Narratives

Narrative videos might be my favorite of the ones we’ve viewed in class. It’s always interesting to hear a song with defined story but than the video for the song might take it in completely different direction. Sometimes in ways you may not have thought of when first hearing or seeing it. The music video ‘Bronte” is a good example of this since the somber tone of the music could be set different types of images conveying loss. As is the music video “Wrong,” simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time could mean multiple different things. Ranging from comical situations to the more dramatic like the one depicted.

I also just enjoy seeing the pictorial depiction of songs. Songs can be beautiful and dramatic with picture but seeing them set to video. Getting to see an extension of what the artist intended for the song and lyrics to portray. Like the “Day I died” video, seeing how and why the day the character thought it was his best day. The lyrics paint a good picture, video can help put more in focus.

            

Low Budget

            I tend to remember low budget music videos probably more so than the big budget, high production value ones. Most likely because I feel like I could actually produce something similar, as long as I had as the resources and manpower to do so. Well the scale of some the videos in class might actually limit plausibility. Those later Ok Go videos were absolutely insane genius. I’ve watched the “I Won’t Let You Down” video several times since seeing it in class. I doubt I could reproduce something like that since getting to Japan would be a challenge and I don’t own a drone. (Maybe Dr. Clark could lend me his) But it’s the imagination and making the most with what you have that really intrigues me. It’s evident in the early Ok Go videos, like the backyard and treadmills that if you have a cleverly simple idea and execute well it will get recognized.

            Hopefully, we’ll be able to apply those low budget ideas during the filming of our music video. Imbue some of that character that surrounds a low budget project.

Redemption

Redemption is one of those themes that won’t ever wear out its welcome. Everyone wants redemption for something whether they want to admit it or not. It could be reconciliation for a relationship or removing regret for a past action. It may even be for a criminal action, where consequences must be paid.

It was the impromptu video provided by Dr. Clark that I found most intriguing. Nothing like a good ole western backdrop to drive home the redemption motif through grit covered lens. The rough nature of Blood on my name was actually something I really appreciated since redemption often requires the cleansing of the unclean. And did anyone else notice the three men being hung near the end of the video? If Clark hadn’t mentioned that video was shown on Easter Sunday I may not have noticed. They reminded me if the three crosses on Calvary. (Though most likely not a direct allegory) The description did list the men as thieves as were the convicts next to Jesus.

            Also the Dread reminded of Dementors from Harry Potter.   

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.

Neti-what?

If I hear the word netiquette again I might have a violent reaction. Who or what was this article for? I thought it was fairly common to treat others with respect no matter what medium we may address them with. But now it seems each medium has its own definition on the proper way to communicate with someone. And in this case define by splicing to words to together. And by this time I am pretty confident I know how to write an email, especially when writing to someone for the first time. The wording usually gets more casual as you exchange back and forth even within the same day if not over time.

To reiterate though being respectful should be a primary concern. If I am emailing a company to some HR Rep I don’t want to speak as if they’re my buddies if it’s the contact email.

Forks and Knives

I’m not quite sure how I feel about the Three Uses of The Knife excerpt. My gut reaction to it isn’t very favorable to be honest. I disagree with the notion that art is simply a product to delight, that it is be all end all mission of art. I also wouldn’t say that’s mission is to change or teach as the excerpt would suggest. Art strikes a delicate balance of being in the middle. If it strays too far one way or the other you lose the ability to reach wide audience. For example, The Michael Bay Transformers or James Cameron’s AVATAR could fall on the pure delight side of the spectrum but its visuals lack from the backing of a strong story. In the case of AVATAR, beautiful visuals very few movies have matched the digital creation of Pandora. It delights the eye but the starves without a cohesive story to back the delightful art. AVATAR also suffers because its story also delves too much on the change/teach side. Cameron clearly had a story to tell but the way in which he told it came off as a little preachy. Art that is too preachy can lose audiences; they want a message but a message that isn’t upfront or “in their face.”

