Analysis of a seminal music video: Nirvana- smells like teen spirit.

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introduction• This songs was the first single and opening track

for the album ‘Nevermind’ which was released in 1991.

• Two days before it was shot, flyers were handed out asking fans to be featured in the video. They were asked to ‘adopt a high school persona, preppy, jock, nerd.’

• Kurt Cobain personally over saw the re editing.• The video was inspired by Over The Edge in the

film RockN’Roll High School, produced in 1979.

Camera angles and shots

• Close ups of the drummer, he carries the whole basis of the songs.

• Pan of the crowd showing the restless teens.• Close to medium shot when the main singer

starts to sing. Something that is featured by many music videos.

• Shot of the main singer through the silhouettes which is a very artistic concept.

Mise-en-scene• Lighting cast on the main singers face

purposely to drawn attention to him and the words he is singing.

• Shadows manipulated to make him look more disorientating to the audience.

• In a school gym. Lots of students in the crowds, cheerleaders in black outfits with the letter A.

• Fog machine used to create more atmosphere, added to the subject of the uncontrollable restless teenagers.

Editiing• Slow motion shots in almost every scene in

the beginning creating atmosphere. • Yellow tint to the footage.• Normal speed once the chorus starts creating

a wild disgruntled atmosphere. • During the verses, the atmosphere in very

slow and lethargic, almost dream-like.

Seminal?• The music style was influenced by The Pixies.• Other songs that bear similarities include

"More Than A Feeling" and "Louie Louie" have similar chord sequences but not the same rhythm.

Main singer- light directly on his face while the fog consumes the screen

Close medium shot of the drummer- slow motion, he carries the song.

Long shot of the setting, light directly shone on the guitarist.

Cheerleaders silhouettes, main singer seen through with light directly on him.

Medium shot, slow motion, of the uncontrollable wild teenagers dancing.