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Questions and Answers
What is the setting of the 'Uptown Funk' music video?
Where was the majority of the 'Uptown Funk' music video filmed?
What is the primary focus of the 'Uptown Funk' music video?
What is notable about the dance routine in the 'Uptown Funk' music video?
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What is the effect of the camera dollying back in the first verse?
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What is accentuated by the handclaps and finger clicks in the 'Uptown Funk' music video?
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What is the significance of the brownstone houses in the music video?
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What is the symbolic meaning of the stretch limousine in the music video?
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What is the purpose of the low-angle shots in the nightclub scene?
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What is the significance of the performers' costumes?
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What is highlighted by the live performance in the nightclub?
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What is the atmosphere conveyed by the music video?
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Study Notes
Setting and Filming Location
- The music video is set in an American urban environment reminiscent of 80s movies like The Warriors and Do the Right Thing.
- Although filmed in multiple cities, the majority was shot on the 20th Century Fox 'NYC' backlot in Los Angeles.
- The location is stereotypical of a 'ghetto' often associated with American Black and Latino culture.
Music Video Conventions
- The video follows the music video convention of focusing on performance, featuring a fun group dance routine and sing-along on the street.
- The video also includes a 'live' performance with full instrumentation in a nightclub.
Visual Style and Choreography
- The video features medium or long shots of Mars and The Hooligans dancing and having a fun time.
- The dance routine has some synchronicity, but individuals regularly break into their own style, while staying in rhythm.
- The 'unpolished' choreography makes Mars and his friends seem 'identifiable'.
Narrative and Engagement
- There is very little narrative or concept compared to other contemporary music videos.
- The lack of narrative potentially adds to its 'authentic' appeal.
- The video functions mainly to accentuate the beat of the music, the fun atmosphere, and the exciting live performance.
Visual Elements and Symbolism
- The video features conventionally 'urban' elements, such as brownstone houses, men playing dominos on the sidewalk, fast food diners, and fire hydrants.
- The costume of the performers, including shades, suit jackets over t-shirts, single chains, and hats, are reminiscent of urban crime dramas from the 80s like Miami Vice.
- The stretch limo is a symbol of 'conspicuous wealth' and fits in with the atmosphere of 'feel good' male friendship.
Performance and Authenticity
- The final part of the video moves into a nightclub, where the viewer is positioned in the audience by low-angle shots, silhouettes of other crowd members dancing, and occasional cuts to on-stage shots of the performers playing instruments.
- Seeing this live performance accentuates the 'authentic' nature of the song as well as the skill and status of the performers.
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Description
Explore the setting, filming locations, and cultural references in the iconic music video for Mark Ronson's Uptown Funk. Analyze the dance routine, singing, and stereotypes associated with American Black and Latino culture.