            I think the goal for artists is too simply make art that delights them personally. If they have a particular outlook or opinion that is shared through that art that evokes a delight in others than that is a blessing for the artist.

Necessary Art

I think the short answer to “Is art necessary for the Christian?” is: Absolutely. Personally, I tend to think that art is never just for arts sake; Eli Wiesel expressed a similar sentiment. If Christians wish to continue this separation of the artistic side of life I believe we lose one the most effective ways of reaching people. Art speaks to different people on incalculable different levels. It is becoming increasingly difficult to make something a not have a crowd see or witness it. I would also contend that it is our duty to create since creation very much mimics the heart of our creator. For example, how stories are developed I have begun to notice that all stories, in some way, resemble to mirror the grand story of the Bible. One website that has been a huge influence on me is Cinemagogue. The creator of this website aims to illuminate the subtleties of narrative as a whole. Pointing out that all narratives parallel the biblical stories and their themes. As well as seeking to show that our drive to create stories stems from our Creator, the master storyteller.

Humor and Game Violence

The Hug me I’m scared reiterated a fact I am all too familiar with. There is funny Ha-ha and funny strange; Hug Me I’m Scared falls in the latter. I was laughing but not entirely sure why I was. Which is reflective of all the different types of humor that exist. Sometimes it’s irreverent, strange or even what some consider lowbrow humor. (Potty jokes) I try to stay in the middle ground; keeps the options open to laugh but Hug Me I’m Scared may have been a little much for me.

Comics, Rock and Roll, R-rated movies, and video games all have contributed to the downfall and desensitization of youth for decades. Though not all at once. One gave way to other when it was deemed more damaging then the former. It was R-rated for a while until it switched to video games years ago. Now to be honest I have been playing video games for over a decade now so I remember when the ire fell upon their influence to youth. And it still continues although maybe less fervent than they have been in the past. Partly due to the fact that videos games and even the term “gamer” has changed especially in the last two years. Almost every person play some type of video game, just look at their phone Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, even solitaire can be classified as a video game. Does the violence depicted in them cause adverse changes in a persons psyche? Now it’s cartoon violence but where is the line drawn. I will concur with the desensitization from overly violent games, where violence and gore are part of the core mechanics and often a reward. God of War comes to mind. Even the new Mortal Kombat is really stretching the boundaries on violence for violence sake. But Mortal Kombat never advertised itself as an educational experience. Also the game is intended for adults eighteen and over so it’s really up to the parents to deter their children from the grotesque images. A fact that seemed to be neglected by most of the studies safe for one on the pro side. Ultimately this is where the argument should begin, how involved are the parents in the lives of their children. You can legislate and try impeding sales but it’s the parents of these children who play violent games who are responsible

And the rest was Media History….

Hard to imagine that just a few years ago Facebook was still kind of a novelty. Something the young and cool did to separate themselves from the pack. Now practically everyone on the planet at least has an account, only those who don’t have access to the Internet seem spared from it. A fact that Mark Zuckerburg wants changed when the option becomes available. However, I do find it strange when Facebook or Facebook vernacular is used in everyday conversation or referenced on screen. Its permeated society and pop culture so quickly that I don’t think we were really ready for. We now have entirely new responsibilities that no one even knew would have existed had it not been for the rise of social media. The very fact that we have a newly designated social media marketing professions is evidence of this shift.

And this is just Facebook, Netflix changed the way we watch media. The term binge watching only exists because of Netflix and the paradigm it set for watching television shows. You get a sense of where television is headed when Netflix, and even others like Amazon Prime, start producing their own shows. They have even begun rivaling the shows aired on national networks in terms of awards won and viewership totals. Even the quality has surpassed some shows that air on NBC, CBS, and Fox. All of this occurred over the last few years and there is no telling where things will be in the next three years. Or Five. Or ten. I can’t even imagine what the media landscape will look like twenty-five years from. I am hopeful at the same time quite skeptical the changes I haven’t even heard of.

