THE HARDEST BUTTON TO BUTTON

BY THE WHITE STRIPES

A Music Video Analysis by Brian Lee

THE VIDEO

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLESpHrtvxs
EDITING – HOW DOES IT CONTRIBUTE?
 This video masterfully utilizes numerous editing
techniques
 Editing is mainly used to enhance the rhythm of the song
EDITING – HOW DOES IT CONTRIBUTE?
 Utilizes pixilation animation: Creates duplications of
drum kits and guitar amplifiers
 Multiplying to the rhythm of song (each beat of the bass
drum the drummer plays)
 This is effective as the song is a very rhythmic song –
Melody and rhythm based on the beat of the drum
 The video uses stop motion editing
 Each time the band equipment is duplicated, a new frame is shot
 Especially well used in 3:00, where the position of the pixilation
animated “drum star” changes every frame
 Appears as if it were moving
 The use of stop motion complements the pixilation animation
 Helps to enhance the rhythm of the song
COLOR AND LIGHTING
 Video uses mostly natural lighting

 Natural light produces shadows

 Exaggerates delineation (outline)
 Creates a sharper image overall
 Lighting from surrounding environment was also used
 This helped to provide a brighter however more artificial
effect
 The artificial light gives audience an idea of modern
surroundings
• Color wise, red was used
• A recurring color throughout video
• A striking, vibrant and dramatic color
• Captivating to the audience
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
 Various camera shots and angles were used in this music
video
1. Long shot – Used to clear depict or establish the setting of the
video
2. Close up - An effective way to emphasize something in the
video, e.g. close up on bass drum is an strong emphasis on
rhythm
1. Low Angle – Elevates stature of the band, emphasizes and
enhances the power in the rhythm and melody of music
2. High Angle – elevates status of audience. Also gives clear
view of action e.g. shows movement (down the stairs),
enhancing the pixilation animation and stop motion effects
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
 Various camera shots and angles were used in this music
video
1. Long shot – Used to clear depict or establish the setting of the
video
2. Close up - An effective way to emphasize something in the
video, e.g. close up on bass drum is an strong emphasis on
rhythm
1. Low Angle – Elevates stature of the band, emphasizes and
enhances the power in the rhythm and melody of music
2. High Angle – elevates status of audience. Also gives clear
view of action e.g. shows movement (down the stairs),
enhancing the pixilation animation and stop motion effects
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
 Various camera shots and angles were used in this music
video
1. Long shot – Used to clear depict or establish the setting of the
video
2. Close up - An effective way to emphasize something in the
video, e.g. close up on bass drum is an strong emphasis on
rhythm
1. Low Angle – Elevates stature of the band, emphasizes and
enhances the power in the rhythm and melody of music
2. High Angle – elevates status of audience. Also gives clear
view of action e.g. shows movement (down the stairs),
enhancing the pixilation animation and stop motion effects
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
 Various camera shots and angles were used in this music
video
1. Long shot – Used to clear depict or establish the setting of the
video
2. Close up - An effective way to emphasize something in the
video, e.g. close up on bass drum is an strong emphasis on
rhythm
1. Low Angle – Elevates stature of the band, emphasizes and
enhances the power in the rhythm and melody of music
2. High Angle – elevates status of audience. Also gives clear
view of action e.g. shows movement (down the stairs),
enhancing the pixilation animation and stop motion effects
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
 Various camera shots and angles were used in this music
video
1. Long shot – Used to clear depict or establish the setting of the
video
2. Close up - An effective way to emphasize something in the
video, e.g. close up on bass drum is an strong emphasis on
rhythm
1. Low Angle – Elevates stature of the band, emphasizes and
enhances the power in the rhythm and melody of music
2. High Angle – elevates status of audience. Also gives clear
view of action e.g. shows movement (down the stairs),
enhancing the pixilation animation and stop motion effects
CAMERA TECHNIQUES - RULE OF
THIRDS
 Most shots abided rule of thirds
 Helps visual story telling by captivating viewers

 Helping them focus more on the subject (band playing)

THE CHARACTERISTICS
 Complements rhythmic structure of song
 Utilizes effects and filming techniques to complement
music rather following a than a plot
 An abundance of filming techniques were used – not too
varied, but well executed
 Rule of thirds- well obeyed

 Color and lighting was used effectively – dramatic

effects, enhanced quality of video
 This video is very unique and a creative music video