The Research Analysis

                                The Research Analysis 

THE GENRE:

The genre I will be focusing on for this music video recreation is alternative rock. The song I have chosen is “Creep” by Radiohead. Alternative rock developed during the 1980s and became hugely popular in the 1990s with bands like Nirvana, Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Radiohead, who were known for their raw sound and emotional honesty. While the genre is less commercially dominant today, songs such as “Creep” remain deeply relevant because of the way they explore themes of alienation and self-doubt. The lyrics express feelings of not belonging and being on the outside looking in, which is something many listeners can identify with. This sense of vulnerability gives the track a personal meaning for me, as it captures emotions that are often hard to put into words. Released in 1992, “Creep” is more than just a song—it is an anthem for outsiders, combining haunting melodies with powerful outbursts of emotion

NARATIVE:

LINEAR NARATIVE:

The narrative will follow a linear structure, taking inspiration from iconic alternative rock videos such as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” That video relied on dark, moody visuals and restless camera movements to capture the raw energy of the track. In the same way, my version of “Creep” will use a muted and atmospheric colour scheme during the verses, before shifting into more chaotic and striking imagery as the chorus erupts. This contrast highlights the two sides of alternative rock—the quiet vulnerability of self-reflection and the explosive intensity of emotional release—creating a storyline that mirrors the song’s shifting mood.

REPRESENTATION:

Ref. Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit”:

Using this song’s wardrobe as inspiration, the outfit I plan to use in my video will be darker and more casual to suit the mood of “Creep.” I will include a plain hoodie or flannel in muted colours along with simple jeans, creating a relaxed and unpolished look. This style connects to the grunge influence of the 90’s and reflects the song’s themes of feeling out of place while still keeping a youthful appearance.

Ref: The Beatles – Yesterday (Live Performance):

Another example is The Beatles’ “Yesterday,” which is often praised for its emotional depth and simplicity. The video and performances of the song kept the visuals calm and understated to match its reflective lyrics. Similarly, my recreation of “Creep” will mirror the track’s mood. The verses will be shown through subdued imagery, while the chorus bursts into more chaotic visuals.

Ref. Weezer on YouTube:

The lighting I’d use takes inspiration from Weezer’s Say It Ain’t So, which relies on a darker, more intimate atmosphere. The use of dim, shadowy tones creates an almost eerie and unsettling mood that reflects the emotional weight of the track. In my recreation, since we’ll be filming in a friend’s studio, I’ll adapt this by keeping the space relatively dark, using low, directional lighting to mirror the haunting qualities of Creep while still making it practical within the studio environment.

Ref. The Strokes on YouTube.

For my final inspiration for the use of props, I’ve looked at “Last Nite” by The Strokes, a video praised for its raw and artistic style. The band is shown surrounded by their instruments, creating an authentic and stripped-down atmosphere that really stood out to me. The Strokes relied heavily on medium shots and pans to capture this energy, and I will be taking inspiration from it and using the same shots in my own music video. The props in my version will be all the istruments belonging to my friends and me, reinforcing the same natural and performance-driven feel while reflecting the mood of Creep.

SOUND FOR MY MUSIC VIDEO:

I will use sound bridges, all converging into one single frame by carrying similar beats and repeating lyrics. This will connect the visuals smoothly as the shots change, keeping the video cohesive. The technique will also enhance the haunting atmosphere of Creep.

CAMERA SHOTS, COMPOSITION, ANGLES AND MOVEMENTS:

• Medium shot fade-in: The video will open with a medium shot that slowly fades in, introducing the performers in a subtle, atmospheric way. This sets the tone for the haunting mood of Creep.

• Pan: A gradual pan will then reveal more of the studio space, showing the performers’ positions and creating a sense of unease.

• Dolly-in: Moving closer to specific instruments will build intimacy and place emphasis on the raw sound of the performance.

• Close-ups: These will highlight facial expressions and instruments, capturing emotion and detail.

• Extreme close-ups: Tight shots of strumming strings or fingers on frets will add variety and texture.

• Long shots: Pulling back to show the full group will add cinematic depth while underscoring the theme of alienation.

EDITING:

I will primarily keep the editing minimal since the setting stays fairly consistent, but I will use both jump cuts and smooth cuts to maintain visual interest. Jump cuts will shift between intimate close-ups and wider cinematic shots, adding variety while highlighting the raw, haunting atmosphere of my music video. Smooth cuts will allow transitions to feel more natural, keeping the eerie and dark mood consistent throughout.

 MISE-EN-SCÈNE:

The color palette for my music video will focus on dull, muted tones, giving it a worn and eerie atmosphere. This will be enhanced with low, soft lighting in my friend’s studio to create shadows and depth, emphasizing the moody, haunting feel. Costumes will be simple and faded, with plain hoodies, flannels, and jeans, paired with slightly brighter musical instruments, while light makeup will be used to keep a natural, understated look, maintaining the intimate and atmospheric tone throughout.

Ref. VEVO The Cranberries – “Zombie"

This shot from The Cranberries’ “Zombie” captures a melancholic and introspective mood, with mise-en-scène that emphasizes dark lighting,  props, and focused composition. It creates a vulnerable and haunting atmosphere, which aligns well with the eerie, reflective vibe I’m aiming for in my music video.

                                               

                                                            SURVEYS:

FORMAL SURVEY: 

INFORMAL SURVEY:

I asked questions through both formal and informal surveys to gather comprehensive insights from my audience. This approach allowed me to understand their preferences, interests, and expectations more clearly, helping me shape my music video to better connect with them.