Codes and Meanings

Symbolic Codes

Symbolism:

Flowers

These are a recurring motif throughout the music video. We will specifically be using a flower species called butterfly weed, for certain scenes in order establish a connection throughout. This flower means "let me go" or similar alternatives like "leave" and so we decided it was cohesive with our concept. 

The girl picks these flowers at the beginning and then in between we see shots of her trying to water these rootless flowers in an empty vase, symbolising how she is trying to flourish and nurture something that possibly can not be. Towards the end we see her disperse these flowers in the wind. Keeping in line with the meaning of the flowers, this scene presents a closure for the protagonist.

Eating flowers

This symbolises various things and some of the toxic behaviours of our protagonist, which also link with the lyrics. Flower-eating is often linked to an expression of the character's desire for engaging in hedonism ("We can find comfort in debauchery"). It also symbolises the character searching for happiness in the wrong places or in the wrong ways.

Skipping Rope

Our protagonist seems to be skipping a rope continuously, the scene being played in a loop, which has a very dream-like element to it and also represents her being stuck in her thoughts about her past and how good it was. When she suddenly trips, it signifies the end of those "good" parts of her relationship.

Board Game

The board game are a portrayal of her life with regards to her relationship, with her choices right in front of her but with her being unable to make the right choice. At the end, when she makes a move and closes the game, it could represent two possibilities: either she was able to make her winning move, or she chose to quit playing a game that she wasn't suited for. Either one shows that she has moved on from the stage of denial and healthily embraces her own abilities and limitations.

Mise en scene:

The backgrounds and settings for the music video are quite simple - a suburban area, parks, flowers and a homely indoor setting. This adds to the lo-fi indie vibe of the video.

A combination of dark and light pastel colours will be used to reflect the protagonists state of mind. 

Technical Codes

Camera work:

The camera work in this video will be variegated according to the scenes. The scenes with flowers and of her in nature will be shot steadily, while, for instance the scene of her skipping rope will be shot from one angle only, on a tripod to show the mundane repetitiveness of it. The flashback scenes of her with her happy memories with partner will appear to be filmed with a handheld camera for the appropriate effect of nostalgia.

We would not be using many close up shots (if any) of the artist - she will mostly be seen in med shots or full shots. The focus would be a bit more on imagery and symbolism.

Editing:

Transitions

Most of the music video will be shown in a very rapidly edited way, with a shot rapidly cutting quickly to another and so on. Fade into colour transitions will also be used to certain scenes. This editing would enable us to appropriately portray the mood of the video and help the audience understand the complexity and fluidity of the character's state of mind.

Special Effects

The video will be edited to look like a lo-fi, indie music video, keeping in line with the convention. It will have a grainy, retro film-like quality to it as well. This would be according to the conventions of an indie music video which would enable our audience easily identify the genre.