Music Videos of the 80's

Judas Priest - Breaking the law 1980

 

 

There is a clear narrative where the band rob a bank brought about by the theme of the song and genre of music. It adheres to conventions that are found in films with a similar narrative that it is referencing e.g. hostages, useless security guard. The cutting speed is fast to match the music. The focus is on the lead singer. He is shown the most and when we have a point of view shot from one of the hostages it is a low shot so we are looking up at him. The costumes of the band are dark and fit with the genre of music. There is some performance as well as the narrative.

 

 

 

Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer 1986

 

 

This video has won many awards. It uses stop motion animation and it was very impressive for audiences at the time. The strange images create huge interest to attract new viewers. There is no narrative and the camera stays stationary but the variety of mise en scene and the animation create all the interest. The cuts at the start are in time with the music.

 

 

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean 1982

 

 

The video denotes Michael Jackson is shown to be special and magical by the way everything he touches glows. He is beyond everyone else. He's also shown as caring by giving to the poor. The narrative shows how "special" he is a by his ability to escape by turning invisible. The focus is entirely on him and he entertains with his dancing. It uses split screening to good effect and different framing to add interest. The setting and mise en scene shows Michael Jackson in a working class environment and one which we don't associate with a rich pop star. This is done to widen the audience by appealing to the working class.