Redundancy and Entropy

•Redundancy is predictable. Which means scenes and actions are usually expected within the music video.

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•Entropy is unpredictable. Where the outcomes appear to be strange or out of place in a scene.

Redundancy and Entropy in a music video (PSY – Gangnam Style)

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The redundancy in this music video are scenes of routine dancing, because of the music genre being Pop and Dance. This shows the expected side of this music video. The central focus is on the singer, giving a clear indication of the artist. This is another use of redundancy due to similar genre of other music videos, focusing on the main singer. 

•The entropy used in a humorous way. This video included unexpected small cuts of random scenes, such as dancing in an elevator and also sunbathing in a playground. Its the of certain actions in odd places which gives this music video a lot of entropic scenes. Entropic use of mise-en-scene and camera is common. The costumes are very varied, some being redundant and others being unusual. The camera work is usually still to focus on the entropic scenes for a funnier outcome.

Redundancy and Entropy in another music video (Dirty Dike – Pork Pie)

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•The genre of this music video is rap and drum and bass, which uses a lot of redundant features. No instruments are shown in a performance part, and the video is usually focused on the singer. This states that its expected because drum and bass doesn't involve shots of instruments played such as guitar, drums etc. Also in a rap style of lyrics, the expectation of scenes are usually involved around the singer. As well using lyrics to visuals, the constant shots of pork pies is highly redundant as it’s the name of the song.

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There is only a slight entropic side to this video which shows the artist in a Mexican hat holding a plank of wood. This is unexpected as its unfitting with the dress style of the genre.

Coursework Schedule

Our chosen song

Music Video Analysis

Show me how to live - Audioslave

1: Shot type and movement - Mid close up fixed at radio presenter.

Music/Lyrics - “For whom, speed means freedom of the soul”.

The beginning of the music video is a brief intro before the song. The mid close up shows the radio presenter explaining the story line before. This connotes to the target audience as the whole setting is very laid back and calm, suited to the bands brand identity.

2: Shot type and movement - Mid long shot overlooking the desert behind two policemen.

Music/Lyrics: Guitar instrumental for intro.

As the music begins to play a rocky guitar sound, a series of shots shown of policemen signifies danger or outlaws within the story line  This also highlights the brand identity for Audioslave to be rebellious. The setting is a large open desert could be in a location such as Texas which connotes to a western outlaw kind of theme.

3: Shot type and movement - Extreme long shot of driving car, tracking from helicopter.

Music/Lyrics - Introduction gets progressively heavier.

As the shot cross cuts to a fast driving car, the non diegetic sound of the music indicates these are the outlaws of the story line  Also from the camera angle and tracking on the car also gives the impression they are being followed in an actual helicopter. This links back to the brand identity of rebellion which appeals to the target audience.

 

4: Shot type and movement - POV of police bikes trough car mirror.

Music/Lyrics - “Is this a cure, or is this a disease?”.

This shot again links with the whole outlaw theme to the story line due to the police chasing the car. The shot shows the police from the drivers perspective which connotes more of a sense of rebellion. The style of music also fits in with the footage as it relates well to the lyrics of the song.

 

5: Shot type and movement - Two shot; mid close up.

Music/Lyrics - “You gave me life now, show me how to live”.

This mid shot gives you a representation of the bands brand identity. The shot shows them to be relaxed in this chaos, which connotes the mood set for this band. The use of mise-en-scene increases the point of them being chilled and relaxed from their clothing. From their attitude in the story line they’re showing their not typical outlaws, as that isn't the representation they want to give to their audience.

6: Shot type and movement - Close up of guitar.

Music/Lyrics - Guitar solo playing.

After most of the song we finally see a small performance part of the story (which is linked into the story line). The close up of the guitar is to show the music becoming diegetic sound, where the band are performing in a similar setting. This shows the stereotypical style of rock genre, from playing live in front of an audience it connotes their brand identity and appeals to their targer audience.

 

7: Shot type and movement - Long shot of band.

Music/Lyrics - “Ready to begin”

This long shot shows the band members posed in different stances. This is to show the mise-en-scene used in this video to connote the style of the band again. They all face one direction which could link in to the meaning of the song which is about knowing where to go in life, however as shown in the middle of a desert, they are nowhere.

 

8: Shot type and movement - Mid long shot of singer.

Music/Lyrics - “You gave me life now, show me how to live”

This last shot relates back to the performance element. Again the use of mise-en-scene states that they don't care and influences the feel for rebellion even more. The fast edited camera shots during this part of the video relate to the music style.

 

Purpose and function for music video

This montage of photos and ideas I created to research into different genre and styles of music videos. This should help me decide what genre I want to use and give me an introduction towards the techniques of creating a music video.