The music videos viewed in class provided some really interesting character studies. Although, to be honest some videos were better examples of character than others. My personal favorite was the Moby video with the woman reluctant to inherit the throne of her parents. The imagery and cinematography used in the video were absolutely beautiful. It looks like they also increased the sharpness of some colors than others. Making the reds more vibrant and vivid definitely made much more of an impression.  The effect also helped bolster the characterization of the woman’s inner struggle since red is color of power and royalty. Similar to colors of blue and some purple shown throughout the piece, which contributed to the royalty inheritance aspect. I also liked this video because I believe a Moby song plays during the credits of the Bourne series, a favorite of mine.

            Overall though I would have to say the each video was entertaining to watch even if some of music I found to be a little obscure. Most of the artists I have never heard of, so I appreciate this class broadening my musical horizons.

           

            The body image video continues to expose the sad trend of distorted images children and even adults are told everyday. The statistics expressed in the video appear consistent with other reports and information dedicated to the study of body image. It is unfortunate that kids have been and continue to be exposed it distorted bay images even on programs that are directed toward them. But it also doesn’t help that every new attempt to correct course ends up getting hijacked. It seems that whenever a new positive image is brought up or a negative corrected some small contingent or new research reveals it was false in the first place. I can completely understand the mixed signals children hear daily when they are told and retold that something is negative or positive.  Sometimes even by there own parents. Parents who also are receiving mixed signals about how they should look.

I do worry about my small nephews and how they will grow up and want to be perceived by others. I am thankful that they have discerning and wise parents to guide them. Instilling them with the ability to decide what is good for them to watch and what is a negative influence. But to my five-year-old nephew he just doesn’t watch things that scare him. He may be wiser than me.

I Screen, You Screen

I always enjoy reading articles like “I Screen, You Screen” that pertain to the media and culture at large. What seemed new and exciting to the Internet or television now remains a little innocuous to us in 2015. The ability to just hop online and just view any music video we chose just didn’t exist in 2005. Which is strange to think about. At this time MTV was still relevant, to some degree. Though it was morphing into the reality TV pit is has become today. The conflict over what medium the music video truly thrived still seems important today as it did in 2005. Even if the language has changed. And the article briefly touches on this when it discusses the cost of videos and the reason why music videos exist.

 They use to be a promotion of the artists in the video. Showcasing their music and talents to reach a wider audience at the time of MTVs inception. An outlet. But with the dawn of Yahoo, AOL, and the Internet other outlets took over the major promotional, image concerns. The concern switched to how quickly could we produce music videos with as little cost as possible. Gone were the days of “Thriller” Music videos could be made and moved much more efficiently than ever before. An efficiency that may be leading to another revolution, like in the time of MTV, where videos retain their easy consumption but regain their relevancy.   

