Marques Houston- ‘Circles’

Marques Houston is an American singer and actor that is well known within the R’n’B genre.

I analysed a music video of this artist as it can be related to the production we hope to create. Our product and this product is of the same genre and same target audience; the younger generation with an R’n’B taste in music.

It also has is of a male artist with a typical urban style and dressing of today

Music videos of this artist can be found on channels such as MTV base which shows mainstream urban, R’n’b, Hip-hop and Grime music videos. Our production would be aimed to be seen on channels such as this.

The song is based on the male lead reminiscing and expressing his feelings towards a girl he is missing. He is looking back at all his mistakes. But yet he feels like he is in this ‘circle’ which is a cycle of the same, never ending feelings.

The beginning of the song has dialogue in which he is explaining and setting the mood. ‘Everytime I try to forget about you...’

The video opens with a spacious simple space which is a running theme that emphasises on the lyrics rather than the video. It opens with The main singer sitting and a piano which is played by someone else. The use of a birds eye view emphasises the emptiness of the space.

This video shows the merging of narrative and performance as there is dancers as well as Marques Houston singing the track as if he is telling the story.

Black and white are the dominant colours of the video which emphasises a contrast. Also, it can clearly be seen in the contrast of pianos. The significance of black and white is that one signifies happiness and the other of sadness. It gives the idea that he is surrounded by this mix of emotions and cant get out of this cycle/ ‘circle’

The costume used in the end part of the video is of khaki, army clothing. This represents the idea that love is a war and his emotions are at stake, he could either win or loose. Its almost as if he's fighting love and you either get out of this ‘circle’ dead, alive or wounded.

There is a significant amount of editing and computer techniques used in this video. The 1st is of Marques drawing a square with his fingers and it turning into a picture. This gives the idea that the memories are always there and he literally just has to conjure them up.

There is also use of editing to elongate the piano that he is singing on. This could be interpreted as things are beyond reality, including his feelings.

There is a use of fade to signify memories disappearing, just as emotions and feelings. Once she fades out, he is left all alone which could represent his new wave of emotions.

In my opinion, the best technique used is that of the floating pictures that surround him. Its almost as if a chain of memories that he cant break free off and just picks out and recalls memories and significant times.

Relationship between lyrics and visuals

‘Ran across a picture you took..’ This adds meaning as the audience feels the artists is letting them in on their personal life and is showing them intimate memories

‘Reminded of you..’This adds meaning as the artist connects with the audience. It is as if he is telling them the story

Iconography

Genre related style; smart and stylish black clothing accessorised with a watch and a hat. Typical of the genre as appearances and personal style is significant.

Voyeurism

A captured intimate moment with the female.

Repeated close ups (1st minute)

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