Analysis of music video 2

The second music video that I have chosen to analyse is “Porcelain” by Moby. I find this music video particularly interesting because of the way it approaches certain conventions that are associated with music videos, the most prominent of which being, the point of view shot. Having the objects and people reflected in the protagonist’s eye effectually reverses the point of view shot.
Moreover, both the style of music and certain shot used in this video are relevant to what I am planning to do with my own video. The convention that immediately drew my attention was the use of extreme close up that runs throughout the film as one continuous shot; the use of this shot has many connotations such as eyes being the window to the soul, this is further emphasised by the depiction of dreamlike images such as stars and otherworldly beings, it is almost as though the audience is viewing creation through the eyes of someone else. Taking this into account it is also possible to argue that the eye represents a modern day mother nature, who is viewing creation and the world as it happens. The blue/green colour of the eye suggests a parallel with the earth; which further emphasises the suggestion that the eye may belong to mother nature. The mese en scene ensures that the viewer is able to see that the protagonist eye is female; this is shown through the use of heavy makeup around the eye, this is also intended to give the audience the impression that it is from a modern perspective therefore, allowing them to feel as though they can relate to the images depicted.
Despite the unconventional way in which the music video had been made there are several aspects of it that are typical of a music video such as the synchronisation used at intermittent points during the video which breaks up the narrative slightly. There is one shot of the piano being played and this synchronises with the piano music of the song. The man sings to the protagonist at certain points throughout the video which suggests a relationship between the protagonist and the singer of the song.
The use of editing also creates a dreamlike feeling through the use of slow fades and by blending one shot into another. It seems as though the eye has been deliberately left un airbrushed which suggests that the makers of the video want to convey as much realism as possible within the piece. It also suggests that the video may have been made on a budget which, this being the case, gives me inspiration as the to effects I can achieve with my video.
When approaching the content of the video from an analytical perspective there appear to be signs of conflict between science and religion, which are shown through the use of a Dove, and a wrinkled floating head protruding from space which may be intended to represent God. However; the use of stars and explosions may be intended to portray the big bang theory. This conflict, due to the point of view shot, s intended to be from the protagonist’s perspective which is further emphasised through certain lyrics of the song:
“Going out of my mind”
“In my dreams I’m dying all the time”