1. Vampire weekends Diana Young video falls into the genre of Indie rock/pop. The video in some respects is seen
as conventional to this genre however the display of the conventions is extremely different and therefore
unconventional. The overall feel of the video is reserved for that of a party video. This is done through the
composition of shots and slow sections of editing. As a band, Vampire Weekend likes to break conventions,
which is apparent in this music video.
The establishing shot shows a scene similar to that of a
civilised dinner party. However through the mise-en-scene of
the band we can deduct that the cooky, industrial vibe of the
band is presented in this long shot. Within the shot the band
is featured conforming to Carlsson’s theory of commercial
exhibitionist, however this is also made unconventional to the
lack of attention on the band mates themselves but more on
the whole scene. The paler colours of the blue wall and white
pillars and table cloth, highlight the people at the table
drawing the focus to their positioning and outfits.
The masked balaclava man creates a sense of mystery and
ambiguity to the video. We never find out who he is and the
audience our intrigued to find out his purpose, leaving a
lasting impression. As the camera focuses on close ups of
people at the party we are shown the unfolding situation and
the different personas of these characters. Direct mode of
address is used connecting with the audience. The name of
the song is also featured within the shot on the back of the
iPhone case promoting the song. Due to product placement
the song connects to the audience even more as they can
relate to currency of the IPhone.
The focus on another attendant of the party highlights the
unconventional aspect of the video. An older, creepy man
with a golden grill has no relation to the song abiding to
Goodwin’s theory of disjuncture. His smile is off putting and
slightly staged like the beginning of the video.

2. A slight comedic effect is added to the video as we see
the stereotypical drunk person. The band mate is centre
of the frame surrounded by smoke and dimmed electric
lights, creating the party vibe and atmosphere of the
music and video.
The diversity of the attendants of the party suggests the
complexity of differing sounds and instruments within the
video. The relaxed punk vibe of the girl adds another element
and genre to the music video. It also suggests that the song is
about this girl “Diana”. She is central to the shot and her
jacket contrast to the lighter colours around her.
Similar to the first shot we are shown the length of the
table again, however in a different scenario. A more
conventional image to the party scene, we see a mass of
dancing, balloons, confetti, smoke and drinking. As the
climax builds up in the music we see the scene change into
the more chaotic party with more movement and liveliness.
The medium two shot invites the audience into the
celebrations. The dramatic flair of light, the champagne
bottle and candles create a romantic, lively vibe
mimicking the song. The brightness of the light distorts
the shot and the eye is drawn the spark intriguing the
audience.

3. Camera: A variety of camera shots are used throughout the video in order to show the audience the bizarre
party vampire weekend are having. However the only angle explored with is straight on, which again relates to
the slight conformity and reservation of the band.
Editing: In the parts of the song where the beat picks up and the party begins a montage of flickering shot is
used in order to compare the excitement of the party and more reserved formal meal. Panning shots are
frequently used travelling along the length of the table in order to show the different events happening at the
same time.
Theories: As the conventions of the video have been played with, to an extent it conforms to Shore’s theories
including:
Surface without substance
Simulated experience
Immediate gratification
However it could be argued that these theories do not apply to this video as some could take meaning in a ‘guy
kissing a coffee machine’ or a ‘masked man’ wearing a balaclava.
A close up shot of recreational drugs and fire
conforms to a conventional image within an indie
music video. Unconventionally Vampire weekend
have decided to create a saxophone bong. The
bizarre matter of the shot relates to the vibe of the
band, creating an image for themselves that will get
them recognised by an audience.
The end of the music video is similar to that of its
origins. We see a long shot with the band all
together along with the masked man. The image is
almost parallel on each side of the frame and relates
back to the idea of the controlled, reserved party.