Music Video Analysis: 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson

Study Notes

Music Video Analysis

The opening shot of the video is a medium shot of a woman's legs, which is a nod to 1980s music videos, such as 'Uptown Girl' by Billy Joel.
The woman is not the main character in the video but rather an object of desire for Mars and his friends.

Introducing the Artists

The artists, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, are introduced in a medium two-shot, showcasing their friendship.
They wear costumes inspired by 1980s street styles, evoking nostalgia in older audiences.
Posters in the background advertise their gig, emphasizing the importance of live music experience.

Establishing Mars as the Artist

Mars is positioned in the center of a medium group shot, with the rest of the band behind him.
He stands out due to his pink jacket and the grimy urban background.
The group wears shades and single gold chains, emphasizing their camaraderie and friendship.

Low-Angle Shot

A low-angle shot is used to make the performers seem strong or superior, but in this case, it creates a sense of inclusivity.
Mars and his band lean down to sing directly to the viewer, making the viewer feel part of their group.

Limousine Sequence

A wide-angle long shot features the whole group and the first half of their stretch limo.
The limo clashes with the lower-class urban neighborhood, symbolizing wealth and status.
The performers seem proud of their vehicle, and their enthusiasm is endearingly boyish.

Subverting Stereotypes

The 'shoeshine boy' stereotype is subverted by featuring older white men instead of African-Americans.
Getting a shoe-shine could be seen as a traditional form of male grooming, adding to Mars' humorous vanity.
Mars and Ronson are shown in a female hair salon, enjoying beauty and hair-styling, subverting traditional male stereotypes.
The video connotes a message of racial equality, reflected in Mars' multi-ethnic band.

Street Scenes

A wide-angle group shot shows Mars, Ronson, and a band member playing dominoes on the street, a hobby often associated with lower-class, elderly African-American men.
The group shot highlights the connection and easy friendship between the men, despite doing their individual activities.

Description

Analyze the opening shot of 'Uptown Funk' music video and its intertextual reference to 1980s music videos. Identify the role of the woman in the video and how it relates to the artists. Test your understanding of music video production and cultural references.