Student Video Review

Thrasher from 283goswell on Vimeo.

I picked this video as my favorite student video because although the target audience is clearly urban males, it doesn't alienate other audiences, I think it's clever how the video plays on two completely different lifestyles- the ghetto, emphasized with the graffiti-ed backgrounds and baggy clothing (fits with the music) and the contrasting office scene, the lack of colour in the office creates a dull and straining atmosphere which is supported by the aggression in both the video and the audio where as the same aggression in the urban scenes are disguised by the bright colours in clothing and location, the bike makes an essential prop as these are often associated with young urban males and sets the scene (skate park) as well as clarifying a target audience. The drummer also adds another layer to the video as it gives them the opportunity to play on conventions where instruments are considered, close ups and extreme close ups are a common feature in studio based video's and no dismissing it completely shows an essence of flexibility. Most of the shots are cut to the beat so most of the time they aren't noticeable and in some area's creates an atmosphere, which is needed for such an emotional song. For example when the boss in the office scenes walks down the corridor during the instrumental it stirs a sense of fear into the audience and creates a build up as the verse prior to his entrance refers to him as an "asshole."

Costume changes in the urban scenes are effective at they create two separate dynamics, one slightly more "fun" and the other more serious, which to me feels like as his role as a narrator and character that he's representing the life of the office character which is interesting.