Media Review #1

Monday February 9

6:48 Check phone

6:58 Check Phone

7:00 turn off iHome

7:05 Shampoo Head &Shoulders, Safeguard brand soap

7:12 Crest toothpaste

7:20 Wake iMac

7:23 Avengers background

7:24 Honey Bunches of Oats logo, Tropicana logo

7:26 Watch Amazon Prime

7:31 HP logo, Logitech logo

7:34 Nike Shirt, Gap jeans

7:36 Check Weather Channel App

7:41 Check HU email

7:51 Browse Facebook, NHL logo

7:53 Browse Lego Shop.com

8:00 Browse IMDB

8:03 Check Gmail

8:16 New Balance logo

8:17 Mac book

8:20 FSU logo

8:25 Browse Gospel Coalition

8:33 Altoids logo

8:41 got a text

8:44 Applebee’s Ad

8:51 Check Phone

9:02 Dell Computer, Gatorade

9:52 University of Kentucky logo

9:55 Posters in Becker 2^nd floor hallway

9:57 Check Phone, film posters

10:02 Star Wars shirt

10:07 Check Phone

10:28 YouTube clip

10:53 Film Poster

11:13 Check phone

11:23 LG logo, Check HU email

11:26 Browse Facebook

11:32 Browse Game Informer

11:35 Browse TGC

11:39 Kroger logo, Oscar Meyer logo

11:42 Amazon Prime

11:44 Clif Bar logo

11:46 Check Gmail

11:49 Browse Cinemagogue.com

11:59 Browse IMDB

12:02 Onion News Network logo

12:03 Dawn dish soap

12:16 sent a text

12:18 Played Angry Birds

12:21 Check Weather Channel

12:45 Drawing Lab, film posters

12:58 Check Phone

3:27 Check Phone

3:42 Browse Netflix

3:44 made a phone call

4:00 Start Starship Troopers

4:09 Bertolli logo

4:17 Check Gmail

4:31 Browse Facebook

4:53 Check Phone

4:54 Check HU email

5:50 got a text

5:52 got a text

5:53 sent a text

5:55 Check Phone

6:19 Browse Facebook

6:20 Browse TGC

6:21 Browse Game Informer

6:26 YouTube

6:29 Browse Facebook, Gmail

6:33 Netflix

6:34 got a text

6:53 Play Angry Birds

7:13 got a text

7:14 sent a text

7:47 sent a text

7:49 got a text

7:50 sent a text

7:52 got a text

7:53 sent a text

7:54: got a text

7:55 sent a text

7:56 got a text, sent a text 

7:57 got a text

8:28 Browse Facebook

8:30 Check HU email

9:03 Set alarm on iHome

9:08 Brush teeth/floss with Crest

9:11 Browse Facebook

9:20 Browse Lego Shop

9:35 Check phone

9:44 Check Weather Channel

9:57 got a text

9:58 got a text

            I chose Monday, February 9^th to review mostly because it’s the start of the workweek. It can foreshadow how much or how little activities happen within any given week. Based on the record above visual media edged out most of the social media exposure throughout the day. There are even some things I had to narrow down to simply mention “posters” or “Ads” because there was simply too much media to record. For example, every media title I saw on Netflix. Which also happened to be the most common exposure I had. Watching a movie or TV show on Netflix and Amazon Prime took up quite a few time slots on Monday.

            This also turned into a tedious process to record down every media exposure over the course of a day. Sometimes there was just too much to write down. It was a constant barrage of ads, posters, video clips, logos, brands, and the list goes on. Nowadays, it seems improbable to go ten minutes without some media form entering our lives. Only with great effort, it seems, can people remove themselves from media exposure.

Joel Trussell

Typically, I’ve viewed music videos in a vacuum and only because I liked the song itself the lyrics, melody, rhythm, and so on. Rarely did stop and really think about what I had heard and in this case seen. But the experience of viewing various music videos and then discussing them in class was refreshing. I have always been curious about music videos, particularly the ones in class, when trying to think what came first, the music itself or the idea for the video. I’m sure with videos like Numb by U2 there was a give and take. The music and lyrics paved the way for the imagery shown throughout the music video. But on others like the crazy animal video or the magician, which medium flowed into the other. Chicken or the egg? I’m sure this type of analysis wouldn’t necessarily work with all music videos but it’s interesting to think about.

Joel Trussell sounds like one of those rare artists who has found a happy medium between doing what they love and making a living He did have to work at it though, which is where you can really see the inner struggle he describes in the article. Fear can be a debilitating force for an artist or, in Joel Trussells case, a powerful motivator. He strives to work as much as he can to keep his skills sharp as well as being relevant. He fears work will dry up if suddenly people realize that he actually can’t illustrate or animate as well as they think. But he also fears success, being stuck doing the same type work for the rest of his life. This is why I think he finds relief and solace with Mocheeba, its his outlet. He gets to say “This is a Joel Trussell piece” an opportunity I think few artists really get to experience.