(I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be) Free / One - The Lighthouse Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeCAkrg4fNE

Aspects of performance/mode of address
The aspect of this performance shows thoughts of people on a train, their lives, what they go through. Direct mode of address is used in this music video. The man on the train is in the band, we as the audience know this because he walks up and down the train looking down the camera. The camera is tracking. There are no dance routines in this music video, is it all narrative based, which relates to the performance which is within the narrative.


Narrative
The narrative is non-linear because of the use of flashbacks into people’s lives. There is a clear beginning, middle and end. At the beginning everybody gets onto the train. In the middle, the star artist sings to them and at the end, everybody gets off and walks into the light going up the escalator – from the dark to the light.


How does the video create an image for the star artist/band?
There are close-ups used of the star artists face to indicate he is our main focus. From this video it suggests that the Lighthouse family lifts people’s lives. They send a message to the audience. The video also creates a cool, laid back image for the band. They appear normal which relates to the audience as they blend in. The star artist is the protagonist in this video as they woman is taking this hand and leading him.


Use of camera
There is an establishing shot at the beginning of the video to show the train track. Tracking shots are used throughout the video to follow the man down the train. Over the shoulder shots are used to get the persons point of view and perspective.


Representation
Everyone on the train looks like working class or lower. There is a status divide between the star artist and the passengers. Even though he blends in, he takes his hat off as a sign of respect. The lead girl has blonde hair and conforms to the stereotype. (Traditional) She has pale porcelain skin which highlights her beauty as she glows at the top of the escalator. There are religious connotations demonstrated through this music video as the underground signifies hell, the top is heaven and the people move into the light. The main girl has angelic qualities. The star artist cleanses the people’s soul on the train and his band member acts like a disciple because he follows him.


Special Effects/Editing
Flashbacks are used to reinforce the idea of the people’s problems. Fades are used to illustrate this. The special effects in this particular video is simple and is used though the editing techniques. The transitions are smooth from one shot to the next.


Genre
The genre of this video/song is soulful pop/contemporary soul. The beat of the music allows us to identify the genre. Ages 25-40 might like the Lighthouse family because it is easy listening, mellow also the Lighthouse family are from the 90’s.


Mise En Scene
The artist is wearing a black leather jacket, black pants and a black hat. He stands out from everyone else on the train. There is a contrast between the train and the train station – packed train and empty station. Because it is set on a train, people can relate to the public transport. The passengers on the train are dressed in mundane clothes, normal clothes. The woman stands out as she is guiding the star artist through the train. The use of the lighting is bright at the end.


Editing
Match on action is used as the girl takes the mans hand walking down the train. There are straight cuts used. Slow paced editing is used in time with the music. Dissolves are used to look into the peoples lives; it shows how sad they are. Eye-line match is used so that we as the audience can see what the star artist is looking at and so we can associate with the main character.


Channel
The music channels that this particular song might be played on would be Magic, VH1 and smooth they are more of a mellow music channel and targeted for an older audience.