Vampire weekend- Diana young- Music Video analysis

Vampire weekends Diana Young video falls into the genre of Indie rock/pop. The video in some respects is seen as conventional to this genre however the display of the conventions is extremely different and therefore unconventional. The overall feel of the video is reserved for that of a party video. This is done through the composition of shots and slow sections of editing. As a band, Vampire Weekend likes to break conventions, which is apparent in this music video.

The establishing shot shows a scene similar to that of a civilised dinner party. However through the mise-en-scene of the band we can deduct that the cooky, industrial vibe of the band is presented in this long shot. Within the shot the band is featured conforming to Carlsson’s theory of commercial exhibitionist, however this is also made unconventional to the lack of attention on the band mates themselves but more on the whole scene. The paler colours of the blue wall and white pillars and table cloth, highlight the people at the table drawing the focus to their positioning and outfits.

The masked balaclava man creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity to the video. We never find out who he is and the audience our intrigued to find out his purpose, leaving a lasting impression. As the camera focuses on close ups of people at the party we are shown the unfolding situation and the different personas of these characters. Direct mode of address is used connecting with the audience. The name of the song is also featured within the shot on the back of the iPhone case promoting the song. Due to product placement the song connects to the audience even more as they can relate to currency of the IPhone.

The focus on another attendant of the party highlights the unconventional aspect of the video. An older, creepy man with a golden grill has no relation to the song abiding to Goodwin’s theory of disjuncture. His smile is off putting and slightly staged like the beginning of the video.

A slight comedic effect is added to the video as we see the stereotypical drunk person. The band mate is centre of the frame surrounded by smoke and dimmed electric lights, creating the party vibe and atmosphere of the music and video.

The diversity of the attendants of the party suggests the complexity of differing sounds and instruments within the video. The relaxed punk vibe of the girl adds another element and genre to the music video. It also suggests that the song is about this girl “Diana”. She is central to the shot and her jacket contrast to the lighter colours around her.

Similar to the first shot we are shown the length of the table again, however in a different scenario. A more conventional image to the party scene, we see a mass of dancing, balloons, confetti, smoke and drinking. As the climax builds up in the music we see the scene change into the more chaotic party with more movement and liveliness.

The medium two shot invites the audience into the celebrations. The dramatic flair of light, the champagne bottle and candles create a romantic, lively vibe mimicking the song. The brightness of the light distorts the shot and the eye is drawn the spark intriguing the audience.

Camera: A variety of camera shots are used throughout the video in order to show the audience the bizarre party vampire weekend are having. However the only angle explored with is straight on, which again relates to the slight conformity and reservation of the band.

Editing: In the parts of the song where the beat picks up and the party begins a montage of flickering shot is used in order to compare the excitement of the party and more reserved formal meal. Panning shots are frequently used travelling along the length of the table in order to show the different events happening at the same time.

Theories: As the conventions of the video have been played with, to an extent it conforms to Shore’s theories including:

Surface without substance Simulated experience Immediate gratification

However it could be argued that these theories do not apply to this video as some could take meaning in a ‘guy kissing a coffee machine’ or a ‘masked man’ wearing a balaclava.

A close up shot of recreational drugs and fire conforms to a conventional image within an indie music video. Unconventionally Vampire weekend have decided to create a saxophone bong. The bizarre matter of the shot relates to the vibe of the band, creating an image for themselves that will get them recognised by an audience.

The end of the music video is similar to that of its origins. We see a long shot with the band all together along with the masked man. The image is almost parallel on each side of the frame and relates back to the idea of the controlled, reserved party.