Research: "Frank Turner - If Ever I Stray" Analysis

Frank Turner (born 28 December 1981) is an English folk/punk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Winchester. Initially the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead, Turner embarked upon a primarily acoustic-based solo career following the band's split in 2005. To date, Turner has released four solo albums, two rarities compilation albums and four EPs. Turner began recording for his new album England Keep My Bones, in January 2011. It was released on 6 June 2011 in the UK, and 7 June 2011 worldwide.
This is the music video for the song "If Ever I Stray", released on 29th August 2011. (Source: Wikipedia)

Media Language
The extreme long shot used towards the beginning of the video suggests that the artist is isolated. This is changed as the song develops to a warmer orange filter, to represent the more optimistic outlook of the lyrics.
Also, as the pace of the song develops, so does the pace of the cuts. they become more frequent and jumpy as the tone of the song changes to a more positive, upbeat rhythm.
The mise-en-scene within this video towards the beginning is very sombre and melancholy, created by the blue filter on the lens. This reflects the feeling behind the lyrics, as the beginning of the song talks of feeling defeated. Another video that uses the technique is Beirut's video for the track "Elephant Gun".

This video also plays on focus, showing the artist both in and out of focus. This connotes isolation and confusion. This is a technique also used in Ben Howard's video for his track "The Wolves".


Location
The vast open seascape not only acts as a cultural signifier for England as it typifies Britain's stereotypical weather conditions, but also references to the photography work of Hiroshi Sugimoto. Sugimoto states "Mystery of mysteries, water and air are right there before us in the sea. Every time I view the sea, I feel a calming sense of security, as if visiting my ancestral home; I embark on a voyage of seeing." This is in keeping with Frank Turner's ethos of patriotism, as it talks of the security of ancestral home.

There is also an old castle in the background behind the artist, showing more English heritage and history.

Costume

The artists costume represents the conventional clothing of old English travelling musicians, linking to the origins of the folk genre and also reinforcing the culture of the artist. The fact that the artist has no shoes is particularly significant because it not only links to the stereotype of travelling musicians but, along with the slightly open shirt, it suggests that he is comfortable in his environment, again emphasising the patriotic theme.