'Papercut' by Linkin Park - Conventions within a Video - Diranjeet Sohi

Linkin Park- Papercut

Within the video, mise-en-scene creates an eerie gothic setting. The camera moves from a dull, old fashioned room with little furniture to a dark unused kitchen. The band- apart from the lead singer- are dressed quite casually. However like the lead singer they have typical spiky hair. The leader singer displays his loud hair along with his tattoos which reinfoce that this is a rock video. The video cross cuts between performance of the band, and the creepy room beside them showing skeletons wrapped in wire and fishnet giving the feeling of being trapped. Ants crawl over the net and a net is dipped into a bath filled with water. Again, through the use of props puzzling images are created. The net moves as if a creature is underneath it, creating fear. Writing is then shown etched on the wall which appears to be quite disturbing. This is typical of a rock video, as rock music explores human emotions and deep thoughts which portray the lyrics or the themes of the lyrics. At one point the camera focuses on the word Paranoia which is also in the lyrics. The video is now reflecting the lyrics. The dark room represents the dark corner of their minds, voicing their fears. This paints a picture of the narrative. There is no beggining, middle, and end like some stories in music videos. This video reflects a certain theme as discussed within the lyrics. In addition, it uses lighting to create shadows as if it's a horror film.

Suddenly the distorted body/creature bursts at the change of tone. The bridge is slightly brighter. Dragonflies burst out symbolic of freedom. There is an imergence of other creatures who move quite frantically. Again this matches the lyrics as they are going crazy: "whirlwind inside of my head". These creatures are trying to break into the band's room through the walls and portrait. The video ceases when the creatures stop.

On the one hand, this rock video carries typical conventions in which it conveys strong, foreboding emotions from the music. The band themselves aren't preened and dressed stylishly like a pop boyband. The lighting is dark as in most, again reflecting darker themes.

On the other hand, the video uses strange props such as fishnets, along with cgi to create a fantasy horror setting. The video mixes performance of the band as well as the frightning yet intriguing creatures.