Analysis Of Music Video (Coldplay: 'Strawberry Swing')

Here is an analysis of Coldplay's music video 'Strawberry Swing'. A four minute and 15 second music video. The video was Directed by a group of visual artists from London under the anagram of Shynola. The video expresses the film in an alternative and highly effective way.

Camerawork

The entirety of the film is shot from one position. This position is an overhead shot, located above a chalk board. Although this might sound restricting to the production company as to how much they could do with this film, the sculpt the setting and manipulate the main character to make it appear that an array of different camera shots and angles have been used.

Sound

The Music Video is set to Cold Play's song 'Strawberry Swing'. Whilst there are parts of the music video whereby it is difficult to see links between the narrative and the lyrics of the song, there appears to be some form of continuity in other areas. For example, when the lyrics go "Cold Cold Water", the main character falls into a body of water.

The light hearted nature of the track is brilliantly accompanied by shots throughout the entirety of the film. The character being portrayed as a superhero, who has to fight against giant fishes and squirrels fits in well with the soundtrack. 

The film uses non-diagetic sound throughout, which does not take away at all from the entertainment of quality of the film. Especially given the surreal nature of the piece, to follow conventional audio would do this piece a dis-service.

Editing

Given that the film is made through the use of stop motion animation, the editing process of each individual shot is absolutely crucial to an effective media text. The editing in this piece is seemless, and almost looks to have been created in one fluent motion. The small movements of the body that are accentuated by the use of photos instead of film adds character to the film and makes it all the more entertaining.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of wardrobe is essential to this pieces success. With limited scope as to what the character could do lying down on a chalk board, the constant change of outfits helps to keep the audience interested throughout the piece. The quick transitions of clothing changes makes the character seem like a superhero.

The use of lighting within this piece is crucial to assembling the visual effects of the film. The reason for this is that whilst the camera may be in a fixed position in an overhead shot, the placement of the camera to create the shadow creates an almost three dimensional effect to the clip.

The use of props within this piece are limited to clothing items. The simplicity of the setting and props do not hinder this piece however, as it allows the actions within the piece and the art work in the background show effect rather then objects that boost budget costs.