TEXTUAL ANALYSIS Massive Attack - Inertia Creeps

Massive Attack - Inertia Creeps

Whilst perhaps not a prime example of the indie genre, Massive Attack are known for making particularly dark or strange trip - hop songs, and their videos perfectly match the feel of their music. The video to inertia creeps is a great example of how using low - quality footage in a video can be used to great effect, helping to give some of the video a frightening ‘found - footage’ appeal. Whilst our video isn’t exactly going for a frightening feel, the video is a testament to how using specific effects and dated footage can instantly change the feel of the video.

The use of VHS video footage, complete with scanlines and pixelated video, helps to create a sense of paranoia, making the audience feel vulnerable or uncomfortable. It gives the impression that the subjects of the music video are being recorded or watched without their consent, which makes the video, and perhaps the audience, feel creepy or unwanted. The VHS footage is static and shot in a wide angle, giving the impression that it is CCTV or surveillance footage. This in turn adds to the feeling of being vulnerable, as it gives the impression that the people in the video have nowhere to hide.

On top of the VHS video footage, there is a far more distorted shot at the end of the video of a blow torch being lit and of an indiscernible object being burned. This footage, whilst dark and undersaturated, uses a blood red colour to represent the flame. The audience's attention is brought to the flame, as it’s the only actual colour within the entire shot. The poor camera quality, lack of colour and violent imagery could help to make the audience feel frightened, bearing a resemblance to what they might relate to a ‘snuff film’ or something similar. This is backed up by the odd Mis En Scene, with padded sound dampening walls and a solitary chair in the middle. The environment feels like a cell or chamber, making the audience feel trapped.


Luke