abusive husband Claude is also portrayed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Cecile's assistant Christophe, also played by Martin, notices Claude's mistreatment of Cecile. He uses new magic skills to levitate Claude away, saving Cecile. The video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and draws inspiration from silent films with its vintage aesthetic and use of title cards. Flashbacks are used to illustrate Christophe's memories of Cecile's abuse as well as happier times between them.
Q1 - In what ways does your music video use, develop or challenge forms and c...jdebenham
Q1 - In what ways does my music video, to promote Jonny Dylan Hughes' 'Bravery', use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Q1 - In what ways does your music video use, develop or challenge forms and c...jdebenham
Q1 - In what ways does my music video, to promote Jonny Dylan Hughes' 'Bravery', use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
This takes a look at Montage which is throwing two images together that aren't related to create a new emotions and meanings.
A Royal Holloway slideshow.
Searching for Sugar Man - ‘How do you create a mythical legendary artist?’Chandra Khan
Searching for Sugar Man - ‘How do you create a mythical legendary artist?’ is an textual analysis exercise that explores an extract from the documentary film.
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
Are the X-Men Marvel or DC An In-Depth Exploration.pdfXtreame HDTV
The world of comic books is vast and filled with iconic characters, gripping storylines, and legendary rivalries. Among the most famous groups of superheroes are the X-Men. Created in the early 1960s, the X-Men have become a cultural phenomenon, featuring in comics, animated series, and blockbuster movies. A common question among newcomers to the comic book world is: Are the X-Men Marvel or DC? This article delves into the history, creators, and significant moments of the X-Men to provide a comprehensive answer.
Panchayat Season 3 - Official Trailer.pdfSuleman Rana
The dearest series "Panchayat" is set to make a victorious return with its third season, and the fervor is discernible. The authority trailer, delivered on May 28, guarantees one more enamoring venture through the country heartland of India.
Jitendra Kumar keeps on sparkling as Abhishek Tripathi, the city-reared engineer who ends up functioning as the secretary of the Panchayat office in the curious town of Phulera. His nuanced depiction of a young fellow exploring the difficulties of country life while endeavoring to adjust to his new environmental factors has earned far and wide recognition.
Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav return as Manju Devi and Brij Bhushan Dubey, separately. Their dynamic science and immaculate acting rejuvenate the hardships of town administration. Gupta's depiction of the town Pradhan with an ever-evolving outlook, matched with Yadav's carefully prepared exhibition, adds profundity and credibility to the story.
New Difficulties and Experiences
The trailer indicates new difficulties anticipating the characters, as Abhishek keeps on wrestling with his part in the town and his yearnings for a superior future. The series has reliably offset humor with social editorial, and Season 3 looks ready to dig much more profound into the intricacies of rustic organization and self-awareness.
Watchers can hope to see a greater amount of the enchanting and particular residents who have become fan top picks. Their connections and the one of a kind cut of-life situations give a reviving and interesting portrayal of provincial India, featuring the two its appeal and its difficulties.
A Mix of Humor and Heart
One of the signs of "Panchayat" is its capacity to mix humor with sincere narrating. The trailer features minutes that guarantee to convey giggles, as well as scenes that pull at the heartstrings. This equilibrium has been a critical calculate the show's prosperity, resounding with crowds across different socioeconomics.
Creation Greatness
The creation quality remaining parts first rate, with the beautiful setting of Phulera town filling in as a scenery that upgrades the narrating. The meticulousness in portraying provincial life, joined with sharp composition and solid exhibitions, guarantees that "Panchayat" keeps on hanging out in the packed web series scene.
Expectation and Delivery
As the delivery date draws near, expectation for "Panchayat" Season 3 is at a record-breaking high. The authority trailer has previously created critical buzz, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the continuation of Abhishek Tripathi's excursion and the new undertakings that lie ahead in Phulera.
All in all, the authority trailer for "Panchayat" Season 3 recommends that watchers are in for another drawing in and engaging ride. Yet again with its charming characters, convincing story, and ideal mix of humor and show, the new season is set to enamor crowds. Write in your schedules and prepare to get back to the endearing universe of "Panchayat."
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philos...Rodney Thomas Jr
#SSAPhilosophy #DjangoUnchained #DjangoFreeman #ExistentialPhilosophy #Freedom #Identity #Justice #Courage #Rebellion #Transformation
Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your ultimate destination for diving deep into the profound philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In this episode, we explore the powerful journey and existential philosophy of Django Freeman from Quentin Tarantino’s masterful film, "Django Unchained," in our video titled, "From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philosophy of Django Freeman!"
