The Kooks are a successful Indie band formed in 2006 from Brighton, England. Arctic Monkeys and the Kooks have played along side each other and large events and festivals such as Reading and Leeds festivals. Below is a deconstruction of the song ‘Naïve’ released on their debut album ‘Inside in / Inside out’.
Representation
As the main subject is introduced, information is shared on the bands attitudes and beliefs through mise en scene.
He has his hands in his pockets & his head is down indicating a melancholy frame of mind. His black leather jacket is zipped up. His clothing and hair categorize him into the Indie genre.
Narrative
A girl cheats on a boy thinking he’d never find out “Sweet and pretty face in such a ugly way”
The boy eventually understands the situation but avoids confrontation.
“I know she knows I’m not fond of asking”.
The song is titled ‘Naïve’ because the girl thinks she’s playing him.
There are jump cuts to scenes of happier times between the couple providing background information prior to her deceitful act. The narrative strictly follows the lyrics.
Audience
The narrative is typical of the teenage target audience. The locations are generic and ordinary tapping into the everyday world of their fan base. Both genders are included in the video.
Cinematography
The main subject ignores the camera indicating that he is pre-occupied. The camera follows the subject around showing the lead singer singing the song. Fast cuts between each scene keep the video interesting. The viewer is looking in on his life and problems. This gives a ‘fly on the wall’ view.
Ideology
Young love is reckless and experimental.
Arctic Monkeys
The second video I chose to analyse is the Arctic Monkeys ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ released in July 2007. I hope to gain a greater insight into the values and beliefs of the band.
The lyrics are inspired from local poet John Cooper Clarke. His poem ‘Out Of Control Circus’ is printed on the inner cover of the CD case.
Representation
Clothing worn is unique to engage the viewer. Lots of props are used to promote fight scenes. Filming is local and typical of Northern Britain, concrete platforms and structures with overcast weather. The clothing of the non-clownish gang is typical of low income blue collar men.
Narrative
The video entails two post teenage gangs; a group of clowns and a group of non clowns. Each of the gang leaders has flashbacks to times when they used to be best friends as children. Photos are used to show the flashbacks. Throughout the video the two gang leaders constantly attempt to kill each other. The video ends with an explosion as one of the gang leaders dies.
Audience
The video contains middle aged men in stark contrast with their much younger fan base.
Cinematography
A handheld camera is used giving a jolty and dynamic affect.
Ideology
It appears that the music video is about growing older and finding life boring and less fun the clowns illustrate this. Clowns represent the fun times and the flash backs perhaps when fun and boring were friends might indicate good times. Interestingly the clowns win this battle.
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