Abstract Music Videos

Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?



This Arctic Monkeys music video for 'Do I Wanna Know?' fits the conventions of an abstract video through the inclusion of bright colours as well as the repeated visuals of the sound waves, the lack of narrative and lip synching is also in keeping with an abstract video.

Andrew Goodwin's theory can also be found in the video. There is  a strong relationship between the music and visuals, the video is edited to the beat of the song, the sound waves that appear throughout pulse and vibrate in time and correspond to specific instruments and vocals that can be heard. The fast paced editing is well suited to the song and the pulsing visuals match the strong bass. There is also a slight relationship between the lyrics and visuals, for example, the lyric 'simmer down and pucker up' is paired with a shot of a pair of lips doing just that.

There is a voyeuristic treatment of the female body throughout, with multiple shots of naked women or women wearing little clothing, the emphasis on their bodies lends to the idea of sexualisation. However, unusual for a rock music video, there isn't a stage performance or any shots of the artists.


Of Monsters and Men - Sinking Man



This abstract music video for Of Monsters and Men's 'Sinking Man' fits the conventions of indie folk, the simple visuals and black and white colour scheme that evokes a feeling of sadness, however, unlike many indie music videos, it does not include a stage performance. The video is non-conventional as an abstract video as there is a lack of vivid colour, but, the idea of repetition is shown through the repetitive visual of jellyfish.

Whilst there is no clear narrative, making this video abstract, it is highly symbolic, especially when analysed along with the lyrics The lyrics shown on the bottom of the video places more importance on them and makes it easier to understand. The song and video contain a lot of depression symbolism, this is show through the relationship between the lyrics and visuals. 'Cold dark sea' references the video of the ocean (sea) in black and white (dark). 'Pulling me down to the deep' could be interpreted as the feelings of drowning and sinking associated with depression, this is shown by the viewpoint slowly sinking further into the ocean. 'Go away, get out of here' is another reference to feelings associated with depression, describing the isolation felt by sufferers, this is enforced by the sinking viewpoint that gets further away from reality.

The song's slow pace is matched by the slow pace of the video and the complete lack of cuts, the movements of the jellyfish are also in time with the song. There are no shots of the artists in the video, thereby, not creating a 'star image'.