Default (Django Django) Music Video Analysis

STYLE OF MUSIC VIDEO

Default is a performance video that features Django Django playing/lip syncing to the song in a warehouse-type setting. There is also a significant concept aspect to the video as well however as the footage has all been filmed in black and white then printed out frame by frame and animated as frames taped onto paper in a stop-motion style. This setup allows additional concepts to appear: paint is applied to the frames, multiple shots are seen simultaneously running, and some frames have parts cut out so only certain areas of the shots have motion.

GENRE CONVENTIONS

The video is a prime example of modern alternative rock music videos. Black and white is a common design choice for music videos in this genre and this is applied here. Also the video has a notable rugged and imperfect aesthetic that makes the music seem more grounded and casual, which is a characteristic of alternative rock music. There's also an emphasis on the band members as much as the singer, with instruments and musical equipment frequently shown, which is a common characteristic of alternative rock band videos where usually the music in general is the main focus, not a lead singer or personality.

Firstly, the camera is sometimes obscured by people, hands or objects like plants or wood. This deliberately makes the video seem amateur and home-made which helps creates the down to earth atmosphere the video is representing. The decision to zoom out on the frames reveals the black tape sticking each frame down to the paper in all four corners of each frame makes the video more rugged as the tape keeps moving places in each frame. There could also be said to be a sense of humour to this as the video breaks the fourth wall in showing the audience they are watching a sequence of frames that are photographed. It breaks the fourth wall later when separate shots interact with each other. The laidback humour here is another characteristic of alternative rock videos.

STUDIO INFLUENCE

The band are wearing simple, minimalistic clothing and often are looking not directly at the camera when performing, making them seem like an everyday group of people, which is likely influenced by studio executives marketing the band in a not-showy way to make them seem relatable and casual.

MISE-EN-SCENE 

There is heavy focus on the instruments which are shown in close ups frequently. In one shot a  nearby work surface can be seen with all the previously used pieces of tape gradually added which adds to the down to earth vibe of the video. In other shots discarded tape is placed outside the frames on the paper background, which at one point gets stained with paint. Paint has also been added onto the frames which dances around as the frames change. Items or blank space are coloured in and the painting is done roughly, again not subscribing to a polished aesthetic.

The band are performing in what appears to be a sort of art galley with eclectic items fleetingly seen in the background including a cactus, stepladder and sculptures on plynths. This gives the video a lighthearted feel and a sense of humour which matches the eclectic song. 

Something the video does in the intrumental sections to punctuate the rhythmic beats of the tambourine is to sow various items dropping on the floor in medium close up. Things like a piece of Tupperware, a bouncy ball, and an egg which impact the floor in time with the music. Again they're quirky objects so add to a feeling of playfulness and fun in the video.

The colours used as paint are all very bright primary and secondary colours which adds pops of brightness and fun to the video.

SHOT TYPES / SET UPS

There are stationary medium close up set ups for all 4 band members and close ups of all the instruments which are staple shots that recur. There is also a master shot of the whole quartet playing together which repeatedly appears. These give the video unity and consistency.

There's also lots of creatively conceived shots that make use of the stop motion concept. At one point there is a sequence where there are 9 shots placed in a 3x3 formation that all interact with an illusion of passing a pole across from shot to shot. Later on one shot is cut into 9 and runs as individual pieces are switched for other shots in time to the music.

Another technique employed is cutting out small sections of frames and just adding them on top of previous frames, creating an effect where only certain parts of the shots move: