Music Video Analysis

Omarion - Icebox Genre – R&B The most common camera angle used is medium shots and medium close ups. Rarely did it show

any full body shots, only when he is dancing. There were less quick variations of camera angles then in his other music video. The narrative was similar to the first, the concept of the music video is about a girl however this music video challenges other R&B videos because he ends up not getting the girl and the girl is the source of the problem rather than her being the solution. Similar to the other song ‘O’ the music video ends where it begins, this could denote finding his place or is sole position.

The lighting and background was consistent throughout the entire song, there was a lot of use of a clock so going round and round and time running out could be perceived as being the motif of the song. Black and white were the main colours, the clock was black and white and the attire of both characters were black. The Mise en Scene of the music video was again minimal, the props were the same, the clothes worn were unchanged and the scenery was reoccurring. The song was mostly shot in his house and outside in the woods, the only real change in Mise en Scene was during the dance scenes, and even then the clothes that they were wearing was in accordance with the reoccurring background – black and white gloves and a black vest and trousers.

The name of the video ‘Icebox’ connote the female characters heart, cold and something to avoid. The beginning shows a clip where the a ice cold heart was shown. Guessing this is the girls heart who has caused him so much unhappiness.

AnalysisThe beginning starts with silence, all is heard is a clock ticking, so immediately the viewer thinks he is either waiting for something and time is running out.

This medium sort acts as an establishing shot, it shows the viewers where he is – his home and idea of waiting for something is reinforced by him sitting there waiting.He is sitting on the chair, he is reflecting on something while his face reflects of the table. The clock is in the background, so already there is a lot of use of a clock so the viewer can guess that the clock or the time is of some relevance to him.

Similar to his other video, the lighting is very dim, at night and again he seems to be interested in a girl and he is following her. The idea that he is chasing her and running out of time to catch her.

This shot is one shot that appeals a lot to our group. Because our song is to do with things which go round, the clock is a big ingredient in our music video plan. This is something which we most likely will incorporate in our video.

Analysis Contd.Omarion uses a lot of dancing and this is another example. The lighting is very dim again and he has backing dancer. At this moment of the video there is no dialogue.

The song begins and the story unfolds, he is obviously in disagreement with someone or something. This is the reason why he was looking away in the other shot. Close up shot of his face show aggressive emotion.

This shot confirms his feelings, he is upset and the only link which viewers can gather is that he upset over the girl who was shown earlier.

His aggression is shown through dance, in fact a lot of his emotions are shown either facial or through his dance.

The story gradually unfolds, as he says “the girl I used to know”. The audiences sees the girl who the song is about. Again in at night, in the mist.

An over the shoulder shot is used, he is expressing his feelings. Again the lighting is dim, the black and white clock is in the background which blends in well with the lighting.

Analysis Contd.An example of quick sharp medium close up shots. It denotes his frustration towards her. There is a switch in over the shoulder shot, it is now over his shoulder. He rises and there is the consistent colour of black and white. Black jacket, black and white clock and black background, black and white seats. This type of quick shots within a moment in a music video could be something useful in our attempt to replicate a R&B music video.

The viewer finally get to see the subject of his emotion. Black hair and a black background. A close up shot and the hairstyle and colour attract the viewer to her black eye shadow.

This medium shot shows him battling with his demons, and depicts the idea to get the girl he wants, he has to overcome his demons which is shown in this clip. Again the use of black and white is consistent throughout the song.

The song ends where it began, in his house and this ending up where he started relates to a clock going round and round, which was excessively used throughout the music video.