2. This is the video to Eminem’s new single
‘Bezerk’. The song fits into the genre of ‘Hip
Hop’, we will explore whether its conventions
challenge this, or indeed reflect it.
3. Editing
The sequence starts with Eminem staring at an old television screen, editing
effects are used consequently to give the impression the whole video is being
filmed through the eyes of the television. We see through the screen, due to the
banding, and ‘fuzzy’ effects used on each clip.
Fast editing is used throughout, reflecting the pace of rapping. Video is cut, to
be in time with the Artist’s hand movements and where each verse finishes.
This gives a definite beat and strong pulse throughout, marrying and
encompassing the audio and visuals.
Naive and almost childlike colour manipulation effects are used, which lends
itself to the ‘rushed’ feel, the rapping and dancing is not precise and doesn't
appear planned, extreme care that you might expect to see in genres like
classical or pop, has not been taken, which creates an effect in its self;
mimicking the hip hop genre. However this heavily juxtaposes the lyrics from a
song which has evidently taken time and care to write, due to the emotive lyrics
and clever satirical rhymes.
4. Camera
An extremely low camera angle is used throughout, which makes viewers look
up to Eminem, showing the Artist’s power and dominance. He also has virtually
all the screen prevalence and the focus is firmly on him, with many close up
shots; further highlighting his power. This also helps record companies achieve
brand recognition. This keeps in with conventions of hip hop, as rap Artists are
never portrayed as weak and the aim more often than not, is to assert
dominance.
A fisheye lens is used on the camera in the scenes where the artist is lip syncing.
This gives an impression that we are looking at him through a security camera or
such like, the way he is staring into it sand rapping at it, could symbolise his ‘bad
man’ nature, in the way that he doesn't feel threatened by being watched.
However the angle used where we are looking up to the artist and he is staring
right at us, doesn't allow for us to be withdrawn from the experience, we can
relate with it more and feel more personally involved, as if Eminem is rapping at
us, he audience.
5. Mise En Scene
The clothes worn are of the baggy/sportswear type.
This fits in with the general conventions of Hip Hop
videos, due to rappers often having little money
when they start out. This also keeps with the
stereotype that rappers are ‘chavs.’
Lighting used is mostly dim, the scenes are lit but
not well lit. This adds to the ‘low rent’ (purposeful)
feel that has been achieved by the director. Walls
are dingy and grimy, giving a grunge feel, relating
to the hip hop genre.
6. Conventions
The video challenges Goodwin’s notion that successful music videos must
address the idea of ‘male gaze’. The video has no real focus on women and is
controlled by men throughout. This could however suggest that the men are
more powerful and women are not needed, which would back up the
stereotype that women are ‘less talented.’
There is no obvious or profound link between the lyrics and visuals. The clips
are relevant in the way they are of the artist, mostly Eminem, so keeping in
with Goodwin’s convention that the artist must be shown. However, the video
does not portray the lyrics in a different light, highlight them, or even contradict
them.
There is however, a relationship between the music and the visuals. The
video is cut in time with the beat of music and fast paced editing is used,
mirroring the pace of music. This helps the video to flow, showing a
fundamental link between the elements that make up the video. Thus, the
video keeps in with Goodwin’s convention in that the music and visual
experience do link and have an obvious relationship.
