Music Video Analysis Plan B - Writings On The Wall

Plan B is a known artist for the following genres, Rap, Pop, Jazz, Alternative.


What is the narrative?

The narrative is based on an event in Strickland Banks' life. Plan B plays Strickland Banks in this video. He is performing at some sort of venue whilst his wife is home cooking a meal for him expecting him to return. He does not return after his performance but instead goes out drinking with friends and meets a woman at a club/bar who he has a one night stand with. The wife knows what is going on and becomes upset and angry about the situation.

Are there any themes in this music video?

The main theme in this video is love and betrayal. We see this as Strickland Banks has a steady relationship with his wife they are in love however the betrayal kicks in when he doesn't come home to dinner with her, instead he goes out with friends and has a one night stand with another women, his wife then finds out he betrayed her.

Key characters?

There are 3 key characters to look at in this music video, Strickland banks, his wife and the women he has a one night stand with. The whole storyline is made around these three characters.

What issues of representation are shown?

The main representational issue to look at is gender, there is a very stereotypical representation of women the whole way through this video. Strickland Banks wife is at home preparing dinner in the kitchen whilst Strickland is out celebrating a good gig. Strickland also stereotypically betrays his wife by having a one night stand with another women. The female who Strickland sleeps with is also stereotypical by being represented in a  promiscuous way.


Visual Codes

Where is the video set and what connotations are presented?

Half of the video is set in the kitchen of a home which conveys a homely feeling and represents the woman as being the loyal one as she doesn't leave the home. The cooking which is going on in the kitchen could also connote how things are heating up, as we see shots of things boiling.

 

The setting of a dim lighted club connotes the danger as we stereo-typically see negative things happen in these scenes when there are promiscuous females around as well as alcohol.

What connotations do the colours have in the video?

In the setting of the house there are mainly bright colours, connoting the positive attitude the female has towards preserving the relationship. In contrast the colours surrounding the male character (apart from when he's performing) are very dim, connoting negative influences.

Audience

 Who is this music video aimed towards?

This music video I believe is aimed towards older teenagers to mid 20 year olds. Also people in relationship or those currently dealing with a breakup.  

I have analysed this music video as it is a great example of Todarovs theory as I talk about in another post. The narrative is clear which draws the audience in and I really like this. I have also done this to help me identify key conventions first hand within music videos and how to use a narrative to effect.