(TASK 2) PART B (Initial Research) - Annotation of "Fire We Make" (Alicia Keys)

Firstly, I chose this music video as the track is  quite soulful, slow and romantic. This relates to my final idea in part A of my initial research, and the songs are by the same artist, Alicia Keys.

I annotated and analysed Alicia Key's music video to her hit soul jam "Fire We Make" featuring Maxwell. This video was released in 2013, under RCA Records - a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The company the music video explains why it was of such good quality.

As I watched the music video, I took a note of some ideas that I could take from it. I noticed that the time frame used in this music video was that of the 1940s/50s or 60s  (it is not specifically stated)- which was mainly demonstrated by props such as cigars, clothing associated with that time period and alcohol. This created a really steamy atmosphere, because this time period was associated with sexual liberation and revolution: a time where people's ideologies became more secular.

I also love the fact that the two stars were singing to each other in a crowd of people, as it resembles the theme of "true love."A voice over is used at the beginning of the music video, telling the audience about that narrative as Alicia says "and we fell in love." This compels the viewer to keep watching.

 There is also narrative speech at the beginning between Alicia and Maxwell, and this structure is very useful and  clever because it enables the audience to follow the story clearly.The audience also interacts with the music video theme of love.   I would say that a repeated motif  present in this video is the couple being separate and trying to get to each other.  The ending of the video is therefore even more effective, as it ties in this continuing motif and  both of them are united in the end.

I used the technology of Microsoft word, and I like it as it is easy to use. However it has its drawbacks - I was not able to make specific improvements on the Word Presentation software, because of the lack of space. I have therefore decided to develop my points on this blog post.

(SPECIFIC ELEMENTS/EXAMPLES):

This music video has a range of different shot types, used to portray the story-line. Below are some iconography examples and they are annotated. For instance, the shot of Alicia sitting on the floor smiling quickly cuts to her co-star Maxwell, sitting on a bed and singing. This creates a charged and packed atmosphere because the two scenes are connected, keeping the theme of lust consistent.
The opening medium close up shot of this video is very important, as it informs the audience as to where the main action is set. The following  establishing shot of the American town of New Orleans also emphasises the narrative aspect of the music video, and this also links back to old Black American history. A key moment when the use of extreme close-ups is useful, is a shot of an ice cube melting on Alicia's chest. This makes the atmosphere very intimate and the audience almost feel as if we are apart of the charged atmosphere that is unfolding.

(Please find more detail attached to the pictures.)

These locations were specifically chosen; to depict the time period, to heighten the continuous theme and atmosphere, and to bring in contextual links. New Orleans was historically a town that was an isolated part of America that was populated with a large mix of people from different ethnicities and backgrounds. The citizens here lived varying and exciting lifestyles, and this is shown through the use of vibrant costuming in parts of this music video, as well as a partying scene in the video.

Both star's appearances suit the narrative - an example is when Alicia wears a brighter coloured dress and red lipstick when the two meet at night. This connotes enjoyment and translates to the audience. Furthermore, red connotes passion and sex appeal. The mise-en-scene is especially important in this video because the time period the video is set in, relies heavily upon it. For example, the use of an older fan (as shown in the first still image) really portrays the imagery of the older American way of life. A modern fan, for instance, would ruin the whole time period setting element. The low lighting in the video again, ties in with the sensuous theme because low light  connotes mystery and intimacy (stereotypically) in most scenarios. The heavy use of the night emphasises the narrative of two under-cover lovers, because darkness connotes secrecy and a different form of excitement to what would take place during the day.

Medium close up of Alicia sitting on the floor. In this scene she is struggling to contain her l"love" or "lust" for Maxwell. Regarding costuming, she is dressed very feminine which is connected to the hyper-femininity ideal - her representation is quite stereo-typical for a woman. She is presented as unable to handle her emotions or being consumed with her feelings.

The lighting used in this music video is mostly low/dark, Since the video is primarily about lust, the use of this type of lighting is logical. The night is often associated with passion and sensuality, so the use of low  and dark lighting really creates a sensually charged atmosphere. Furthermore, this use of a close up really highlights Alicia's facial expressions - which plays a key role in moments such as the lip-syncing.

This is a perfect example of how pulling focus is used to highlight Alicia's beauty. She is represented in the video as beautiful and captivating, and this shot type really highlights her as the focal point.

Many close-ups like this are used, to highlight her feminine features and display attraction.  Overall, Alicia is displayed in an extremely feminine light, and her appearance is focused on throughout the music video. She is also presented as fiery because of the title of the song, but also because of her persistence in going after Maxwell.