Monday, 12 August 2013

Context of Practice - Comparison of Two Videos

The two videos ‘Anton Corbijn’s Atmosphere (1988)’ by Joy Division and ‘Tested for the Unexpected (1993)’ by Tony Kaye’s when compared have distinct differences. ‘Anton Corbijn’s Atmosphere’ is very calming and clever mix of still images which creates an almost trance like mood and on the other hand we have a video that advertises Dunlop tires in conjunction with a funky instrumental and imagery that is very hard to decipher, you really have to pay attention to pick that it is even Dunlop at first.

If played side by side you probably couldn’t find any connection and is there isn’t meant to be, the instrumentals and footage work very well together in Tony Kaye’s video. Vibrant, bright and loud colors mix brilliantly but don’t convey a conventional story. It isn’t really clear on the message portrayed, you may have to watch it a few times to really grasp it. Though when the car appears, instant familiarity kicks in and we know it has something to do with vehicles, we are shown brief glimpses of the Dunlop brand on tires and through other aspect of the video. With the video being so different to what we class as a normal advertisment, is this an attempt to just catch views or show them that Dunlop is an altogether unique brand. The juxtaposition of this next to ‘Anton Corbijn’s Atmosphere’ with displays a dull variety of dark slow movement is highly noticeable

Another contrast is the juxta between the mood created by both sides, such similarities but it only take a few differences to completely change the outcome.  The initial thought of Joy Division's’ music video gives off a disturbing and strange atmosphere combined with creepy and eccentric music. A variety of noises are combined create an almost calming effect, on it’s own it would be quite soothing but played in parallel with the footage it’s mystifying. Equally, in Tony’s video we are introduced with a exciting video that has a strong rhythm. However when the advert starts to dwell into it’s stranger aspects you start to question what is it you’re actually watching. So mainly we have ominous music in a dark and mysterious video and then equally creepy music is woven with funky and vibrant footage.

Curiously, in Joy Divisions’ video there a distinctive divide between the featured characters, one group are wearing white and others wearing black. Could this be a link to symbolism by interpreting the different coloured characters, black and white as a divide between two races or even cultures. Perhaps a difference in the people themselves what connection this has to be memorial is not apparent it’s possible that there is no symbolic reference at all.
The Two Videos In Question

Anton Corbijn’s Atmosphere by Joy Division

Tested for the Unexpected by Tony Kaye



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