Music Video Analysis 1

Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden - Bonkers 

The narrative of the music video 'Bonkers' is about Dizzee Rascal's crazy and 'bonkers' lifestyle. Therefore the narrative of the video matches the lyrics of the song. The camera movement and effects complement the beat, rhythm and overall feel of the music video. The special effects throughout the video and props also show that the theme is supposed to show a crazy atmosphere. All this contributes to delivering the message and theme of the music video.

   

Camera movement

As mentioned before the camera movement and special effects match the beat and rhythem of the video. The first time we see where the beat is mirrored by the visuals is at 0:06 where we see the animated truck driving down the road. This of course adds to the confusing and crazy atmosphere as an animated truck is driving down a normal, everyday road. The camera then addresses Dizzee Rascal himself for the rest of the first verse. During this Dizzee uses direct address, so that the audience are fully engaged in the music video. The camera then seems to change from mid-shots to close-ups of Dizzee. At the start of the chorus, 1:02, when we see all the people dancing to the song, the screen looks as if it is vibrating and moving with the beat. With this not only audio but now visible beat, the people dancing are also in beat with the music and the camera movement shows this very well here. This again sells this type of music to the watcher/listener. The constant use of variety within the camera shots. eg: long shots, mid-shots, close-ups and even a few canted angles, help to add the feeling of distortion and confusion about the bonkers atmosphere. 

Mise-en-scene

The mise-en-scene in this video is extremely effective. As mentioned before the whole atmosphere of the video mirrors the narrative and message of the song. The particular image where he seems to be stood taller than the world with buildings going past him is particularly clever in showing a 'bonkers' theme. 

The colour used within this video is also very clever in portraying the main theme. The light blue colour that features throughout but especially at the beginning, gives a sense of a dream world. And as many people have 'weird' dreams the theory fits, making people think that perhaps this crazy atmosphere is a dream. This also makes sense at the beginning of the video when Dizzee Rascal is laying on a bed.

Another impressive feature in this video is the use of costume. One of the main things that catches the viewers eye in this music video is Dizzee Rascal's choice of clothing. The first bizarre bit of clothing we see is when he is wearing his 'blue' pyjamas which has large eyes all over it. This grabs the viewers attention instantly. Then at 1:02 we see him wearing a shark outfit which seems to have nothing to do with the video apart from the fact that wearing the outfit is bonkers! For quite a large proportion of the video he wears an oversized chain around his neck adding a commical factor to the video.