Technical Analysis (The Libertines-Don't Look Back into the Sun)

I made the choice to analyse this particular after it was suggested during our focus group. The video is focused around the band performance during a gig and also the band in a relaxed and joyful environment where they seem to be enjoying themselves. From my technical analysis I have been able see the way in which this particular aspect of the video is shot. These sequences in particular are shot to build band authenticity and realism in their everyday lives. The shots themselves are largely between 1 to 8 seconds and are almost entirely shot with a handicam and this causes shaky movement and a lack of focus in many scenes. In fact in the third scene one of the cameramen actually appears in shots as well as microphone appearing on another. This once again amplifies the authenticity and realism that the video constructs. The shots are also often shot from a low camera angle and could also possibly be shot from other members of the band. The most common type of shot used is medium shots of 1 or 2 members of the band. It is still evident that the star persona is of key importance in the video and the star image remains very important in the video. There is also a tourist feel to the video as there are various iconic London monuments and recognisable items. These shots are mainly shot using Close-ups, Medium close-ups and Medium shots which help the star image. There are however a few steadicam shots which portray a feel band being watched, one in particular of them in Trafalgar square, a long shot using a crane and a high camera angle feels like a CCTV shot. A key aspect of the video is the lo-fi ambience which again reinforces the band authenticity. The majority of the shots involve the band walking through dense areas and oblivious to their surroundings. There is no real narrative to the video; it is simply the band enjoying a day out. The rock & roll image is constructed through their lack of real facial expression or any emotional references in the video. There are also close-ups where the band appears to be talking to the camera which again suggests the non-serious, relaxed attitude to the video. The costume of the band also challenges the expected of the rock video; they are seen to be wearing red jackets and sunglasses so the question of image is seen to be of little importance and the band are portraying that they are eccentric.

These shots are broken up though the video cutting back to performance shots throughout the video. These shots are once again shot to build authenticity and are shot from inside the audience and a low camera angle is used. The use of quick cuts from close-ups to medium close-ups and medium shots ensures the video stays differentiated and appealing. These shots focus mainly on the bands faces and instruments which is the expected of any performance shot. Although the performance is shot largely from within the crowd the focus is the band performance through the use of lighting, the audience is effectively in the dark whilst the band appear lit by the lights. However the shots are heavily repeated and are often broken up by these quick cuts, however the performance shots can last up to 20 seconds and tend to involve around 15-20 shots during this period. Three separate camera are used to video the band from different angles. The cuts are frantically quick and there is lots of camera movement to once again build the authenticity and realism of the video.

In conclusion the video is split between the performance based shots and the handicam shots of the band in random locations. The performance shots are broken up using quick cuts between the types of shot and where it is shot from. The use of handicam is of key importance as it builds the sense of authenticity and realism.