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained – The Philosophy of Django Freeman!
Join me as we delve into the existential philosophy of Django Freeman, uncovering the profound lessons and timeless wisdom his character offers. Through his story, we find inspiration in the power of choice, the quest for justice, and the courage to defy oppression. Django Freeman’s philosophy is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding drive for freedom and justice.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth explorations of the philosophies behind your favorite characters. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Let’s discover the principles that shape these icons and the profound lessons they offer.
Django Freeman’s story is one of the most compelling narratives of transformation and empowerment in cinema. A former slave turned relentless bounty hunter, Django’s journey is not just a physical liberation but an existential quest for identity, justice, and retribution. This video delves into the core philosophical elements that define Django’s character and the profound choices he makes throughout his journey.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/GszqrXk38qk
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
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Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
Maximizing Your Streaming Experience with XCIPTV- Tips for 2024.pdfXtreame HDTV
In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment lives. Among the myriad of options available, XCIPTV stands out as a premier choice for those seeking seamless, high-quality streaming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and user experience of XCIPTV, illustrating why it is a top contender in the IPTV industry.
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
1. Narrative Case Study | Magic by Coldplay
“Coldplay's most unassuming lead single to date definitively establishes that contemplative mood. The
gloomy refrain and pleas over restrained piano flourishes finally give way to the chiming riffs of the
bridge, which soon dial back down to the chilliness of the intro.” – The Guardian
In Coldplay's video for Magic, Grammy-winning Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund (known for his distinctive storytelling and visually
driven signature style) created a world centred around a travelling circus. The video stars Ziyi Zhang – from Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon - as Cecile, a stage magician who performs various magic acts with her assistant, Christophe, played by Coldplay frontman
Chris Martin. Cecile is married to Claude (also portrayed by Martin) a famous magician who is violent towards his wife. As Christophe
continues to perform with Cecile, he starts to notice evidence of Claude's aggressive behaviour towards her, so formulates a plan to
relieve her. He invites Cecile to see his new levitation skills, angering Claude who challenges him to a fight. Christophe, however, uses
his new abilities to levitate Claude away, thus saving Cecile. The two continue with the show and show new magic tricks and stunts.
The narrative of the circus setting was translated by Åkerlund from a literal interpretation of the track, whose lyrics make allusions to
various magic tricks and stunts. In an interview, he revealed that “when we started to talk about the idea, it was more about creating
characters and a love story. However, slowly [Chris] became a magician as, of course, it’s called Magic, so we thought we’d do some
magic.” He revealed that “the idea is a little bit on the nose, but sometimes that’s OK. Music videos can be very literal with the lyrics
or the title.” Åkerlund also discussed how his idea developed. “We talked a lot about the story and decided the look should be a little
vintage. We have this designer called Greg Lauren who created vintage and kind of circus-y looks. Then I wanted them to live in tents
and before you knew it we were doing this carnival with magicians and a love story within this look. It kind of grew from there.”
The homage to vintage film also incorporated elements of the modern day. Åkerlund revealed that he “came from a circus background
as I used to direct their shows, and always thought that, while the circus is an amazing world, it’s kind of stuck in time. It always looks
the same... I thought this is not supposed to be happening in the 40s or the 30s, it’s actually happening today. So we put a Rolls Royce
car in there and had the modern day city behind it as a really cool backdrop.”
Reviews of the track and video were mostly positive. Carl Williott of American music website Idolator
wrote that it was “…a quirky, entertaining video, specifically Martin playing a goofy-ass villain“, while
Jason Scott of music blog Popdust described the video's imagery as "vivid" and “…a literal interpretation
of what we've all come to expect from a 1920s side-show attraction.” As of December 2015, the music
video has collected just over 92 million views on YouTube since its release in April, 2014.
Magic is a track recorded by British alternative rock band Coldplay. It was taken as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Ghost
Stories, and was released on March 3rd, 2014. The track was written and produced by band members Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland,
Will Champion and Chris Martin, and was nominated for best song at the 2014 World Music Awards.
2. Narrative Case Study | Conflict & Opposition
It is believed the “constant creation of conflict and opposition drive narrative” in music videos (Claude Levis Strauss), a theory that
relies on the concept of binary oppositions. This could be visual (such as darkness vs light and movement vs stillness) or conceptual
(for example, love vs hate and control vs panic. You could even argue flashbacks are used as visual opposition to real time.
