Textual Analysis 3 - The Killers - Mr Brightside



For my analysis, I have chosen to analyze the video Mr Brightside by The Killers. The Killers are an American rock/indie/pop band from Las Vegas.

 Jealousy is the main theme in the music video as it narrates the story of a man who is overcome by it. The video starts with a long shot of the band. The colors of the costumes are red, black gold etc. that suggests that the people have some significant wealth. The setting appears to be a club of some kind. The first few shots are establishing shots as it sets the scene. There is then a sudden close-up of the main actress in the video, which captures the audience’s attention. There is then a slow zoom towards the band and the music starts.

The shots then increase in speed as fast medium and close-up shots suddenly appear. The shots are constantly switching between the band and the characters. The shots are mostly of the woman flirting with the men in the club. Notice there are low angle shots of the band members, which makes them look more dominant. The shots are mostly directed at the main singer Brandon Flowers. This might be due to the popularity of Flowers and that the audience would want to see him more. This links to Andrew Goodwin’s theory of frequent close-ups of the main singer.

Throughout the video, there are frequent shots of Flowers with the main actress and the actress with someone else. There are also shots of another man gazing at the main actress. He also appears to be in love with the woman and the gaze shows jealous

There is also a shot of the two men playing a game of checkers. (2:58-3:03) The montage technique is demonstrated in these 5 seconds, as there is a shot of the woman blended into the scene. This symbolizes the two men clashing with each other for the woman’s love.

The video ends with a shot of Flowers leaving the girl. This shows that he has given up and that jealousy has overcome him.

The song Mr Brightside is seen as a rock as the instruments, performance have a relation to rock etc. The use of an Electric Gibson guitar and a drum kit signify the rock genre as it is typically used in rock music. The concept of live performance in the video also links in with the rock genre. This displays Andrew Goodwin’s theory that music video demonstrates genre characteristics.

Intertextuality is also represented in the music video as the video relates to the film Moulin Rouge. Evidence of this is shown in the costumes of the characters and also how they act.  This shows Andrew Goodwin’s theory of intertextuality in music videos.

The lyrics and the visuals also coincide with the music video. For example, when the singer sings about jealousy, the visuals quickly turn to the actress. There is also a link between the visuals and the music as the music speeds up when the shots become more frequent. This supports Andrew Goodwin’s theory that there is a relationship between the visuals, music and lyrics.

There is also voyeuristic treatment of the female body as there are frequent shots of woman dancing in the club. This also links to Andrew Goodwin’s theory and Laura Mulvey’s male gaze.

I think the main target audience would be the male gender as the video consists of many voyeuristic shots of woman. The video would also appeal to woman or others who have been in the same situation of jealousy before. The video would also appeal to teenage girls, as they would find the band members attractive.

I think the video Mr Brightside is effective in attracting the attention of the target audience. It is also successful in conveying the story of the music video.