Saturday 21 January 2012

Blondie 'Call Me' video analysis





The video 'Call Me' by Blondie contains both elements of the rock genre and the 'Your Song' video which makes it a prime example to be analysed. Released in 1980, it also fits into the time period that Fleetwood Mac would have been around.



In relation to the rock genres conventions, this video shows many shots of Blondie in a live performance, something which is present in every rock video from this time period. This is similar to the 'Little Lies' video with the members of the band playing their instruments. This rock influence is also shown through her clothing and actions, suggesting at a playful yet slightly edgy character.


However, this video also creates the 'home video' feel to it, especially in regards to the scenes of Blondie at the beach. The camera is constantly focused on Blondie and she plays to the camera in the same way that Ellie Goulding in the 'Your Song' video does. However, unlike the 'Your Song' video there is not the presence of the special effect that creates the grainy sort of quality that makes the video have that more 'home' feel to it. Yet the 'Call Me' video does use the same sort of informal settings that are present in the 'Your Song' video making it more relatable to the viewer.


In relation to this 'home video' style, the sense of voyeurism is also present within this video, as the camera is constantly watching Blondie, be it during the live performance or the more informal scenes, highlighting one of Goodwin's theories. This sense of voyeurism coupled with 'home video' feel makes the viewer feel like they have been granted access to view Blondie in a normal day, making them feel special and included thus making them more likely to buy and support Blondie in the future.



In various places some action is slowed down to emphasises what is happening. Actions such as Blondie taking off her t-shirt to reveal a swimsuit, are slowed down to add that attractive appeal that videos use to aid sales, and so by slowing down that movement, the fact that Blondie is taking of an item of clothing is enhanced even more. However, there are also some actions of Blondie on stage at a live performance that are also slowed down slightly, enhancing the more playful, party type character that she is and what sort of performer she is, making the viewers want to go and see her live.



Various words are placed upon the screen throughout the video, amplifying the lyrics being sung. In doing this, the video shows an importance for each word, whilst also conforming to Goodwin's idea of the link between lyrics and the visuals.



The use of the close-up is also another prominent feature within the music video, enabling the establishment of a star persona, for example the close-up of Blondie sticking her tongue out at the camera indicates a playful person. This star persona is also enhanced by the clothing and actions performed by Blondie as already discussed.



To conclude, the 'Call Me' video contains elements of both of the other videos I have analysed. Firstly, the conventions of a rock video are fulfilled as around half of the video is of live footage, whilst her actions and clothing convey that of a 'edgy' character. This 'edgy' character is put into Blondie's star persona, which is also enhanced by the use of close up and slow motion. Voyeurism is also present within this video, making the viewer feel included by Blondie.

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