MB: Semiotic Music Video Analysis (Narrative)

 

 

- The Arctic Monkeys' video to "Why'd you only Call Me When You're High?" demonstrates the

 conventions of the narrative video we are aiming to create for our final production. The video follows the band's lead singer, Alex Turner, as he wanders home after alcohol and drug fuelled night

- This represents the band's, or at least Turner's, sense of rebellion to public order. However, the lifestyle in this particular case is far from represented at positive. In fact, it is represented almost as tragic. His long walk home is a rather harrowing experience, representing him more as a failure than a success

- This comes in radical contrast to some of the band's other videos, such as "Arabella"; a performance video that appears very hi-fi in comparison. This video isn't particularly lo-fi, however, it's more independent style aims to give the impression of a lo-fi music video. This stems from the handheld style of filming, signifying the lost nature of his situation as negative. This is more for aesthetics rather than having no other choice

- When considering mise en scene in the video, there are several signifiers that connote the way the band is represented, most obvious of which being the opening scene, where Alex, along with the rest of the band are seen doing shots in a pub. This connotes the ordinary nature of the band, making them less "extraordinary". However, this video isn't necessarily meant to represent the band, but more so characters that the band are playing

- However, aside from the way the band is represented, there is also further reference to the way sexuality is presented. This is connoted through the things Turner sees on his walk home. As he passes people in the street, he appears to hallucinate the girl he is texting performing sexual acts with other men. This connotes the dominant ideology that men are obsessed with sex, whereas women, as seen by the last scene of the video, are not so fussed

- This then relates to the title of the song; "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?". As Turner walks home, he constantly texts this girl asking to see her, and eventually turns up at her house (or near her house) to try and "get with her". This is therefore a negative representation of how drugs and drink effect the body, as it is clear that he is only attracted to this girl when he's "high", as expects that she will give him what he wants, no matter what