Digital Media Review #2

Narrative Analysis of Gotye “Bronte”

            The narrative within the video “Bronte” by Gotye resonated on personal level upon subsequent viewings. Probably even more than I am willing to admit. Though there isn’t a particular life event in which the video is an analogy for me. It’s the theme presented in the music video that struck me most.

            “Bronte” follows the typical narrative structure; it has a story to tell. The video centers on a little girl as she wanders through the woods, carefree and barefoot. She comes upon a quartet of bison-like creatures who at first may appear to be threats. But to the mind of child fear of these furry giants doesn’t even enter mind. They befriend her and we see the five of them explore the woods enjoying the world around them. Until the girl attends school thus getting caught up in mad race of life. Later, the girl is packing her car most likely heading of to college or something similar; she looks off to the distance. The woods, she casts off her shoes remembering the time she spent within the shade of those trees. She returns to grove where she met those bison finding only the headpiece she once wore during a time of wonder.

            And what may be the most memorable aspect of this video is the how the animation completely reinforces the themes of wonder and imagination. Being a medium that is largely associated with both these aspects since the limit is wonder, imagination. Being beautiful drawn and animated doesn’t hurt either. The way in which the forest is given an otherworldly look with the lighting and colors gives us a glimpse into how the girl is viewing her surroundings. It plays up the idea of fantasy along with the music composition how it has this haunting melody, reminding of a time gone by. Coupled with the driving power of the drums keeping the beat marching on. Similar to that of time, it can’t be slowed or reversed.

            Ultimately, it’s the overall theme of transitions that provided the strongest pull toward the video and lyrics. The rhythm and tempo convey the image of loss whether that be bison buddies or even childhood. In this particular case it’s that transition of moving from childhood to maturity, giving up childish things. But as the video beautifully depicts this is a difficult transition to make. Especially, within the current climate of school which unfortunately, debatably, starves children of that wonder and imagination that the world sorely needs. Now that may be reading more into the music than what Gotye originally had in mind but there is a commentary to be made even if subtly. Yet Hope remains as the lyrics comfort the girl and the listener promising that, in the context of the song the bison will remain with her as she goes. Though this stage of her life is over she can carry the memory of her experiences in the wood. Grasp onto the childlike wonder during life eroding storm.