Analysis of

The Neighbourhood’s

‘Sweater Weather’

By Henaz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCdwKhTtNNw&list

=PLhd1HyMTk3f6eUiV

u0ZBtkn3JH6J6U1W_

The message

There are different interpretations of the song. First interpretation is the song is about compromised love. Even though he “hates the beach”, he would still try to “have an adventure” with his lover. Therefore, the “sweater” is a metaphor for his imagination that draws them together sexually. Another interpretation can be that maybe he is conflicted over the girl he is with and he doesn’t want to be with her really, but he still finds himself enjoying her company or just with her anyways.

The audience are open to an establishing shot that demonstrates the relationship between the

set/location and characters and show the whole view. The fact that the scene is spacious emphasises

the close relationship between the members gathered in the center.

The black and white effect gives a retro feel for this music video. Also the darkness connotes the indie rock genre of this band.

Fram

e 2

The pace of each frame cuts away quickly and follows the tempo of the song. This increases the audiences excitement.

This POV shot engages the audience by making them feel as though they are on the car journey with the band. The theme of the music video is a blend of 90s rock and roll with an alternative twist. Smoking is part of their culture and identity. In 1950s America, cigarette smoking was the epitome of cool and glamour. Hollywood icons such as James Dean and Humphrey Bogart were never seen without one. Henceforth, the band conform to the stereotypical view that indie rock bands are represented as ‘rebels’.

Fram

e 4

This wide shot draws the audiences attention to the car. Immediately, we will be able to link the retro car with the music genre of indie rock. The pace of the shot is slow, which suggests the band want to slow down time and have a longer adventure.

Fram

e 5

The records demonstrate the groups interests and supports the theme of the old rock vs. new rock.

This is a match-cut shot which helps to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorically.

Spinning Fan Spinning camera

The woman is shown less often and is seen as less important than the band. This suggests that he does not keep her as his main priority, instead she is used as a way for him to escape to his imaginations. Also, whilst the camera was turning in a circle, the woman appeared last because it shows how irrelevant she is compared to other members in the band. However, the spinning camera can represent a game of ‘spin the bottle’ and it shows the woman has been chosen to be controlled by using her for just for pleasure.

As the music settles down, so does the pace of the shot. This is a superimposed frame where various videos are layered together to conclude what was shown before and it gives a creative twist. Their band logo is an upside down house, which makes much more sense to the audience who are familiar with them.

Fram

e 9

The establishing shot shown in the beginning is shown at the end, which lets the audience know that the song is about to end.

In comparison...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5gT8hf0Z_M

A parody is a form of satire that mimics another piece of work in order to ridicule it. The “sweater weather” music video is much serious and lacks a sense of humour than the “dark horse” parody.