Uploaded in 2009, the official music video for 'Everlong' by Foo Fighters is very apparent in that there is a lot happening which may lead to some confusion. In my reading, the music video narrates two lovers who are so connected both physically and spiritually that their dreams are linked, and the plotline within the dream sequence alludes to what they wish they could be - but they're happy because they are together.
Initially, this video fulfils the checklist for a 'Narrative' music video as there the filming and editing tells a story, the band takes on the role of characters to portray a mini-film, and there is a linear structure. However, there are some aspects of 'Performance' music videos such as lip-synching in time with the music as well as an ending in which the band sheds their costumes and begins performing as though they're on a stage. No matter how confusing the video may seem, it is clear that this is the story of two lovers. The audience is introduced to two primary main characters - a male and female - and it's made abundantly clear that they are the protagonists for this Narrative music video. Throughout the video, a concept is used in which both characters are asleep and dreaming, creating two interlinked plots during the video. In both the male and female character's dreams, neither of the love interests are changed for someone else, leading me to believe that even if these character's lives were different, they would still only want each other. We're able to differentiate between the two states (real life, dreaming) through the filming, editing and costumes.
To identify when we are witnessing the characters dreams, the costumes are much less mundane in the man's dream than the other sequence of narratives. He has an expected punk style of the 70's, paired with the somewhat frazzled liberty spikes his hair is styled in, whereas his partner wears much more simplistic clothing. This may be a metaphor for the fact he is the main character of his own dream. One of the biggest themes of this music video is love, which is emphasised by the male protagonists need to protect and defend the female protagonist when he witnesses her being harassed (within his dream). When he engages in a fight to seemingly defend her honour, his hand is edited to grow in order to exaggerate the fact this character is dreaming. The sequence of events is sped up also, picking up alongside the speed of the music, and further exaggerating this fantasy whilst also adding an element of comedy that most music videos by Foo Fighters seem to include. We can assume this is because the role of hero is taken on by this character, as he protects his lover. In a similar fashion, the woman's dream follows a similar narrative - he is the hero, and she is the victim. However, there is more references to fairy tails in this dream sequence, and a colder feel to the entire plot. Costumes are more dull, with both characters wearing much less flashy clothing and having 'normal' hairstyles.
The use of camera throughout this music video signifies the build-up and eventual climax of the two intertwined narratives, with the initial and striking P.OV (Point of View) shot allowing the audience to meet the two main characters of this music video and form a short-lived bond. In fact, the filming of the video feels low budget, following the movements of characters and providing a rather immersive experience for the viewership. As the video progresses, it's noticeable that the camera begins to cut from character to character rapidly, aiding with the breaking-point of the video - this technique evokes feelings of anticipation, and we're forced to feel the relief alongside the characters when their hardship is finally over.
Most effectively, the lighting makes a point to distinguish between the two trances the characters have thought up as well as the state of being awake. In the man's dream segment the lighting is warm and has a significant red undertone, possibly due to the fact he views himself as the hero. Contrasting to this, in the woman's scenes, the lighting is much cooler and has blue undertones, indicating she is the victim or damsel in distress. Despite being opposites, the two characters fit together so well, which can be shown by the middle ground of the 'awake' state where the entire segment is in black and white. Even if there's dissimilarity, they balance one another out.
Nonetheless, the band makes a point in tearing apart the portrayal of these characters, breaking away from the narrative conventions of music video as they shed their costumes in order to showcase their star persona. Once the two knitted together storylines are finished, and there has been a resolution, the band makes an appearance as themselves instead of the characters they had been acting as. For the last segment of the music video, they showcase their musical skill and performance style, making the video all the more heartfelt as we bare witness to the passion the band has for their song: 'Everlong'.
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