Hurtwood House music video Analysis

Hurtwood Music Videos- 'Wicked Ones'

·       Starting shot, shallow focus closeups to start, sticking to conventions. Depth of field changes creates a disorientated tone. 

·       The background colour changes, first the colours and images are rebellious (bright graffiti). Movement of the lights, adds energy, aggression and unity to the piece as the visuals reflect the lace of the music. 

·       The casting is on point, matching the vocals and genre. Their clothing matches the genre of rebelliousness.  Red lipstick and black leather are two rebellious and key features of rock. Long curly hair also reflects the rock nature. 

·       Lighting throughout is low key to create dramatic shadows and highlights, ominous and intriguing atmosphere. 

·       Handheld Tracking shots of the stonework to her hives connection to her and the lighting giving her power. 

·       Leaning up against the wall whilst out of focus gives her an intimidating presence. Can't read her intent through her facial expression. 

·       As the tracking shots connect her to the environment, she gains a conf8dent persona.

·       Back lighting highlights her figure creating a larger figure and makes her standout from the backdrop.

·       Alleyway set connotes to city life and danger secrets, mischievous

·       Her stride is confident and powerful but taking the mick out of “holy man” makes her seem disrespectful.

·       During the verse and the motif of the “Ahhh ahhh ahhhs”, the camera shifts to handheld creating a theme throughout the videos.

·       Aggressive mosh pit strobe lighting creates an intimidating figure, shadows flashing across their face creates an image in your head of the flash of colour

·       Casting of the other girls are all similar to the key performer 

·       Each “ahhh” focuses on the singer, creating a ringing effect that links her to the power of the music, with the Ahh connoting to combat and frustration or aggression.

·       Even when they could use a stationary shot, they instead have handheld motion to it.

·       Pull focus shots are sharp and fast creating a difficult to follow shot

·       Pans and focus pulls are combined (girl alley shot) connotes to women’s power and sexuality / unity of the girls community

·       Smoke catching the light connotes to drugs and smoke, rioting, and mystery. Cigarettes, and catches the light adding to the set.

·       Gobo lighting filter in front of the light projecting the lines.

·       Constant quick cuts and shot types creates a cluttered yet cohesive theme to the piece. Chaotic to watch, seemingly filled with action. 

·       The instrumental part seems to be on more of a dance area and physicality

·       The girls leaning with her in the same set creates a gang like culture / community

·       Backing up into shadows 

·       Fade of action as the “Ahhh” receded creates suspense and tension before exaggerating the return of the music in full force

·       Closer to the end of the video, more and more shots show the lead singer with backup dancers, creating a closer bond between them adding lower in numbers and a gang quality to it. Unity and bonds between them.