3 Music videos you need to watch rn!

Ok. Ok. So I was a TA for the Intro to Film (TMA 102) course at BYU during my senior year of college. One of my absolute favorite things about the class was teaching students the power and theoretical significance of filmic elements, those elements being: non-traditional/linear narrative, linear narrative, cinematography, editing, production design, acting, sound, etc. We'd use these elements to prove or illustrate a theme that is present in a film.

One of my favorite ways to help students grasp these concepts and techniques in action was to use music videos. So in this blog post I'm going to break down some of the elements I noticed in three of my favorite music videos and what theme or idea they are telling us—or hinting at. Eeek! This is literally my favorite thing to do, just ask my twin Sierra.

Also, a word of warning—maybe watch the videos before reading my insights. There will be spoilers lol.

#1 De Selby Pt 2 - Hozier

My goal is to keep most of my thoughts brief and not get too deep into the theory, because if I do you'll be here all day with pages and pages of content haha. So here we go!

I think the theme that stuck out the most to me in De Selby Pt 2 was generally a descent into madness, with emphasis on how we are our own worst enemy and how our minds can trap us in a feedback loop that can be particularly violent at times. There's almost a sense—if you've studied Freudian psychology—of the Id, Ego, and Superego fighting against each other (literally).

I think the editing in this is particularly insightful in highlighting these thematic ideas. For one, you'll notice a repetition of sequences where Domhall Gleeson (ahhh it's Domhall Gleeson!) wakes up and proceeds to use the shovel in his hand to strike something. Each time the sequence repeats we get more and more information, eventually revealing that he is striking himself into a six-foot grave and burying his “self.”

The first sequence is slightly slower, with longer shots, almost orienting the viewer—like Domhall—to his situation. As the video progresses, shots pick up speed and build intensity as the panic of the loop sets in. The quick foreshadowing cuts in this and other sequences shouldn't be ignored either. Almost too quick to process, we see shots of Domhall with dirt on his face and so forth—i.e., we know what's coming! This editing technique of repetition, quick pacing, and foreshadowing lends itself to this Freudian descent into madness by creating a sense of trapped-ness that is both frustrating and futile. In other words, we see more information in each sequence, but that information isn't helping Domhall escape—it's only trapping him further, keeping the cycle endless.

Ok ok, one more thing (though I have a ton more). The cinematography is insightful. There's a shot near the end of the video with Domhall center frame, surrounded by ocean water that is now circling around him. Someone asked in the comments if this video was a nod or reference to Dante's Inferno, i.e., one of the circles of hell, and I found that comment particularly relevant with this shot! Anywho, this shot lends itself to the cyclical nature of madness present in this film.

The use of angles was also insightful, especially high and low angles. One sequence that stands out is when Domhall has hit his “self” into the grave hole. His grave “self” is looking up at him from a low angle, while his shovel “self” is looking down at him from a high angle. This creates an obvious power play and struggle, suggesting that the Ego has gained power and control over the Id and/or Superego. Maybe it has the upper hand…or does it?

Last thought—did you notice the use of color? Black and white to brief, chaotic shots of red?

That's all! Let me know what you noticed in the comments. Also, might I just add…was anyone else reminded of that Davy Jones locker scene from Pirates of the Caribbean 3 during this video?

Also, I'm definitely NOT obsessed with Hozier. Ok?

#2 Free - Florence & the Machine

Ok so I'm obsessed with Florence and the Machine, so you already know this song sucked me in immediately. The main message you're certain to catch onto is that of illustrating Florence's experience with anxiety. I found the acting—particularly the movement—to be especially illustrative of this.

First off, the relationship between Florence and Bill Nighy, her anxiety, is one of mimicry and compulsion. Florence is literally jerked along by her anxiety throughout the music video, forced to follow it. As someone who also deals with anxiety, I found this illustration of it to be powerful. Anxiety can make you feel like you're being dragged along.

Next in movement is the dancing. Like Florence's anxious compulsion, it's jerky and wacky—and yet it's organized and cohesive. There's a predictable pattern to it that leans into the beat of the song and the flow of the video. Anxiety can be compulsive and jittery, but it can also have a consistent logic to it that creates a sense of direction and flow.

Lastly—and now I'm going to go off on a bit of a tangent from acting—is the cinematography. Center framing, minimal movement, steady shots, and wide angles all lend themselves to a kind of centeredness that's as stable as it is intentional. I felt this stability, despite the anxiety-themed central message, really lent itself to what is revealed at the end—a dedication to Ukraine and the acknowledgement that the video was filmed there. Wow. Just wow.

#3 Ophelia - Roo Panes

"There's a world that needs what you've got to give."

This song. It's absolutely beautiful, and once you've watched the music video you'll love it even more. The themes present within it are loss and grief, but also hope and peace. It's slow, intentional, and peaceful. You'll notice this a lot in the cinematography and editing.

The shots are slow, long, and intentional—as is the movement. Think of that long dolly in at the beginning of the video. This deliberateness in the cinematography saturates the video with that sense of loss-filled hope and memory of those who leave us behind. I just love how long the shots linger. I would have loved to be around for the editing process because oh boy, it is hard to find the balance between long and too long for cuts. Food for thought.

Ok folks, that's it! I hope you got an insight into the critical thinking that comes from recognizing the workings of art and technique. It's not rocket science, but it's powerful to be able to interpret how messages are being sent to you so that you can decide how to break them down and whether or not to accept the message being given.

Lastly, I want you to know something…writing this blog post was agonizing for me, mostly because I struggle to focus and find the flow. So needless to say I know it's not the most amazing, jaw-dropping writing you'll ever encounter. But if I want to become a better writer, blogger, and thinker, I need to practice—so I'm going to keep struggling through these posts haha.o focus and find the flow. So needless to say I know its not the most amazing, jaw-dropping writing you'll ever encounter but if I want to become a better writer, blogger, thinker, I need to practice, so I'm gonna keep struggling through these posts haha.

Link to a playlist with more of my fav music videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtGF6j5cBXcZA_4ldw4OxCbgX4spTESco&si=QZO3Yi8JR8GSNqMq