Music Video Analysis

Underworld- 

Born Slippy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiMrrleH_hI

This is a very surreal abstract video that compliments the diverse beats and trance rhythm. It is also the official soundtrack to the film ‘Trainspotting’ which helps the audience to understand the video concept and representation. The video shows a man’s drug addiction driving him to insanity. It shows him rocking, clutching his head in his hands; expressing his frustration. This is combined with the bright lights and dance culture of the 1990s.

The video doesn’t include any performances from the artist, which is quite typical for this genre. The main theme is the 90’s lifestyle and the addictive culture.

The mise en scene is very basic which concentrates and enhances the video concept. There aren’t many props used, most of them being cellophane sheets to add to the effects in the postproduction. There is however minimal props used in the shots of the character; he is holding what appears to be a remote whilst listening to an iPod through earphones. There are also props in the background of the quick location shots such as a fire extinguisher. The characters costume is very representative of this decade. They are abstract to suit the nature of this video.

Disorientating lighting and camera work is used to compliment the trippy dance music as fast flashes of colour and quick abstract movements are used.  No other sound except for the music is heard but unconventional editing techniques are seen. Fast edits between shots and sequences played backwards and in slow motion are all used to again show the effect of drugs and music on the character. 

The Character doesn’t lip sync the repetitive lyrics but portrays them with his body movement and facial expressions. The frustration and aggression he shows compliments the repetitive lyrics and trance music. 

This video is effective in its interpretation of the 90’s drug and dance music culture. The character looks uncomfortable and expresses this by rocking and pulling eccentric facial expressions. The editing works well with this as it is fast at some points and slow at others. This, along with the slow motion and shots shown in reverse, portray the ups and downs of the drug addict life. Most edits are in time with the music but some seem to be purposely too fast or too slow in order to show the change in the characters feelings. 


Jordan Griffin