Video Analysis by Diranjeet Sohi

Video Analysis of "Vertigo" by U2.

The music video begins with a long shot/establishing shot of the band, in what looks like a deserted area in the middle of nowhere:

As a band they are accompanied by their instruments, so it immediately the audience is aware that it will be a performance-driven music video. Other examples of performance-driven U2 videos include "With Or Without You" and "Beautiful Day", therefore, performance-driven videos seem to be U2's trademark.

In this shot, special effects are used to lift the sand up, creating the effect of an adrenaline-rush, tying into the title of the song.

Again, special effects are used, only this time the bandmembers are blurred effectively establishing them as the main characters of the video. There is no evidence of a story with actors/actresses playing parts within the narrative. We can see from this point that there will not be a narrative, apart from the band's performance.

What sets this video apart from regular music video conventions, is that it remains in one setting and relies on special effects to hook the audience without the band having to change setting.

Since this video is performance-driven, there are medium close-up and close up shots of the lead singer Bono lip synching. He is, of course, wearing his signature sunglasses which audiences now associate the band with.

In terms of costume, the band members are co-ordinated in black, however they are wearing their own style of clothing. This is effective because this colour is used to enhance the special effects. In addition it is effective, because it makes them stand out and creates a statement that something as simple as ordinary clothing makes them unique.

Special effects are used to really engage the audience and amaze them, setting them apart from other typical conventions where basic narrative is included at least once in a video. What could be said about the video's narrative, is that the band's excitement or "Vertigo". The definition of Vertigo is: "is a type of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary" which explains why the band never leaves their one setting, since they are "stationary". The special effects create a dizzy feeling.

The lighting in the video represents bright sunshine, which reflects the upbeat, almost happy emotions conveyed within the song. Vertigo is a strange feeling but it is certainly welcomed.

The editing throughout is fast-paced which ties in to the upbeat tempo of the song.

Lighting is used to build up to the climax of the video.