Music video analysis

No Sunlight- Death Cab for Cutie (Concept and Narrative)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vss_DUeTAd0

Camera works
The use of night vision camera is essential in the making of this video as it is filmed in darkness.
Fast cuts show sudden changes of shots. This makes it visually appealing because it is fast paced and we expect something significant to happen on the screen.

The range of shots and camera angles not only add much more interest to the video but also helps tell the story more for example, there is a shot where it is taken from the angle of the wheel and you can see the wheel moving as the boy is riding his bike this deepens the fact that it is a journey because we literally see the boy going on a journey to his destination.

Another camera technique that is very useful in the narrative is the pan movement. This makes us feel like we are on the bike with the boy because it replicates the height and speed. It can also be said that it is like a POV(point of view) shot because we she the things that the boy would see.






Editing
An editing technique that is most used in this music video is the use of short takes. This creates a rushed effect or that the action is fast paced or that there is a lot of things going on within the world of the video that to capture everything you would need short takes and more cuts. For example, from the beginning, we see an alarm clock beeping. This suggests that time is important and so when we see the boy getting ready, jump cuts are used to symbolise that no time can be wasted so we see an activity presented in a fraction of the time.

Sound
Sound is non-diagetic in this music video except for in the very beginning where the alarm clock beeps. The song matches with what is going on on the screen in relation to the rhythm and the tempo that fits in with the short takes and fast paced film.

Special Effects
The main special effect in this video is the use of night vision cameras. It gives it an unnatural feel when you watch it because the colors on the screen are green, black and white.

Another special effect could be the actions of the actors and how they act on screen. We know it is dark and it is night however the actors are doing activities such as swimming, washing their car, having a picnic and playing tennis as though it is a hot summers day.

They also use their acting skills to depict that it is hot and sunny even though we know it is not. This acting juxtaposes with the scene and the setting. This could be seen as confusing or creating visual interest.

At the end, the boy that is the center point of the video looks at the time and everyone panics and rushes inside to escape the morning. This shows fear and again could add to the confusion or visual interest on behalf of the audience. Time lapse shots are shown at the end of the video showing the sun rising and setting again, showing the passing of time.

Mise-en-Scene

Props- Props needed to be used to make the film more realistic and to illustrate the activities accurately. Here are some of the props that were used in the music video:
Bike, tennis rackets, alarm clock, deck chair, guitar, food, basketball

Location- This music video is located in a American small neighborhood.

Composition- A range of composition is used in this video. This adds interest and variety to the scenes.

Lighting- As it is night, torches are used in some parts and a night vision camera is used as well.
Night vision, corners darkened. Vignette

Costume- The actors are acting like it is a hot summers day and their costume shows that too with the use of swimming costumes and sunglasses. As the concept of time is important in this song, the wristwatch that the boy was wearing was significant too.