Initial Music Video Analysis - 'The Pretender' by Foo Fighters

'The Pretender' by Foo Fighters

(Directed by Sam Brown, 2007)

Opening

- Light comes on gradually imitating the same tempo as the slow guitar intro.

- The bands genre is demonstrated by the mise-en-scene of the large expansive hall and the big set up.

- High-angle long-shot looks down, focusing on the artist, (like a CCTV image) representing there is a higher power which is ambiguous at this point.

-  Close up of the artist wrapping a bandage around his hand as protection, which signifies he’s preparing for a (metaphorical) fight.

- Low-angle of the back of the star clenching his fist, representing he’s powerful as he is also positioned in the centre of the frame. He’s against the darkness, shown by the black he is facing, ‘keep you in the dark, you know they all pretend’ – speaking directly to whoever is hiding in the dark.

- Black line across the floor represents a divide.

- ‘...and so it all began.’ – Lyrics are a narrative.

- Aggression built up during the introduction is then transferred into the song through Dave Grohl’s vocals and lyrics as the rest of the band join in. Also the energy and aggression is presented through the fast jump cut editing and the fast pan and tilt movements of the camera, moving around the band showing how they are aggressively playing their instruments.

- Extreme close-up of Grohl’s face, camera is positioned at eye-level creating intimacy with the viewer, puts us in the place of the opposition. Red background behind band signifies anger, passion.

- Jump cuts and alternates between high and low angle shots – manic atmosphere. Creates a dynamic feel, reflecting the energy of the rock band.

- Panning around the back of Grohl, shows he’s opposing something.

Middle

- The back of one riot policeman emerging from the darkness – opposing force, represents the divide.

- Cross-cutting juxtaposition between extreme close-up of Grohl and the riot policeman

- Grohl = anarchy, aggression, rebellion.

- Riot policeman = order, law, control signified by his uniform

- This develops into a narrative as the lyrics seem to almost mock the officer “What if I say I will never surrender” “you’re the pretender”.

- Policeman pulls down shield over his face for protection, ready to fight. Similar to Dave Grohl wrapping bandage around his hand at the start.

- Camera tilts from high-angle to low angle from behind policeman = status and hierarchy shifts.

- Over the shoulder shot from Dave Grohl to the policeman, targeting him directly, singing lyrics to him.

- A line of riot police emerge from the darkness

- Dave Grohl (the star) positioned in the centre of the shot. Field of depth – closest to the camera and in focus.

- Camera tracks along the line of police to highlight chronological number order of the police, represents order - antagonists to the band which represent rebellion, expression, out of control.

- Long-shot shows two opposing forces. Foo Fighters – live, energetic stage performance contrasts with the stagnant police.

- Extreme close-up of Grohl’s mouth shouting lyrics into the microphone – ‘What if I say I will never surrender?’ challenging police, followed by a high angle shot showing there are a line of police and only four band members.

Climax

- Constant cross-cutting between Grohl and police creates tension.

- Contrapuntal sound – quiet, slow guitar bridge juxtaposes with the charging of the riot police.

- Tempo and dynamics suddenly rise as the red wall explodes.

- Long shot showing a side angle of the band as they lean forward imitating the immense force of the intense red explosion. Releasing their power, anger and fury.

- Slight low-angle shot portraying the police getting ‘defeated’. Camera is positioned amongst the falling police, representing the chaos and how their status has dropped dramatically. Contrasts with the band who are standing strong.

- Role reversal – riot police are meant to force people back, however they are getting forced back by the band’s fury and the red explosion.

- Foo Fighters are drenched in red, showing their immense power, fury, passion and anger.

- Jump cuts at the end are synchronised on beat with the drums. Chaotic – alternates between the police and the band which shows the contrast between the differing statuses.

- Grohl smashes guitar to release anger/energy – generic convention of a rock performance.

- Colour of the shot fades from red into white showing balance is restored and that the band have won, ending with a close up of the star’s face.