Unit 1.1 Goodwin's Dancing In A Distraction Factory

Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and See (2011) 

Music Video Demonstrates the Genre of the Audio

The Arctic Monkeys are a indie rock band formed in 2002 and consist of four members. The single Suck it and See was released in October 2011 off their fourth album Suck it and See. The music video is largely narrative and follows the story of a young couple who have a 'love-hate' relationship. It is set in the American outback and the characters are made to appear to fit in to the 'indie rock' genre by the mise-en-scene. The clothing they both wear, the area they live, their possessions and pastimes all illustrate the genre of the music. 

The band does not appear in the music video due to the use of narrative, this allows the audience to feel more involved in the video and audio as it makes them focus on the couple and the lyrics. 

Relationship between the lyrics and the visuals

The relationship between the couple is portrayed throughout the video in a bitter-sweet manner; the male and female are shown to convey both love and hate towards each other. However, their love always out ways the hate and it seems whatever they do to hurt each other will not affect what they feel for each other, 

'Be cruel to me 'cause I'm a fool for you'

These lyrics show that the girl could do anything to him and his view of her would not be altered; this puts him in a submissive position, willing for her to treat him in any way she feels. It is presumed that it is the man who is submissive to the girl due to the male voice of the lead singer, although the lyrics could also be what the girl feels for the man as visuals are also from her point of view. 

“You're rarer than a can of dandelion and burdock and those other girls are just post-mix lemonade”

Dandelion and Burdock is an uncommon drink and it is fairly rare to find some one who enjoys this drink; by comparing her to this drink he is saying she is rare and one of a kind. He refers to other girls as being 'post-mix lemonade' which is an extremely common drink and he is therefore saying that the other girls are boring in comparison and do not take his fancy like her. This is demonstrated through the visuals as she is the only girl featured throughout. 

"You have got that face that just says 'Baby, I was made to break your heart'”

These lyrics illustrate how despite his attraction towards this girl he knows he will get his heart broken. Her physical hurtful actions towards him will hurt him both physically and emotionally. The visuals show that even though they may fight he cannot stop himself from going back to her and comforting her. These lyrics link to the other lyrics within the song, all explaining his complicated feelings for the girl. 

Relationship between the visuals and the music

The visuals link to the music in various ways with the use of different camera shots and angles, the use of fast cutting and slow motion clips also creates a link. The speed of the visuals and transitions depends on the speed of the music; for example when the music tempo speeds up, between the end of the first verse and the chorus, the visuals are fast cutting and show the audience the first signs of violence towards each other. 
The music tempo always increases for the chorus and to show the change the visuals change to the violent scenes, whereas in the verses the visuals portray them as being calmer and more loving towards each other. The couples intimate moments such as hugging are shown in close up or medium shots as this illustrates their love to the audience. Some of the 'fighting' scenes are shown in medium/long shots, this therefore indicates the distance they feel towards each other. 

Intertextuality 
Relating to or deriving meaning from the interdependent ways in which texts stand in relation to each other. There is no clear intertextuality within this music video however the scenes with the motorcycles could related in some way to motorcycle chases seen in other films such as 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' (1991).

Selling the artist

The Arctic Monkeys are hinted at throughout the music video in a variety of ways such as on the mans 'Suck it and See' jacket. At the bottom of his jacket there is a label saying 'AMs' which stands for Arctic Monkeys; this reminds the audience of who is signing the song. The mans jacket plays a key part in selling the artist and the song due to having 'Suck it and See' written on the back; this jacket is worn many times throughout the video and stands out causing the audience to remember the song title. 
The band are not featured in the music video so the audience cannot see them throughout, therefore the small details will sell the artist. 

Voyeurism and the 'Art of Looking'

Voyeurism is portrayed throughout the music video from both the girl and the boys point of view. The man is seen to watch the girl, through the mirror, getting changed as he preens himself. This clip illustrates the man watching the girl whilst doing normal activities such as gelling his hair, yet she is naked and attracts him to her. 

It is also illustrated within the clip at the 'Death Ramps' where the couple are seen watching the other motorcyclists. This clip portrays how the couple are watching the others have fun with each other, whilst they sit out with their backs to each other, no doubt after another fight.