Mise en scene of music videos

The mise en scene of Help Me Nowby Kevin Mchale

Setting: Yellow surroundings which signify the character’s instability surrounding his relationship. He is jealous and uncertain about his partner’s loyalty and love for him. The large, mansion-like house signifies his possible loneliness and the room he has to overthink certain things. The White walls may indicate the safety and security he feels on his own. The blue walls may signify the trust and confidence he feels he should feel towards his partner although he is unable to do so. The spiral staircase may signify the fact that he is spiralling into insecure thoughts that even he knows are unnecessary

Costume: He is wearing is brown jacket and trousers which signifies the security he desires without being the centre of attention. Brown signifies a desire to stay in a safe world without spontaneity or surprises. Brown is also known to bring someone back down to earth and add order to someone’s life which the character may desire. The high neck shirt signifies his insecurity as he is hiding himself in his clothing. This may be due to his insecurity surrounding his relationship.

Lighting: The back light from the windows is dim which indicates the security he feels in his own safe world in the house and a reluctance towards spontaneity. The fill and key lighting are bright yet unnatural presenting a possible avoidance of facts and truth surrounding his overthinking. Although his surroundings are bright and joyful, they aren’t real or true.

Movement: His movement (dancing) throughout the entirety of the music video is erratic and presents the characters stress and instability towards his relationship. The moves are non-stop which could indicate his constant insecurity no matter how often he is told the truth.

Camerawork: The video is constantly filmed in long shot which could present the characters insecurity and a sense of exposure. It is mostly in a continuous shot which may signify his constant insecure thoughts about himself and his relationship.

The mise en scene of 1950 by King Princess

Setting: Summer fields may signify a freedom as green symbolises growth and freshness. The characters are growing and maturing together in a safe relationship where they are happy. However, green can signify a lack of experience showing that this may be their first relationship and this growth is necessary. This is signified again in the high school prom like surrounding. They are young and inexperienced but are slowly growing and maturing. 

Costume: The costumes are informal and young indicating youth and freedom. They are able to have fun and enjoy their time together before the constraints of adult life. Her tshirt may indicate a lack of concern for her appearance due to her security and loyalty in her relationship. It is simple yet important.

Lighting: The high key lighting in the fields represents once again the characters joy and youth. There is an even light across her face which indicates this youth and freshness. In the prom, there is no backlight and the key and fill lighting is low key to indicate the end of this youth. Their high school years are over as indicated with a prom and adult life is approaching.