Afrika Shox Case Study
Artist: Leftfield ft. Afrika Bambaataa (vocals)
Track: Afrika Shox
Genre: Electronic/Acid House
Released: 6th of September 1999
Directed by: Chris Cunningham
Chris Cunningham is known for directing several similar music videos to Afrika Shox. For example, he directed "Come to Daddy" by Aphex Twin, "Come on my Selector" by Squarepusher and Aphex Twin again for "Windowlicker". Often Cunningham's videos are darkly themed and explore peculiar concepts; in terms of narrative structure they are usually linear and have an open text that is ambiguous. An example of Cunningham's dark vision is the "Come to Daddy" video; it was shot on the same estate that Stanley Kubrick shot much of "A Clockwork Orange" on. Furthermore, it explores the idea of an evil spirit surrounded by small children, inhabiting the estate. All of the children bear the face of the producer of Aphex Twin, Richard James, and go around causing havoc. The video made an appearance on the Channel 4 list 'The 100 Greatest Scary Moments'. Notice how both "Afrika Shox" and "Come to Daddy" explore the idea of a dystopia and feature characters in the mise en scene that represent those who are invisible to society and live on the outskirts of the big cities. From this, the audience can see the similarities between Cunningham's work and the issues raised in and amongst an urban society, of which especially applies to Afrika Shox.
A short animation commenting on the recent information leak on how the NSA monitors citizens of America. I find it interesting how the animators have parodied the famous Pixar scene with the lamp, instead replacing it with a CCTV camera. This links to my analysis on the control authorities have over minorities (slide 4 of the powerpoint.)
I'm very impressed with your commitment to your research during the summer holidays. I'll give you an idea of your level when we are back in class. Well done Hamish and congratulations for your A grade for your Year 12 Media.
ReplyDeleteA strongly proficient analysis which includes some effective references to the roots of the genre; excellent intertextual references to noir sci fi thrillers such as Blade Runner and The Matrix. I also like the way you have researched Christ Cunningham. Note that in both music videos he represents the city as a dystopia with a focus on down and outs/those who are invisible and live on the margins of our inner cities.
ReplyDeleteYou need to avoid making generalisations and be vigilant with using media technology, for example "characters within mise-en-scene" rather than "people". The focus in Africa Shox is on racism and that in a corporate world the homeless/vulnerable black protagonist is invisible - sub human. This is explicit in the zombie like appearance of the main performer.
I like the way you have applied Straus' theory about binary opposites which is also applied in the use of chiaroscuro lighting.
Well done Hamish, a pleasure to read.