This is a spoken
word, providing Prince Ea’s opinion on the school system in a captivating and
fast paced video.
Emphasis
Throughout the video, multiple techniques are used for emphasis.
For example, important phrases are highlighted as text on the right side
of the screen, drawing the viewer’s attention to their meaning and
significance. For example, at 3:08, the words “paid under” appear, with the
word “paid” squashing “under.” From this, we can connote that teachers should
be paid more, as the word “under” disappears.
The music has a rest at 3:56, to emphasise the phrase “these tests are too crude to be used
and should be abandoned.” When the music momentarily stops, this prompts the
audience to stop and think about the implications of the “crude tests.” We can
connote that the stop in the music represents how we should stop and “abandon”
school tests.
Furthermore, throughout the video, Prince Ea uses gesticulation and voice
intonation to maintain the audience’s engagement. By doing this, he appears
relatable and personable; making his points become more convincing.
At the end of the video, the shot gradually loses focus and the music
stops. This represents how the viewer should consider the contents of the video
and change their focus and perspective on the school system.
The music
throughout the video emphasises the sadness of the lack of change in the school
system. Violins are used heavily in the soundtrack – these are stereotypically
representative of sadness.
Unity
The video uses
the concept of unity to show that the others in the court room agree with
Prince Ea’s views.
The facial
expressions of those in the court room show singularity. For example, most
people have concerned looks on their faces, with open mouths. At certain points
in the video, everyone nods/gasps at the same time – showing a general feeling
of agreement.
This video
is very fast paced, established through the frequently changing shot types and
camera angles. Furthermore, Prince Ea talks at a fast pace; ensuring that the
audience does not ‘switch off’ and lose their attention. The fast pace secures
the audience’s engagement throughout.
A cyclical
structure is used in this video. At the start of the video, Prince Ea says:
“Albert Einstein once said: “everyone’s a genius.” At the end, we are told “but
if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life
believing that it is stupid.” The use of this structure ties the video together,
highlighting the uselessness of trying to use a ‘one size fits all’ education
system.
Shot Types
This video uses frequent camera angle changes to create a fast pace.
At the beginning of the video, a close-up shot of a goldfish can be seen.
The camera slowly pans out, revealing Prince Ea’s body and finally his face. The
focus on the goldfish at the start of the video is used to highlight his
opening statement – we shouldn’t judge a goldfish by its ability to climb a
tree. The slow pan to the speaker’s face is symbolic of “climbing a tree”; the
camera angle reflects the narration.
Throughout
the video, we see many wide shots of the court – showing their reaction and
facial expressions. The reaction of others in the court aims to subliminally influence
our view – we incline to agree with the ‘crowd’, so generally the audience of
this video will agree with its content.
Panning and
smooth camera movement is demonstrated throughout, giving the video a sense of
movement and pace. For example, at 4:15, a long shot, medium shot and close up
shot sequence is used to emphasise the message.
Conclusion
My reaction
to this video is one of realisation and slight shock at the school system and
how little it has changed over time. Personally, I think that the speaker’s
ideas are well backed up, providing a convincing argument as to why the school
system should change. The ideas conveyed in this video would not be as
convincing without the cinematography and music used; these help greatly to
keep the viewer engaged.
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