In Magic, Åkerlund used both conceptual and visual binary oppositions, the most obvious being that of love vs hate. The music video
is a homage to the early silent films, which were often epic dramas or romances, so the focus of the story is of a damsel in distress
(Cecile, the magician) who is rescued from her abusive husband by the underdog of the story (Christophe, her assistant). The hateful
relationship is highlighted through Claude (the husband) smashing bottles and shouting abuse at his wife, as well as bruising on her
arms suggesting that he has also been physically assaulting her. Cecile never smiles around her husband, which strongly juxtaposes
her scenes when she is with Christophe as she is regularly seen smiling and laughing: a clear binary opposition of love vs hate is
therefore created. This is also emphasised by the use of close up shots of Cecile and Christophe’s faces, suggesting when they are
together they cannot take their eyes of one another, connoting passion and love. However, in scenes with Claude, the shots are wider
with little to no eye contact, suggesting Cecile feels trapped and uncomfortable in his presence.
The binary opposition of love vs hate allows the audience to identify with the protagonist of the video, driving the narrative as they
want good to conquer evil, and for the underdog to win his damsel, by the end of the video. The conflict makes the narrative more
exciting, as a dilemma must be overcome in order to conclude with happily ever after, a convention of silent films, which the video
homages. This conceptual binary opposition of good vs evil is also emphasised through the visual opposition of the light vs the dark.
The film is filmed in black and white, which Åkerlund believed “made it look really classic and old”, but also emphasises the struggle
between right and wrong, love and hate, etc. For example, when Cecile is being abused, she is seen to be wearing dark coloured
clothing, connoting sadness and depression, but when she is happy, the colours become lighter, connoting happiness. This is evident
with Christophe also, who always wears white, thus connoting purity, and Claude, who wears black which connotes evil.
Binary opposition: wide shots/avoiding gaze with Claude vs close up shots/eye contact with Christophe
Binary opposition: Cecile wears dark when abused but light when free; Christophe wears white & Claude black
3. Narrative Case Study | Conceptual Narrative
Narrative structures of music videos can be complex, but many are structured around match on action with a strong sense of story-
telling which illustrate, amplify or even contradict the lyrics (Andrew Goodwin). In Magic, a conceptual narrative is used, with back
amplifying the lyrics. As mentioned before, Åkerlund took the literal interpretation of the track title and incorporated it into the
plotline - a beautiful magician in a travelling circus - thus structuring the video around match on action, both illustrating and
amplifying the lyrics. For example, the lyrics “I wanna fall…” correspond with the image of Christophe levitating for the first time,
experimenting with his new powers; the lyrics are illustrating the image that the audience see on screen. This is also the case for the
lyrics “I don’t want anybody else but you…” from the chorus, when the camera continually cuts to Cecile for the word “you”. This
highlights how she is the only person that Christophe wants to be with, thus amplifying the meaning of the lyrics. Christophe also
hides behind the curtains for the lyrics “I disappear from view…”, suggesting he feels he is not good enough for her. Finally, the lyrics
“cut me into two…” correspond with the image of Cecile’s bruises on her arm; both the lyrics and image connote pain and suffering,
though ne is physical and the other mental, so the audience can understand the fact that both the characters are suffering.
I don’t want anybody else but you…I wanna fall… I disappear from view… Cut me into two…
In our music video for Gather and Run, we too used Goodwin’s theory that the lyrics should amplify and illustrate the lyrics of the
track. For example, for the lyrics “to the forest we will gather and run…” we used a shot of the characters running through the forest,
which also matches with the building guitar strums and drumbeat (another theory of Goodwin (there is a relationship between t he
music and the visuals). Another example is for the lyrics “grab my heart…” here the characters grab one another’s hands, as well as
“hanging on to the words you said…” where Olivia is seen to be reflecting on her relationship, desperately trying to remember the
happier times in the relationship. However, Goodwin’s theory also suggests that the lyrics could contradict the lyrics, which we also
incorporated into our production: “grab my heart…” is also sung over the visual of the couple standing far apart from one another,
highlighting the distance in their relationship, thus highlighting the loneliness and desperation of the relationship.
