Music Video Analysis - Linken Park

Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight

Digipak:
This digipak is best summed up by the word 'simplistic'. The use of the monochrome colour scheme works really well with the isolation of the band members. The white background is musky suggesting an element of mystery- this is also a thought associated with 'midnight'. The band members appear as if they are slowly wandering, waiting for something, which depicts well the album title. The sans serif band name is the most striking aspect to the digipak, the letter R has and extended part which then draws our eye down to the vast openness- giving us time time to take in what we saw, and then down to the members. The title of the album however is less clear and very faint above the band name. This deviates from the norm, but i feel that in this instance it works very well as it adds to the mystery being created. This digipak is generally aimed at a young male demography. This is suggested by the harsh use of colours and also the mise en scene.  

Poster:
The poster is in many ways similar to the digi cover- which would be expected as it's advertising the digipak. The main focus in this poster are the band members. The density of them are in the centre third and they are at the forefront, again making themselves more prominent. In the poster we can visibly see the faces of the band which makes it feel more personal. From the poster we can see the hierarchy with in the band. The lead singer is in the centre third and also standing on a rock, putting him at the highest point.

The Video:
'What I've Done'

Like many music videos there is a duel narrative. One of them focuses on the band playing on a stage set in a barren scape. This is introduced after the 2nd frame. It starts by panning around the stage and to how it all works like the cogs, and then it introduces the band members. As a whole the music video keeps the synergy of the production package really well. The Digipak and Poster both portray an element of isolation and almost guilt to them, this is followed through into the video immediately. The grass 'growing' in reverse suggests shyness. Furthermore the stage is set in the same barren landscape as the promotion pack, and also the band are wearing the same clothes- giving it an element of continuity.

The main aspect that I began to understand from looking at this set is how the mise en scene changes depending on the location of the product (digipak, poster), and depending on who it's aiming at.

The digipak will primarily be situated in a music store along with lots of other packs or cases. The audience in these stores will mostly have a general knowledge of music bands however they will just be there browsing the shelves. Linkin Park's digipak works really well as the main feature is their name which will be different to the surrounding cases. If the main focus was on the band, it would grab less attention as there are many bands with male members who look similar.

The poster also works to an advantage as it is mainly aimed at Linkin Park fans. They already know the band members well and so would recognise the band name from the faces. This is a more personal approach, making the fans feel closer to the band, and thus they will remain loyal to them.