Music Video Analysis: 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson

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.