Similar Textual Analysis (Ninthuja):
The title of the track I have chosen to analyse is “Now You’re Gone” by Basshunter; the genre of this is Eurodance music. The target audience I interpret of this music video based on certain features I feel is teenagers to young adults; firstly based on the type of music, which is very upbeat and I catchy, more so the actors in the video being young adults, amidst a setting of a party scene, which relates to the younger audience; as well as the storyline embedded within referring to supposed “young love”.Having said this I also feel there is also a certain appeal to the male audience, considering the slightly explicit shots of women presenting themselves in a provocative manner suggesting a sexualised nature which I can assume to mainly be directed for the male preference. This is mainly represented in the lyrics; whereby the chorus, more repetitive that the conventional song structure, states: Now you’re gone I realized my love for you was strong and I miss you here now you’re gone I keep waiting here by the phone with your pictures on the wall. This verse is distinctly the focal part of the lyrics, one obvious reason being the title of the song appears within this chorus. Also the music is
DJ Mental Theo used the "Boten Anna" instrumental in the year 2007 to create an English version for his DJ sets; it was this song which was then eventually released as an official single. The song's theme is different from "Boten Anna"; which is about an IRC bot, and "Now You're Gone" is about a young couple breaking up. The music video expands on this theme, although it suggests a reunion of the couple, which is not referenced in the song itself, as well as the kiss between the couple at the end of the song, whereby the lyrics do not follow this event. The tempo of the song has also been increased compared to "Boten Anna".
The narrative of this would be described as a linear/closed/ realist structure. I presume this based on how we only view two perspectives of the storyline which is narrative driven, of the young woman and man in this relationship, which also reflects upon the realities and views upon society. The theme of this song being about a typical teenage type of ‘break-up and make up’ between young couple, conveys a stereotypical prospect; as the notion of the video is shown as through the barrier and connection of technology, the status of relationship can be determined; breaking up and then making up via texting through mobile. This promotes the idea of the digital age in the 21st century, and how influential technology can be upon people and behaviour; this is specifically highlighted through close-ups of the mobile phones being one of the sole attentions.
However the theme doesn’t reflect on the emotional effects of a relationship crisis, but a young-loving care-free and fun environment; which we are able to see wide and long shots of the club the girl goes with her friends, to clarify this we see several shots of the DJ, which establishes the setting. Also I tend to notice the video is to some extent sexually suggestive, as various shots displaying women baring skin, as well as single shots of the main girl in the video giving off sultry expressions connoting the use of voyeurism and exhibitionism; more so the exposure of close physical contact especially between women are factors expected to attract the male audience. Furthermore, I feel the ideology is situated around the concept of stereotyped teenage lifestyle; which predominantly appeals to this particular audience, as this is the overall intended mode of address to make those who feel they are in similar circumstances; that they are in relation as of the same people within the video, which secondarily creates a connection.
The technical codes of this music video in terms of camerawork and editing are very suited to the actions. For example, close-ups to emphasise facial expressions and body language as well as panning and tracking shots in the club to establish the depth of people within the room. One scene was extremely effective in my opinion; silhouette figures of the women dancing, with special effects; bright neon lights emanated around them to create an intense dance effect which weaved in well with the tone of the music also. Many appropriate and abrupt cutaways, showings us differences of people and location so viewers are able to easily acknowledge and understand well. The juxtaposition concept was incorporated well into this video considering the emotions of the woman and man, where represented with the woman dancing in a lively bright setting, as opposed to the man who was a little glum; in a more stable position amidst a slightly drearier aura.
The symbolic codes of the mise-en-scene was presented in a corresponding manner, as there were two settings of the whole video; one being the bedrooms of the couple and the other being the club. The attire of the pair in their bedroom was very conventional in casual clothing. We then are to see a change of tone in advance when the girls begin dressing up in party outfits which are an enigma code for the party taking place later that night. One of the main props used, and a part of the focal point, would be the mobile phone, as I feel these close-ups tied in the sequence of the video very well to allow the views to understand what is taking place. Aside from the lyrics illustrating the narrative, the lack of any dialogue from the actors can only be replaced by expressions and prompts such as the text messages representing visual speech.
I interpret this music video to be successful as a preferred reading, as I believe fans of Basshunter will most likely be interested in viewing his music video regardless of their age or gender. But I also feel that certain characteristics that I mentioned above which feature in the video will specifically attract a male audience, even as a separate entity to the music. Being a teenage female who isn’t a fan of Basshunter, I would personally say I enjoyed the types of shots produced especially with the special effects and lighting, and the track itself. However the parts in which it involved the women expressing their sexuality, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the music video, as the disappointments overweighed the attraction. This goes to prove if the target audience weren’t of a particular gender; both female and male appeals should be taken into consideration, thus a higher chance of gaining more views. Although, I would say it merely depends on individuals tastes, as it isn’t always necessarily that women dislike female voyeurism and vice versa.
