What is the product context behind Riptide?
Vance Joy is an Australian singer songwriter, signed to Atlantic records - indie folk genre. The video has had over 100mil views!
What are the intertextual references in riptide?
The use of montage editing in an overt way, a wide range of contrasting shots, new ideas emerge from the contrasting of images generating new meanings that may not exist. scenes also have a clear link to to the lyrics
How does the video subvert typical music video conventions?
Lyrics have a clear connection to the visuals ‘i was scared of dentists and the dark’ showing a shot of a female looing scared at the dentists. the overt graphic representation of lyrics is largely repeated throughout the video.
how does the video reference feature films?
opening scene shows a billing block often seen on film posters.
the video often references thriller or horror genre conventions (wes anderson films) - females being dragged off screen. - dark graveyard
challenging and subverting genre conventions…
rejection of clear narrative, lack of special effects, offers clearn uniqueness.
theories - roland bathes…
dollar bills which accompany the line ‘ all my friends are turning green’ explores the idea that meaning can become self evident by discussing the colour green in relation to both money and jealousy or envy - achieved by status of myth through a process of naturalisation - example of polysemic meanings can be interpreted in a variety of ways
how can steve neales theory of genre apply?
dominated by repetition, indie genre, bands playing instruments etc - riptide offers variation in this sense
how can post modernism apply?
‘what is real’ ‘ive seen that before’ ‘dont try to define it’ rejection of modernism and straight forward attitudes - references other texts and styles in a pastiche way, characters seem aware of the camera. the wickerman film.
representation of women:
women in riptide are continuously shown as objects or victims - shot of woman undressing on the beach, isolated sections of womens bodies or disembodied. violence - women being stabbed with a knife, gun pointed off screen. reinforces patriarchal viws on gender.
how can gauntletts theory be applied?
the video rejects singular straightforward messages and instead creates a variety of different responses or narratives. the video constructs a stimuli which allows the audience to interpret and identify with.
how is camera work used in riptide?
frquent close ups, creating intimacy but also fragment the female body encouraging objectification
how does editing reflect the music?
fast paced cuts match the rhythm of the song, creating energy and engagement.
what type of editing is used in riptide?
jump cuts and discontinuity editing to create a disjointed surreal feel
how does mise en scene create meaning in riptide
props like tarot cards and knives suggest danger and mystery reinforcing surrealism
what is the effect of lighting?
lowkey, warm lighting creates a vintage indie aesthetic
what narrative is used?
non linear narrative, fragmented, no clear storyline
what does the representation of women have an affect on audiences?
it positions the audience to view women as visual objects rather than individuals
how does riptide link to the male gaze?
the camera focusses on the female body parts encouraging the audience to view the female body from a male perspective
how does the video represent goodwins music video theory
visuals match directly to the lyrics showing a clear relationship.
who is the target audience?
a younger alternative audience who enjoy indie music.
what is the significance of the tarot card scene?
adds mystery adding surreal tone
what is the meaning behind the running woman?
symbolises fear or escape, linking to themes of vulnerbility
what does the motel scene/imagery suggest
isolation and transience, reinforcing indie aesthetic