To the forest we will gather and run… Grab my heart… Hanging on to the words you said…
4. Narrative Case Study | Performance & Intertextuality
As well as a conceptual narrative, towards the climax of the music video performance clips are used. Chris Martin (the frontman of
Coldplay) who plays Christophe is seen lip-synching to the chorus: I want to fall, fall so hard, and I call it magic, and I call it true, I call
it magic… By Martin performing the lyrics, the music video successfully promotes the band as the audience recognizes the artist, so
this familiarity will encourage them to but the record, and potentially explore their work further. This also links to Goodwin’s theory
that the demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist in order to promote them to the audience to
increase track sales. Also, the fact that the performance clips begin when Christophe is building in confidence to be with Cecile
suggests that he is breaking free of the ties which originally held him down; in this case, the video is created as a homage to silent
movies, so he breaks free of having to stay silent and finally speaks aloud his true feelings. Performance clips are often used in music
videos, particular in the pop and rock genre: for example, Nina Nesbitt’s Stay Out and Tom Odell’s Hold Me.
Performance clip: Chris lip-synchs the lyrics Nina Nesbitt Stay Out and Tom Odell Hold On
Due to the fact that Magic is a homage to the silent film era, many intertextual references are made throughout. For example, the use
of intertitles (or title cards), a backbone of silent films, as when they became of sufficient length and detail, titles were needed to
necessitate dialogue and/or narration to make sense of the enacted events. Another intertextual reference is that of the 1928 silent film
The Circus, which was written and directed by Charlie Chaplin; it tells the story of impoverished circus where Chaplin's Little Tramp is
a clown, who falls in love with Merna, a horse rider who is treated badly by her ringmaster stepfather. With the circus thriving because
of his clown skills, the Tramp is able to secure better treatment for Merna and defends her when the ringmaster begins to beat her.
This is much like the narrative of the music video for Magic; a young, pretty woman is in need of rescuing and protecting (as was the
norm in silent movies), an underdog who is hopelessly in love and a wicked ring-master. Also, in The Great Dictator (1940) Chaplin
played two characters, the main antagonist Adenoid Hynkel and a Jewish barber, the protagonist, much like Chris Martin, who plays
both Claude (the villain) and Christophe (the hero). According to Åkerlund, the director, Martin “took it really seriously. We shot first
one character over the shoulder of a double, and then we shot the other way the day after. That’s hard for any actor.”
Intertitles: Magic and City Lights (1931) (L-R) Merna and her abusive step-father (ring master)
5. Narrative Case Study | Closed Text & Flashbacks
According to Barthe’s codes, you can have either open or closed texts, open being the audience can interpret the text themselves due
to a sense of ambiguity, while closed texts has explicit meaning. Magic is a closed text due to its clear narrative; it is presented as a
homage to the silent film era, so title cards narrate the story throughout for a clear and definitive narrative. The narrative has also been
edited continuatively to establish a logical coherence between shots.
However, while the video was edited continuatively for the majority, elements of flashback is also evident. A flashback is an interjected
scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point of the narrative, and are often used to create suspense in a story, to
develop a character or to add structure to the narration. In Magic, Åkerlund, the director, uses internal analepsis (a flashback to an
earlier point in the narrative) as Christophe remembers all the ways that Claude has abused Cecile; it becomes a turning point for his
character, and he finds the determination and drive to end the conflict there and then. The audience become effected by Christophe’s
response, as the fast cutting between previous images are angry and bitter, so they, too, feel the pain and anger that Christophe feels.
To alert the viewer that the actions shown are from the past – and avoid causing the viewer to be confused – photographs are used to
show that Christophe is reminiscing on past experiences with Cecile; indeed, the angry, short cuts make way for longer held shots of
the pair of them spending time together, so the audience are alerted to the fact that these memories are happier.
Christophe remembers the bad times… … but also the good times
In our music video production for Gather and Run, we also used flashbacks to evoke a response from the audience. To indicate that a
flashback had occurred, we used fade-to-white dissolves to symbolise a change in location or time period. The present day shots were
faded with low contrast lighting, connoting sadness and despair as the relationship had ended, while happier flashbacks were in vivid
colour (connotes excitement and happiness) and sadder memories in stark and black and white (bleaker, faded memories). I paired
similar shots together, such as the extreme close up of Olivia’s eyes and the pair holding hands, from both the happy and sad so when
the shots dissolve into each other, binary opposition is created between the shots (happy vs sad) which has a larger impact on the
audience as they feel the downfall of the relationship. This creates conflict and “drives the narrative” (Strauss).
Use of vivid colour for happy flashbacks Binary opposition: pair similar black and white and colour shots together for impact