MV Question

Typically, music videos are used to create and promote a profitable artist image, however, some artists choose to leave their own political ideas and ideologies within their work, through the media language used in their video. One example being Childish Gambino, who left strong messages surrounding gun violence in his 'This Is America' video. In Radiohead's 'Burn The Witch' , binary opposites are used to create progressive viewpoints. Scenes of a picturesque, idyllic town, whose residents complete innocent jobs such as painting and gardening contrast what is seen later on in the video, where in three minutes' time a friendly inspector is burnt for sacrifice. The binary opposite of civillisation and barbarism shown in the video show Radiohead's political ideas: that the public are easily influenced by political ideas. The power the Wickerman holds over the village is evident through camera angle. A low angle is used when the Wickerman is first revealed, showing that it is the most powerful and influential thing in the village. In contrast to the high angle shot used when the inspector looks up at the gallows, there is a clear difference in power shown.  The mise en scene of a cheerful village also contrasts with the slow zoom ins and camera tracking used throughout.