Category: Uncategorized
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Intersection between film and music videos: using Harv Frost’s short film Prelude to Ecstasy
The short film includes opening credits at the beginning of the video, a typical structure of film. Pic: The Last Dinner Party. There has been a paradigm shift from music videos having the sole purpose of promoting the artist and their song, to music videos (MV) entering a ‘new aesthetic era’, as argued by Vernallis,…
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“What’s up with that?” How M.I.A.’s music videos challenge the status-quo.
British Sri Lankan rapper, singer and producer M.I.A. is one of my favourite artists. Musical genius aside, I want to dig deeper into how two of M.I.A.’s music videos subvert stereotypes and challenge some of the music industry’s prevalent “hierarchical power relations” (Railton & Watson, 2011, p.88). The first video, a poignant dig at the…
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Digital Aesthetics and Cultural Identity in Chinese Music Videos – Review of Week 7
In the post-cinema era, with the advancement of technology and changes in viewing habits, music videos are facing a huge transformation. In China, platforms like Douyin have transformed viewing patterns and influenced the creation and themes of MVs. In China, the way music videos are consumed has shifted from long-term immersive viewing on TV stations…
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Childhood Through The Lens Of An iPhone: Sean Baker’s ‘The Florida Project’
‘Post-cinema’ refers to a conceptual framework in film theory and criticism that explores the ever-evolving nature of cinema in a response to advancements in technology, cultural changes, and new modes of viewing. It signifies movement beyond traditional narrative and aesthetic norms and conventions, often incorporating elements from digital media and experimental forms. Sean Baker’s 2017…
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Politics in “Formation”
Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video is a potent work that fosters a profound empowerment for Black culture through visual design, innovative editing techniques, and other aspects that were remarkably avant-garde in their cultural impact and articulation seven years ago. Beyonce’s black outfit and wide-brimmed hat in the opening sequence convey authority and tradition while acknowledging the deep history…
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Dis-track Season – YouTube’s sensationalised trend.
In 2016 and 2017 a new trend emerged on YouTube commonly referred to as ‘Dis-tracks’, in which a creator writes a rap song insulting another person which is accompanied by a music video. The trend took the community by storm with the likes of the Sidemen and the Paul brothers all creating their own collections…
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What is the “new structure of feeling?”
In regards to affect studies, the concept of a “structure of feeling” was initially coined by Raymond Williams in his text “The Long Revolution” (1961). It refers to how one’s emotional and spiritual experience is determined by our external and contextual environment. As a result, these feelings are communicated via media and digital platforms, and…
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Try That… Again?
Did Jason Aldean’s ‘Try That in a Small Town’ video miss the mark when it comes to addressing the increasing violence in urban America? By George Hewitt Over time, music videos have been a platform for many artists to display, or represent their political views in a bid for change or to raise awareness. The…
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The Politics of Representation in Janelle Monáe’s “Pynk”
Janelle Monáe’s “Pynk” (2018) exemplifies how contemporary music videos leverage digital aesthetics and feminist discourse to challenge conventional representations of race, gender, and sexuality. As Benson-Allott highlights, glitch aesthetics can “interrupt the male gaze and traditional objectification” by subverting the audience’s expectations through visual disruptions . While Monáe does not explicitly employ glitches, her manipulation…
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Netflix: The Streaming Giant that craves Live TV
Netflix, once the champion of binge-watching and tv streaming, is now stepping into the ring of live sports. This strategic shift marks a fascinating evolution for the streaming giant, as it navigates the ever-changing landscape of television consumption. Netflix has reshaped television by pioneering binge-watching and producing daring, niche content. This strategy aligns with the…
Digital Audiovisual Media Class Blog 