Jamie T – Sheila Brief Analysis

Jamie T – Sheila is one of those rare music videos that do not include the artist. One key character is seen throughout as he lip syncs the lyrics and walks along a river side with a bunch of flowers. The lyrics speak of a girl called Sheila; and it only becomes clear who she is and what relation this man has with her near the end of the video when you realise the man is taking the bunch of flowers to a shrine where his daughter Sheila died.

Only a close-up and mid-shot are used in this video in terms of camera angles but both are used effectively when needed. The close-up makes the mans emotions known to the audience as his facial expressions change from anger to sadness whilst the mid-shot allows him to be shown progressing down the river walkway to his mystery destination.  The editing suits the relitively slow pace of the song and the chracters costume is appropriate for a man of that age. Although the city background is dim-lighted, key lighting is used on the man to make sure the audience know he is of most importance.  The key prop is a bunch of flowers and is the first thing shown in a close-up shot when the video starts. This shows it has some significance in the video and is made clearer their purpose at the end when he lays them down with a messege that reads “To My Darling Sheila Love Always Dad x”.

The video in general, is effective and suits the song well. The lyrics match the narrative but not in an obvious way, it makes the audience think. From the beginning I was interested where the man was walking and why he had a bunch of flowers in his hand and this was only revealed at the end of the video, which made me watch the whole thing and focus my attention on it.


Jordan Griffin

Link to Music Video