The Script - 'Breakeven' - Video Analysis

The Script – Breakeven Video Analysis

The video that I am going to analyse is by The Script and the song is ‘Breakeven’. The video was shot in Dublin, Ireland. The song the ‘signiture script sound’ of alternative rock genre. This clearly comes arcorss in the video with the mise en scene (clothing/lighting) and the camera angles too. Also the use of the live performance scenes which is a common feature for music videos in this type of music.

There are some strong links with the lyrics and the visuals in this song/video. Although we do have the occasional live performance scenes which doesn’t relate to the song, we do have scenes of the lead singer being alone – for example when he sitting alone at the end of the bed, or when he was walking alone. This relates well to the song as he is describing his heartbreak over a relationship that didn’t work out, and how he is feeling afterwards. Also the use of flashbacks of him and his ex girlfriend and the singer watching them, shows the audience that they are no longer together.

There is a ggood relationship with the music and visuals in this song. The live performance shows what is being played in the track and also avertises the talents of the band. Also the music is quite edgy with heavy drums and some smooth guitar riffs which I think is portrayed by the camera shots not being fully stabalized and indifferent at times. For example the low angle shot which comes through the grass and looks up at the couple when they were together. At some parts of the song the music is very empty and ‘airy’ – and I think this is shown in the video when you see the main singer being left alone in the street. This was shown well with long shots to show the space and lack of people around him. Also at the start of the video there are a lot of jump cuts, which show you the main singer and his surrounding giving us an idea of what is happening or about to happen – we see this while the introduction is going on which is a guitar piece played like a loop and the shots change/jump everytime the guitar starts its loop again.

In this video there are a few long shots, to show the singer being alone without anyone around him, this also shows his lonilness after his breakup. However we do get a lot of close ups of the main singer showing his face and his body in a clear attempt to try and sexualise the artists and attract female fans to the band. Also a lot of the sales for the band and the record labels are made by the female market who have taken a liking to the the lead singer. Also there are some shots/flashbacks of the lead singer and his ex in bed together which shows the story of the song.

Also in this video, we get a lot of scenes of the band playing the song live. This could be an attempt to market the band to a mass audience as a live act. This could be used to encourage people to watch the band live and boost tour sales for the band too. Also it also proves that they are a live act and they make the music that we are hearing,

The video is shot well with a mix of performance based shots and with a good concept which goes well with the song and suits the artist too. They are a live band which is shown for obvious reasons and the concept helps sell the song and also helps people undertstand what the song is about and what the singer is trying to get across to the audience. The concept of the video is of heartbreak and how the singer is feeling after an unsuccesful relationship. The flashbacks are a really great idea because it shows a contrast to the lyrics and how the singer is feeling after the relationship. This concept was also a great idea because a lot of people can relate to the situation of the singer and what he is singing about.

In conclusion, this is a very good and successful video. It shows and advertises the band as a good live act and also uses a great concept which releates well to the lyrics and the music. Also the camera angles and mise en scene suit  well with the track with a lot of the camera angles being very original.