Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm

This is a pretty straightforward amplification video (in accordance to the terms of the media theorist, Craig Davis), incorporating performance, but with no narrative at all, although many cuts to different shots (dancing girls, images related to the lyrics etc.). Lighting in the video is constantly quite dark, with flashing floodlights periodically, possibly evoking mystery for the band. Even though the majority of the video is performance, you do not see any of the band’s faces. There are a lot of close up shots of the band, although very few from the front. This is aided by the general dark lighting. This is purely the band’s discretion, as in 2007 they had reputations of being camera-shy. Agreeing with Goodwin’s theory, this developed a motif for the band at the time. Not seeing the band has no apparent link to the actual narrative or music. The entire video is produced in a studio although no special effects are particularly incorporated, adding to the ‘raw’ stereotype of the genre. This supported Goodwin’s theory that music videos represented genre typical characteristics. Though, unusual to indie/alternative music videos, ‘Brianstorm’ makes use of dancing girls periodically through the video, perhaps as a shout of the band’s individuality at the time, or a mock of the usual music video stereotype. As much of the video uses videos within its own video, there is little more mise en scene to comment on. (Written by Sam)