The music video to Arctic Monkeys ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ follows the main character of the video Alex Turner, who is also the singer, as he walks the streets intoxicated.
This music video fits more into the definition of a ‘Narrative’ video as it has been filmed and edited to tell a story that is being told in the lyrics.
From the beginning, we can see how technical codes are used to begin a storyline. It presents the atmosphere of a pub using mise-en-scene with the dim, orange tinted lighting and music. This immediately sets the scene which starts it all in the music video, as the group of males are shown taking shots at the bar. The technical use of fast-cutting images also connotates the disruption and chaos occurring in the music video, using special FX to reinforce the idea of intoxication as it shows the visual code of Alex Turner looking into a mirror while also using a technical code as there are two of him looking back. We also see a melting clock shortly after, which is another technical code using special FX, reinforcing his ‘high’ thoughts; relating to the lyrics and the imagery used. Furthermore, when he first sends a message the time on his phone reads 3:30, but as he looks at the clock, we see it is 22:10.
The theme of intoxication is reinforced further when Turner leaves the pub after taking a shot with the group he is with. The lighting plays a huge part in the mise-en-scene as it stays dim and dark throughout the entire music video. At this particular part where he is being filmed walking down the road, the only lighting that are being used are the streetlights and the lights coming from the shops or buildings he is walking past, also known as low-key lighting. The lighting also hints towards the time of night, as it shows that it is obviously late.
As he is walking through the street, we see how his ‘high thoughts’ begin to invade him more. The camera pans from the technical code of what he is imagining to the visual code of the state of confusion on his face, back to what is actually happening. His view becomes distorted, and it shows these scenes from his POV.
Comments