Music Video Analysis #4

No Surprises – Radiohead

This song was released in 1997 by English alternative-rock band Radiohead. I have purposefully chosen this video as I feel the actual content is much deeper than many other modern tracks. In addition to this I also feel it has the same sort of tone as a track which I will use.

The entirety of the video is a close up of lead singer Thom Yorke’s head inside an astronaut-like helmet. I feel this forces the viewer to sympathise with Thom Yorke and the plight he is obviously in. However, in contrast to this, Thom Yorke is behind a plastic screen which stops the viewer from getting too close and feeling involved. This has the effect of forcing the viewer to feel cut off from him and unable to help as his plight gets worse.

In addition to this, the lyrics scroll up the helmet (mirrored, obviously). This resembles an autocue that many people in entertainment and politics would use to address an audience. This serves to distance Thom Yorke from the theme he is discussing (Everything going wrong) and also contrasts with what will be discussed in the next paragraph. The possible outcome of this is that it alienates the audience into believing that the lyrics are aimed at, and being explained to, them.

The most discomforting thing for the audience in relation to this video is the fact that after the first verse, the helmet begins to fill with water. While this is happening Thom Yorke attempts to keep his head above the water for as long as he can, but eventually succumbs to the water and stares motionless at the camera for a minute. This has the effect of showing to the viewer that no matter how much you try to explain and sympathise with the plight of others (As Thom Yorke is doing to the viewer) but eventually your own problems, as symbolised by the water, will swallow you up.

Despite this sobering message, the water does eventually retreat and a visibly relieved Thom Yorke continues with the song. This serves to show to the viewer that eventually the problems will disappear and life can continue.