Still Image Analysis

By Bethany Wallsworth

I am going to be analysing images from the music video 'Radioactive' by Imagine Dragons

Camerawork: In this opening scene, we see an establishing shot to give a feel for the whole music video, it creates a moody, edgy atmosphere which is conventional for an indie/pop music video. The edgy vibe connotes age & represents teenagers as mysterious. By showing the girl walking through a forest at the start of the video at a low angle, it creates a rebellious convention about teenagers, by having a teenager seeming unstoppable & reckless. This is a conventional representation for this music genre. By having this wide shot including the scenery surrounding the girl, it contradicts the rebellious atmosphere by making her look small & vulnerable, which is a stereotypical representation of teenagers through the eyes of adults.

Mise-en-scene: the setting that has been used is conventional for an indie music video, it gives off a moody vibe, which correlates to the genre itself. By having all the trees looming over the girl in the scene, it kind of creates fear for her, as she is only young - this is a stereotypical representation of teenage girls, by making them appear vulnerable & weak in society. the clothing she is wearing is typical of her age group, she is wearing dark colours - this is conventional for an indie music video & it also works well with the scenery in this shot. The lighting used is only natural lighting which is minimal as the clouds are out - this is a conventional setting for an indie music video as it connotes grunge & edgy-ness. 

Camerawork: By having a medium close up of the members in the band, it makes this video conventional. They have tied it into the theme of the music video by having him playing the drums, by using this angle it shows all of the scenery which is used within the bizarre music video, it sticks to the story which invites the listener/watcher to get invested in both the band members & the story, which is key to a successful music video as they are selling themselves as well as their music. By using a level angle for this shot so we are  level with the band member, this takes us away from the story in the video & puts us on more of a personal level with the band member - this is a conventional shot to use when focusing on band members in indie music videos. 

Mise-en-scene: it is conventional to include instruments in indie music videos & to have the band members playing them in parts of the songs. he is wearing a plain t shirt, which is a stereotypical clothing choice for this genre of music, as it is kind of moody looking & considered fashionable. It also works well with the setting & low key lighting. The light is highlighted in certain areas of this scene, which makes you focus on the band member, it also makes him look like a protagonist - which is relevant to the music video as there are many antagonists. 

Camerawork: this extreme close up puts emphasis on the seriousness in her eyes - it sets a tone for this scene. They have used the camera to show her slightly from the side so you can see that she is looking at something in the distance, creating a sense of mystery & maybe fear - this is appealing for the target audience as they may feel involved in what is happening & may be able to empathize for her. By using a close up it makes the scene more dramatic which is conventional for an indie/alternative music video & is appealing for the target audience. 

Mise-en-scene:  She is wearing dark makeup in this shot, which adds to the serious tone of the shot & makes her look gothic which suits this music genre as it is slightly alternative. The dark colors create a contrast & make her look quite pale & it also emphasizes her eyes & her expression. She is wearing dark clothing which is representative of power & makes her come across as some sort of antagonist as the clothing is dark & covers her up, which connotes that she wants to be hidden. 

Camerawork: They have used a wide shot which is important for this scene as it needs to be including all of the characters. It shows a man being electrocuted & the focus is all on him as he is shown in the center of this shot. The layout of the characters in this shot are spread equally across the shot. 

Mise-en-scene: One of the main characters in this story is a pink bear, this is connotes quirk-ness, which is conventional for the indie pop/alternative genre. It would appeal to the target audience as it is fun & different, it's also make-believe, which ties in with the name of the song which is radioactive. The costume used for the guys who are around the outside of the arena are quite baggy & mysterious & they are shown to be supporting what is going on therefore giving them an evil persona. 

Camerawork: This shot shows the key to the exit of the 'prison' area in the video. The antagonists have been defeated. It shows the key being taken from around his neck - this shot is significant & says a lot about the story as it clearly shows defeat. The close up is appealing as the glimmer in the key is very eye catching - the placement of the key with the glow creates a holy effect, connoting the significance of the importance/power of the key.

Mise-en-scene: The outfit the man is wearing with the key, suggests that he is a gangster as it is a stereotypical type of outfit for one to wear, this connotes evil & makes the guy taking the key look rightful of what he is doing by snatching the key - making him less sinister, as he is doing good. 

Camerawork: The layout of this shot has been set up so that the light is directly behind the mans head, giving an effect of mystery & darkness. This is appealing to the eye as it looks artistic & pretty. The bear is placed to the side of the man, this works because the light shines & gives the bear a white lining. 

Mise-en-scene: The lighting in this shot is extremely dark, it connotes mysteriousness & darkness. This creates an illusion with the light behind him, it makes him look evil, only highlighting the top of the mans & bears head. The costumes used create darkness as the colours of them are bold - this makes them look faded & evil, which correlates with the lighting. 

Camerawork: