Music Video Analysis - Ben Gilchrist

The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now (Uncredited)

Genre characteristics: The music video is mostly based on performance. However the way that it is based on performance is different to most videos i have seen before. Although it is the actual band performing live at a usual type of place that a band of this class would perform, they are not lip syncing and are probably not even playing this song at the time. Instead focus is pushed onto the "main characters" of the band through close ups, and then panned onto the audience.

Relationship between visuals and lyrics: The audience can tell straight away from watching the video that there is no relationship at all with the song and the video. The lyrics also have no input on the focus of it. The Libertines change their focus onto the performance and the fans especially. The video may be classed as disjunctive; however it does not involve random scenes or clips which are completely unrelated to the music. It just holds no relation to the lyrics.

Relationship between visuals and music: The fact there is no relationship can be seen through the effect made by the editing. For example, as the pace of the music picks up, the pace of the editing can also be seen to pick up pace. When the song originally starts it is quite slow, at the same time the video is of a slow pace, keeping in time. Then as the song picks up, so does the pace of the editing. This shows the audience that the song and the video, although not related are actually meant to be played at the same time.

Visual Motifs and Styles: Pete Doherty is the main focus of the videeo throughout through the use of close ups. We can also see this as he is not only up close in most of the shots, but the ones that he is not, he can still mainly be seen. Goodwin stated that this was a stereotypical "art" that could be seen in a conventional rock/indie video. From this, we can see a specific visual style, with lots of camera techniques which show off his face and his expressions clearly to the audience. We can also see a range of close-ups focusing on the side and front of his face, so we become familiar with him as the lead singer.

Inter textual references: Due to the fact that this music video is completely performance based, the chance of inter textual references is quite slim. The only way in which this could however be connected is by looking at the actual video from a viewers perspective. If a fan of the band has seen the band live before, they would then be reminded of the time that they were there and could then re minis in their memories of the day that they had.

Representation of the Band: As well as a performance based video concentrating on the actual band, the audience can also see them use and play their instruments whilst in action. We see a number of close-ups of the guitars and drums, so we can see them display their talents at the same time.

Media Language:

Mise-en-scene - As the video is set inside of a musical venue, which is clearly shown at the start of the video when a zoom is used to show the setting. The clothes worn by the band are very casual, with the lead singer in jeans before taking his shirt off later. This gives the impression that they where not trying to come across as smart or organised, but giving a more relaxed impression. The lighting used plays a very important role, throughout most of the video the light is extremely dim, only showing off the band and their instruments. We see a number of flashes of light from the flashlights at the back of the stage, when in time with the music.

Camera Techniques - Still shots are a main part of this video and appear at lease once on every band member. This helps to establish them not only as a person, but as a member of a band. We can also see several pans, which go from one side of the stage to the other, giving the audience a full view of everyone and everything going on, on the stage.

Special Effects – Due to the main part of the video being based upon a live performance, special effects were not included in this video. However, lots of editing was used after the filming to help the video stand out without looking too basic.