Textual Analysis #2 - Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys

As an audience we can immediately see the difference between the genre of this track (Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys) compared with the first R'n'B track that i analysed, even from as little as the introductory shots.

This song opens with a long, establishing shot, shot from what looks like a hand held camera, this automatically gives the impression that this band are more laid back and enjoy touring due to the fact that the shot looks as though it could be a piece of footage one of the band members shot whilst filming (a reflection from a car window can be seen). The next shot we see is a medium shot of a drum kit, this sets the audience up for the indie genre as it shows that the band are instrument based (as most indie bands/artists are) and enjoy playing their own instruments. The beat of the drum is also shown to match with the beat of the track which gives the idea that the band are live and enjoy live sets. The next shots we see are what looks like a band member backstage at a live show and another shot of a band member down the local pub, showing further that the band are relaxed and are just normal people who enjoy music. These two shots are shot with a fish eye lens, giving the audience a clear view of the surroundings to amplify the fact that they're normal but also to give the fans an insight into their life, making it relatable and giving them what they want. The next shot is a further shot of a drum kit, however this time is it shot from a low angle, making the player look more important. As a shot of the drum kit is shown twice in a short amount of time it shows further how much live music is a big part of the band and how important it is to them as individuals. A long tracking shot is then seen, which also looks as though it's been shot by one of the band from a car window whilst they're on tour. This emphasizes the love for music greater as the band are including shots from their shows within their music videos.
As all the shots used are from the bands' own footage it immediately shows that they are low maintenance and their main love is for the music, not fame.

As the lyrics start the shot cuts to a live performance of the bands' frontman, Alex Turner, in a low angle shot. This shows that the band are music orientated even more, and the use of the low angle shot connoting that the band are still successful and should be respected. The shot then cuts to fans waiting outside the arena where the band are playing, showing that the band are thankful for their fans and as much as the fans respect the band, they also respect their fans for making them the band they are today. The shot then cuts back to another medium long shot of Alex Turner on stage at another gig, connoting further the love for music.

The shots continue to alternate between shots of different live performances and shots of fans in the crowd. However, clips of backstage antics are also shown, still from a camera that looks as though it was shot and held by a band member or manager etc. This gives the audience i look into the life of the band, something fans would find very interesting and therefore, taking them places they wouldn't normally be allowed to go. Despite the majority of the video being performances, close-up's of band members are used throughout to ensure that a recognition is made to the audience about what band it is. This also creates a link between the band and their love for live music.

The video follows Todorov's theory that music video's don't always have to work in linear and, during the montage editing used constantly throughout the video we see a shot of a sign that reads 'SHEF' representing where the band are from (sheffield) and therefore connoting that British lifestyle is important to the band and where they are from is an important part in their success.

Throughout the video we see more shots of live audiences and backstage clips make up the video. This goes against stereotypical indie videos, as they tend to follow a typical narrative structure and tell a story, showing individuality which is generally what indie music represents and is about. There are also more close-ups and extreme close up's of the band playing musical instruments, connoting the importance further of how important live music and not being artificial is to them. Despite not following the typical narrative structure the video does, however, link the footage with some of the lyrics. The song title in general links with the idea of the video even. As the track title is called 'Fake Tales Of San Francisco' it's connoting that the majority of people that are from the UK are acting as though they are American. Therefore 'Arctic Monkeys' are showing, throughout the video, how much they like Britain, how proud they are to be a part of they roots and how much respect they have for their home town. The lyrics 'You're not from New York City, you're from Rotherham' and 'He talks of San Francisco, he's from Hunters Bar' also links with this point and the idea behind the video as a whole.

Dim lighting is used frequently in the video. This represents the low maintenance the band have and shows that despite the editing and lighting not looking as though it has been professionally done, a good video can still be created. The bad lighting also reflects their love for Britain as glitz and glamour is stereotypically associated with America (Hollywood/L.A/California etc.) and so by using dim lighting shows their love for their country as well as connoting Arctic Monkey's laid back attitude.

The laid back attitude of the band is also reflected through the clothes that they wear. Throughout the video the band are shown wearing casual clothes such as jeans and polo tops, even joggers and sports wear. This is not a typical feature of music video's as artist's are normally styled to their best ability. However, this links with the indie genre of being your own person and not conforming to what people consider 'normal' and also the fact that Arctic Monkeys are a casual band who are more interested in the music they make and not the way they look.