Music Video Analysis #2

Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

 

This music video was produced in 1997 by British alternative rock band ‘The Verve’ and is one which I personally believe is very well made with many subtleties which simply add to this.

The video opens with the camera concentrating on the protagonist’s feet, this is shown at the same time as an orchestral introduction with no vocals. When the feet reach a crossing, the camera zooms out to show the entire protagonist. It is at this moment that the dull colour palette becomes obvious to the viewer. This sets the tone for the entire video and the song itself, that of sadness which is further exemplified by the use of cool drowned out colours.

The music begins with this person’s first step off of the pavement. This could be expanded upon by saying that he is stepping out of his comfort zone and beginning a change of his life as shown by the change in the music.

The viewer is forced to emphasise with the protagonist in the way that the camera is used. This is established by keeping the character centred at all times in the shot forcing the viewer to take notice of him. This empathy is the forced again in the only other camera angle used; that of a first person shot. This is mainly used during the ‘action’ sequences of the video and makes the viewer go into their shoes and face the literal (and mentioned in the song) hardships.