Research - Deconstruction

Deconstruction

A selection of filmmaking aspects make up a product - mise-en-scene, costume, location, etc. The different aspects are utilised in many ways to achieve certain themes and atmospheres. These are some certain features that I'm aiming to utilise in my music video. These examples are taken from my inspiration section.

Costume

Marshmello's music video for his song 'Alone' uses his character to set the theme of loneliness and difference as his costume stands apart from all the other characters.

His costume is his signature all white outfit joint with his iconic mask differentiates him from all the other characters in the video and creates this atmosphere right at the start of the video.

Location

The location helps to tackle modern issues revolving around teenage life as its set in an American High School. This is identifiable through the setting of hallways, lockers and casual dress code. It being a High School considers the issues of bullying and diversity being unnatural in this sort of environment, which is what this music video conveys using Marshmello's character.

Lighting

The lighting varies depending on the emotion that is trying to be created. Majority of the video uses high key, bright lighting as majority of it is set outside. However, some settings such as his room use very low key lighting to help convey his sense of loneliness and separation from everyone else, which are then sparked with flashing, colourful lights to raise the atmosphere to become very joyful and upbeat. 

Colour

The colours throughout tend to be very general and simple, generally to match the simplicity of high school life and to convey that this is targeted at a teenage audience. The colours that 'pop' are obviously Marshmello's signature all-white look, to show that he is segregated from the rest of the characters in this video, as the rest of the characters are all wearing casual clothing. Even though the white outfit is a part of the artist, it can be also presented as a sign of purity and separation as he is just an innocent teenager with hidden talents who is bullied for his difference and ability. Bright and vibrant colours are used when the mood becomes uplifting and happy, such as the school performance or when he is performing in his room.

Camera Work

The camera work is very general in creating and expressing emotion like any other product. A large proportion of mid-shots and close-up shots are used to convey emotion of sadness and loneliness, however as we can't see Marshmello's face, the emotion is largely conveyed through body language such as head drops and slow movement. A lot of slow pans are also used to express a lot of the colour used such as in his bedroom or at the school performance.