Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal Analysis

This is a slideshow that contains the de-construction and close textual analysis of the music video - "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal.

2. Dizzee rascal is a British Rapper, record producer and
songwriter.
His music is a mix of House, Garage, Rap and Hip-Hop.
He is best known for his number one singles, including
“Dance With Me”, ‘”Bonkers”, “Holiday”, “Dirty Disco”
and England's unofficial world cup song “Shout.”
Dizzee Rascal has influenced social tribes such as the
‘Grime’ and ‘Rap’ tribes, into a more dance, techno and
‘electric’ music; because of his change from grime to
dance/hip-hop music.

3. I will be not only looking at the normal elements such as
genre, music, lyrics, camera work, editing, mise en scene
but the ways in which the lyrics and video are linked to
together to create some sort of overall feel and effect.
The relationships between a music video and the lyrics
are normally in close context and each beat from the
music is accompanied by the movement of the camera or
the editing techniques. For example, using a fast paced
movement of the camera (swish pans) when the music is
at a high pitch.

4. From my first viewing of the music video I instantly knew it was a
electro/house style genre of music, moreover this aspect is
emphasised by the blue and electro colours that are used
throughout the video.

5. The genre of the music is blend of alternative
dance, electro and hip-hop.
The music contains various hooks and beats that
are repeated throughout the whole of the song to
emphasise on the dance feel and the carefree
sense that is implied; usual element of dance
music.
Moreover, the repeated beats and fusion of music
genres is complimented by the use of props.
‘Dizzee Rascal’ wears a traditional hip-hop cap
which attracts that specific social group. Also the
back and forth movement of the dancers links in
with the beats which are also repeated.

6. I wake up everyday it’s a daydream
Everything in my life isn’t what it seems
I wake up just to go back to sleep
I act real shallow but I’m in to deep
And all I care about is sex and violence
And a heavy bass line is my kind of silence
Everybody says I got to get a grip
But I let sanity give me the slip
Some people think I’m bonkers
But I just think I’m free
Man I’m just living my life
There nothing crazy about me
Some people pay for thrills but I get mine for free
Man I’m just living my life
There nothing crazy about me
(Bonkers)
--- repeat --

7. The artist definitely reflects his feelings and lifestyle of
clubbing/partying in the lyrics. “the heavy bass line is
my kind of silence,” the artist implies how addicted to
bass line he really is how silence is referred to as bass
line; repetitive, electro music, which is far off from being
silent.
In addition, the artist also implies his carefree lifestyle ,
clubbing experiences and a unusual element of
madness in his lyrics.“Man I’m just living my life, there’s
nothing crazy about me,” clearly it reflects on how the
artist doesn’t care what other people think of him, he is
just living his energetic life.
Moreover the lyrics and the video interlink by the use of
dancing and typical clubbing hand movements. The
‘Heavy bass line’ is linked with the repetitive zoom in
and out of the artist. What is more, is the infinite turn of
the city in the background represents the everlasting
dance and repetitive lifestyle that the artist has.

8. Colours:
There is a very vibrant and blue tone to the video, which emphasizes
on the genre of music and the whole dancing and clubbing theme.
Moreover, the colours in the first section of the video includes a very
light blue tone, not much vibrancy and subtle implications of the
dance music and genre.
However, this then totally changes on the second section where the
artist changes from a blue top and blue cap to a red t-shirt and red
sunglasses; signaling the change from the old, boring lifestyle to
this energetic and carefree clubbing life.

9. Costumes
The clothing that is used in the music video portrays themes of the
dance genre. The vibrant t-shirts, feminine tops, glasses and
hooded tops emphasize on the fusion of hip-hop, dance and
electro music.
Moreover, near the end there is a group of dancers in glow-in-the-
dark, skeleton costumes; the whole glow in the dark theme
originated from the clubs in which dance music is played; to get
dancers more into the whole ‘care-free’ sense and ‘electro’
feeling.

10. Props
In the start of the music video we see a van in a fabric look that
unusual, dance music usually contains an ‘unusual’ aspect to the
music video, i.e. glow in the dark paint (“Candy” by Aggros Santos
and Kimberley Watt) and dancing in a paddling pool (“Just Dance”
– Lady Gaga). Unusual and outrageous themes are usually
integrated into modern and mainstream music videos to get a
huge amount of attention, which will result in that particular music
video getting more hits and a higher place in the music charts;
more money and fame for that artist.
In my opinion, there is a sense of exaggeration in the music video. I
feel this because of the huge chain that the artist wears, it is
unrealistic and you wouldn’t see anybody wearing this in society;
this is another concept of music videos that is included in most
mainstream music videos; artists tend to do different things that is a
step away from the normal codes and conventions of music video.

11. There is tremendous amount of zooming in and out
in the video. This is used to link into the
repetitive beats of the music that allows both
the music and video to complement each other
and to come together as one.
Furthermore, the slow motion editing used in the
middle section of the music video represents life
at a stand still, they are overwhelmed by the
dance music and are embracing it.
What is more, is the change in the mise-en-scene
from the first half to the second is signaled by a
rewind effect used in the middle section; while
rewinding the colours change to keep the
audiences attention.

12. In the video there is a variety of camera angles that are used to keep
the audiences attention on the screen and no-where else.
Moreover, there is a prominent use of close-up shots on the artist
to present different facial expressions which are positive
expressions that present how he feels about this whole dance and
crazy experience. Also the high angles are used on the artist to
show his superiority and to show the whole of the city background,
which is where his fun lifestyle is centered around; the circular
globe reflects on this.

13. In the Music Video there isn’t much of a
narrative or storyline. This particular music
video is a performance video, however
elements of a story lined video is implied.
The beginning of the music video starts with
the artist waking up from a sleep on a van
made out of fabric. Next we see him changing
into a happier, energetic and positive mood;
reflected by the vibrant mise-en-scene.
Moreover, there is definite repetitive theme of
a recurring passion to dance and of a fun, care
free clubbing.