Music Video Research 4 (Girls Chase Boys)

Girls Chase Boys - Ingrid Michaelson

The establishing shot of Girls Chase Boys immediately puts into context the subject of the video. As you can see there is a man wearing makeup which, without delay, creates controversy  which would be sure to grab the attention of anyone. This is a modern concept which breaks the traditional stereotypes that men are supposed to be dirty and a bit rough around the edges. many people think it is a woman's job to look all clean and polished but Michaelson breaks conventions and makes a statement that anyone can do/be
 anything they want to. There is no introduction and the music is playing straight from the beginning to end. Throughout, there are regular appearances from men wearing red lipstick. The bold, fierce shade of red shows that they are proud and confident in making such a controversial stand. By including a close up it could either intimidate the audience if they don't agree with what they are

wearing or empower people who want others to express themselves. By staring directly into the camera it shows that they are completely serious and want the public to stop telling them how they should look. They completely break conventions which is why this is such a break-through music video.

In this shot 5 men of different ethnicities (showing further equality) are performing a dance number where they move their hips from side the side with the beat, this is something that women would usually do if they wanted to look attractive to men whilst dancing. By being provocative this would usually comply with Green's Female Gaze or Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze theory however as the men are wearing makeup like a woman would usually do to enhance her beauty, the men could apply to both of these theories. Some men could find this very attractive as well and women but on the other hand some people could think that behaving more feminine is a ridiculous concept.

The screenshot to the right represents how the Barthes and Levi-Strauss theory of binary opposites is challenged since the men and women of every race are almost indistinguishable due to the similarities in costume and makeup. Michaelson wants to show that men and women can do the same things as well as wear the same things which is why both genders are included in this dance routine. They are wearing red belts that, in my opinion, look similar to karate belts making them seem like strong warriors. The red colour is used again which compares to their lip colour and creates synergy within the colour scheme throughout the video.

The multi-media in this video is used ingeniously by showing how society places men in a different category than women. Men are considered blue as women are considered pink, and by separating the genders into two opposite colours it symbolises that they are treat differently and are open to different expectations. The colours of the letters are subtle signs of how boys and girls are still not thought of as being equal.


Michaelson represents men in a way that shows that they can still be be masculine and appealing to woman whilst still wearing makeup. This is shown when the men are shirtless gazing into the camera. By having such a muscular physique is an indexical sign that they go to the gym and work out a lot which breaks the stereotypes that people who wear makeup care too much about their beauty that they don't want to sweat and go to the gym.

 I love the next sequence of shots because not only does it integrate man and women in the background wearing the same pink coloured shirt, but the camera work is also extremely effective. At every beat of the music, during the break of the song, the shot gets closer to Ingrid Michaelson's face, going from a medium close up to an almost full on close up. This is effective because the closer you get to Michaelson the more powerful her voice becomes.

A ukulele is used as a prop even though the sound of a ukulele isn't distinguishable behind the other instruments in the song. They are classed as a fun novelty instrument and it is used in this video to bring people together as shown in the image to the left. Men and women gather round and clap and click as the music gets quieter.




Why this has influenced my ideas and creativity:

• I like how the idea that men and women are created equal is such a strong reoccurring theme that reflects the lyrics.
• I like the use of an instrument.
• I like how the camera zooms into Michaelsons' face in time with the beat.
• I like how the beat of the song controls the scene transitions.