Music Video Analysis - Muse : Dead Inside

The second music video that I am going to analyse, is completely different from the first, as it is a performance based music video which  uses two dancers as well as the band, Muse themselves. Also, it links into the theorist of  Joan Lynch who said that there is three basic music video structures, which include; performance, narrative and concept. 


Moving on from this, the reason as to why I chose this specific music video, over other performance based ones, is because I found this one interesting to watch and it never got boring. As there was a constant cross cut between the two dancers and the band themselves, so you never got bored of what you were looking at as there was always a cut between the two of them. Not only that, but the use of slow motion was very noticeable and helped the overall feel of the music video, which was to portray something not human through the use of dance and how the two dancers reacted with each other. 

The first shot that is shown of the music video, is a close up of one of the dancers, with the use of pull focus, so the dancer in the background is all blurred and can’t be seen at all. Which may suggest that she is the dominant dancer, as she is the one in focus. Then there is a clear quick cut to the bands drum kit, which breaks the tension that has been set up within the very first shot. Also, you notice the flour which has been put on the drum kit, which may suggest that the place in which they are, is not very clean or they're in a warehouse of some description.

The next shot that is given is of the two dancers, with the use of a long shot to show what they are wearing and what their body languages are. However, it still doesn't give much away with what is going on. While this is important, the colours that are being used are dull and not bright, which may suggest that the subject matter of the music video is not an upbeat one. But more of a mystery that never really reveals itself clearly, however it can be interpreted through the dance itself and by the lyrics of the song are actually saying. 

It then cuts straight away to the first glimpse of the lead singer, Matthew Bellamy. Who is shown with the use of the close up of the face. It becomes apparent that he also has the flour powder on him as well, but there is no clear explanation as to why, which makes it more interesting to look at. Because, it’s left us guessing what is going on. 

Long shot, showing the dancers whole bodies.

Long shot, but it uses a high angle from the left side of the screen.

Medium close up, as you can only see them on the floor as well as a tiny
bit of the background. The camera is also straight on them as well.

Long shot, but with establishing shot properties. The camera is also at a higher angle
similar to the first screen grab. 

Above, is a selection of the contemporary dance that is being shown throughout the music video. I chose this particular screen grabs because they each show a different camera angle and a different view of the dancers themselves. The powder that they are dancing on, gives it a more urban feel and with the use of the slow motion that is used within some of the cross cuts to the dancers, it makes it more effective and gives it more of an edge over just dancing on a stage. 

As the music video progresses, you start to see the lights that are used in order to show the dancers and the band themselves. This links in with the theory from Andrew Goodwin, who said that some music videos make their equipment visible on the music video itself, which is what is done here. (Shown below) Also, you can see from these lights that they must of had a high budget in order to create this music video as there are multiple lights on the cranes.

Not only is the main singer shown in the music video, but other members are also shown throughout. This then helps to promote the band as a whole, not just the lead singer. And as the music intensifies, the use of the powder becomes more powerful as it mists things up, which adds to the idea that the music video may be showing something that is not completely human, something that doesn't have emotions. This is also shown throughout the female dancer as well. As the use of the back eyes, may suggest that she is evil and not completely human. As the majority of the dancing looks like fighting, through the art of contemporary dance.

Below is a selection of band members that were shown throughout the video, this links in with the theory from Andrew Goodwin who said that the artist/s may develop their own iconography, which links into this Muse music video as they are known as being more of an alternative, but still popular band and this music video helps to validate this for them. Not only that, but the powder that is used throughout this music video as well as the use of slow motion help to bring it to life, and make it appear more mysterious and slightly twisted to watch. 

The reason why I chose this specific music video to analyse is because it stuck out to me as something that I would want to do myself, as I found it interesting to watch as the use of the quick cut and continuous edits made it enjoyable to watch, especially with the different uses of camera angles during the dancers performances gave you more views of the performance, as well as the use of the slow motion which brought it to life and made the dancing sections more interesting. Also, the way in which it all flowed well together and the use of the different camera shots which, when it all came together made the music video better. Lastly, because this video represents what Muse are all about and it fits their own style of music in a positive way.