Class analysis on Vance Joy's Riptide Music Video


Polysemic readings - metaphorical readings, the splitting ice cream could be symbolic of a broken relationship. Therefore the cheery mise en scene presents a creepy and troubling binary opposition

Horror film conventions - stereotypically attractive 'horror film victim' breaks free from being tied to a tree. Connotative of kidnapping and a violent threat. Contrapuntal imagery compared to the chirpy pop song


  • Extremely postmodern video - use of distressing horror imagery deliberately positioning the audience in a confusing and distressing situation.
  • Extremely strong link between lyrical content and on screen visuals - an explicit description, perhaps a binary opposition between a conventional and subversive music video
  • On the word 'riptide' a L/S high angle establishing shot of the sea, connoting danger and death
  • A montage of C/Us of everyday items establishes to the audience themes of travel and solidify the overarching theme of escapism
  • Mixture of continuous and discontinuous editing - some shots lack cause cause and effect
  • Much imagery seems to be conventional of occult horror - Blair Witch Project, Ouija, The Conjuring, The Omen
  • Continual, reoccurring shots of female characters being dragged under beds etc. Gender emphasised through the connotations of costume, for example high heals, red lipstick and so on
  • Lacks the conventional element of performance, subversively omitting the metanarrative of celebrity
  • Lacks a coherent narrative
  • Unconventional master shot of middle aged women lip syncing to the track. Lip syncing gradually deteriorates and gets less professional. MES of blood and smeared makeup could connote abuse, violence. Additionally the use of incorrect lyrics, signposted with the on-screen subtitles, might suggest a code word, further emphasising the themes of abuse and escape
  • Fully polysemic, with absolutely meaning explicitly anchored by the producer. Is she drunk? Is she in danger?

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