Media - Radiohead

How does the music video begin and end?

A bird singing, which is ironic due to the fact the music video is about oppression. This cyclical structure shows us that perhaps nothing will change, even if we try to change it. The bird is singing a dawn chorus.

How are we shown character progression in the music video?

There was a woman at the centre of a ritual, going to be killed, who then at the end she is the one to light the wickerman statue on fire, showing she has been brainwashed/converted.

What are the first lyrics of the song?

“Stay in the shadows, cheer at the gallows.”

What are some possible interpretations of the music video?

A critisism of what is to come under Trump’s USA; Mob mentality in politics; Criticism of the West’s response to the immigration crisis; Criticism of how the powerful set the status quo; Criticism of populist leaders; Criticism of knee-jerk Islamophobia.

How could the music video be shown to be a critisism of the immigration crisis?

We are shown a plantation, with a wealthy owner drinking as we watch many workers in the back, all dressed the same, forced to work and fit in.

What album is ‘Burn the Witch’ from and why is this relevant?

Their 9th album, ‘A moon shaped pool’. This is relevant as they were already an established band and therefore didn’t have to try as hard to build their star image (Dyer’s Star Theory)

How did critics interpret the music video at it’s release?

They viewed it as a warning of groupthink and authoritarianism.

Was the song highly acclaimed?

Named one of the best songs of the year by Rolling Stone, Billboard and Village Voice.It was nominated for ‘Best Rock Song’ at the Grammys.

What did Yorke say the lyrics were inspired by?

News of the World publishing the names and addresses of sex offenders.

Who directed the music video?

Chris Copewell

How many views does the music video have on YouTube?

41 million.

What intertextual references are made within the video?

Trumpton: An idyllic childrens cartoon of a perfect village life.

Speared Boar: Reference to Lord of the Flies, the message showing how everyone will turn on each other rather then the issue of the problem.

The Wickerman: Reference to the 1974 film, which also tackles the issue of a cultish town hating outsiders and persecuting them.

Witch Trials: References scapegoating and blaming others for the issues in society, xenophobia, anti-intellectual.

What is Radiohead’s star image and how do they build it?

Intellectual: they have an aware cultural capital and can create and understand niche references. ABC1 demographic.

Political/left-wing: They oppose right wing ideals such as traditionalism, conservatism, and disliking outsiders.

Niche/alternative: They try and break norms, such as the use of stop motion and no artist feature in the video, which is unconventional.

What showcases the nature of Radiohead’s fans?

There was a fake BBC article tweeted about them suggesting that their guitar tuning was misunderstood to be a new song and fans had went crazy, all saying it was their best song yet. The fat so many believed this shows the cult following of Radiohead.

How is juxtaposition showcased in the music video?

Flowers wrapped around the hangmans noose.

How did Radiohead perform the views of their video outside of the video?

They sent leaflets to fans on their mailing list, with an eerie ‘We know where you live’ printed on it. The animator, Kettu, suggested this was to "raise awareness about Europe’s refugee crisis

When is crosscutting used in the music video?

Inbetween the inspector driving there and the town preparing for his arrival.