The Gazette - Leech

By Keren Edwards

How it appeals to them…

• The Age: 13 – 21 One of the reasons why it may appeal to such a young age group is because of the Visual Kei (Visual style) culture. Since it is an interesting music video to watch even if the lyrics do not directly apply to the actions in the video. It fits into the visual kei style. It usually appeals to teenagers however it may interest some adults since the lyrics talk about a controversial topic.

• Gender: male or female. Though mainly aimed a females because of Visual kei’s extravagant , make up and clothing which seems to appeal to more girls than guys.

• Interest: teenagers and young adults maybe interested but anyone that appreciates Japanese rock.

How it appeals to them…

• Location: Mainly Japan however it has appealed to worldwide people. Since recently Japanese rock has had a increase of fans over the years.

• Ethnicity: they is no specific ethnicity is required to listen to this, therefore anyone can listen to it. If the video is about emotions then some of the audience can relate because they may have gone through a similar thing. Such as bottling up emotions can lead to dangerous outbursts.

Features of mise-en-scene 1

Props • The vocalist take out a lot of his aggression on the microphone

stand. Such a spinning and waving it around with. Other than that there are no extra props, this helps the minimalism The Gazette is trying to create. The way the vocalist swings the microphone stand around is similar to the beat of the music; which is fast and aggressive. Also This could portray the vocalist’s feelings.

Features of mise-en-scene 2

Location

• The video is set in studio with a pure white background. This makes the band stand out since they are dressed in black. In addition the woman blends into the background. Showing that the woman is perhaps perfect? Since white can represent pure and untainted.

Features of mise-en-scene 3

Colour

• Throughout the entire video there is no colour on the band, they are just in black and white. That could mean they could be neutral in the entire situation. Though they could represent a generalisation on how everyone feels in society. Plain and boring.

• On the other hand at the start of the video there is a lot of colour on the girl showing. This could symbolise her individuality and her different types of emotion. However the colour gradually fades out into black and white. Signifying that the girl has exhausted her emotions and has possibly blended back into society.

Features of the actors 1

Interaction with others

• There is very little interaction between the band members. This could be because they are focused on playing their instruments. However they do look at each or show any signs of the communicating. If there are you cannot tell what they are saying; it seems like they are in the own little world.

Features of the actors 2

Facial Expression

• The can not see the Vocalist facial expression since he is hidden behind his sunglasses. However when his glasses are removed he’s looking directly at the camera. This could mean that he’s referring directly to the audience as if he’s suggesting that the viewers may have experienced something the woman is going through.

• Whereas the rest of band are always looking away from the camera. If they are looking at the camera then you cannot see their facial expression due to the lighting. This can create a mischievous and remorse feeling which could represent guilt or an hidden intentions.

Features of the actors 3

Movements

• With the band the movements are aggressive and wild which is similar to the beat of the music. This gives the music more hostile feel. It shows this is not a matter to over look and that the issue is important.

Shot type 1

Close up

• Close ups are mainly used for the woman they to portray the woman's feelings. This helps the audience empathises with the woman because the viewers have a clear view of her expressions. The audience doesn’t need to see her whole body to understand her feelings.

Shot type 2 Extreme Close up • This shot is used on the woman and The Gazette. This help to centres the audience’s

attention on the different roles the band members have. Such as the camera would focus on the vocalist’s jacket just before he sings. Then with the woman it focuses on her different features during here transformations.

Shot type 3 High angled longs shots

• Occasionally there are high angled longs shots; they are used mainly for the band. Since the audience is looking down on the band. It makes them seem small and insufficient. Possibly emphasising the fact they cannot do much to change what is going on in society.

Uses of camera movement

• Panning helps establish the scene. Since a lot happens in the video this camera movement helps the audience to remember where everything is taking place. Also if different objects are entering the scene then panning can capture the new objects and the main characters. Further more since the pan is slow it captures everything. It makes the audience observe everything and makes them feel as if time has slowed down.

Pace of editing

• There are lots of Fast cuts it, so It Jumps back and forth to The Gazette and to the woman. This helps shows how quickly the woman changes throughout the video but it still keeps an eye on the band. The cuts are not smooth that creates a distorted feeling to the audience.