The lyrics in the video are amplified by the fact that the whole video is based on the 1970’s show ‘Happy Days’ which was based on the ‘50’s. As the song is entitled ‘Buddy Holly’ and the chorus features the line ‘I look just like Buddy Holly’, it seems that the choice to shoot this style of video was natural. However, this is where the link between the lyrics and visuals ends, the rest of the video is irrelevant to the lyrics. The editing for the video does not conform to the 1950’s genre; it conforms to the bands genre of Pop Rock. The slow paced editing follows the slow beat at the start of the song, 1950’s videos such as Buddy Holly and the Crickets ‘Peggy Sue’ and Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ features almost no editing and are entirely performance based. The videos editing speeds up at (2:34) with the last verse as the tempo speeds up too.
Weezer’s ‘Buddy Holly’ creates the idea that the band is united and are all the selling point. The establishing shot of the band from (0:36-0:47) is extensive, we know that the band are equals. This is highlighted by the fact that each band member gets a close up at some point in the video such as at (0:34) there is a close up of the drummer or at (0:57) there is a close up of one of the guitarists to name a few. However, Rivers Cuomo, the lead, has various close up shots throughout, at (1:06-1:10), the shot is extended for the audience to take in his image. The reason behind the numerous close ups is because the song was released in 1994 and was their second video, Weezer had to start creating a star image and become recognisable in order to sell music.Their previous video, ‘Undone the Sweater Song’ was also directed by Spike Jonze and was shot in one take. The video is performance based and does not have a concept like ‘Buddy Holly’ does apart from the fact it is one continuous feed of video. Weezer are also wearing typical ‘90’s clothes in this video unlike ‘Buddy Holly’ where they are wearing 1950’s attire.
A notion of looking is created in ‘Buddy Holly’ through the intertextual reference. We feel as if we are watching them on TV due to the establishing shot of ‘Arnold’s Diner’ at the beginning. Also the gen
re convention of having a man present a band before they perform is followed. The notion of looking is deepened when the Fonz enters the video to dance, the audience feels as if they are watching ‘Happy Days’. The intertextual reference creates a familiar feeling within the audience, we feel as if we have known this new band for a long time.
The video is both performance and narrative based. The performance follows the conventions of both the pop rock genre and the 1950’s genre. Most ‘50’s videos are entirely performance based; this is mostly to do with the lack of technology at the time. Weezer creates the 1950’s feel through their concept of being a band featuring in a ‘Happy Days’ episode whilst performing throughout.
The Mis en Scene is what creates the 1950’s feel for this video. Both the band and the video audience are wearing ‘50’s costume with the band all in the same outfit, a typical convention of the genre. The establishing shot of the 1950’s scene at (0:26) sees the band on stage with the audience watching from booths in the diner. The walls are decorated with balloons, paper decorations and team banners creating the feel of a 1950’s American prom. The band are also using old microphones and instruments, the close up of the guitarist at (1:02) and of Cuomo at (1:04) heightens the ‘50’s atmosphere as we get to view their instruments properly.
The video is both performance and narrative based. The performance follows the conventions of both the pop rock genre and the 1950’s genre. Most ‘50’s videos are entirely performance based; this is mostly to do with the lack of technology at the time. Weezer creates the 1950’s feel through their concept of being a band featuring in a ‘Happy Days’ episode whilst performing throughout.
The Mis en Scene is what creates the 1950’s feel for this video. Both the band and the video audience are wearing ‘50’s costume with the band all in the same outfit, a typical convention of the genre. The establishing shot of the 1950’s scene at (0:26) sees the band on stage with the audience watching from booths in the diner. The walls are decorated with balloons, paper decorations and team banners creating the feel of a 1950’s American prom. The band are also using old microphones and instruments, the close up of the guitarist at (1:02) and of Cuomo at (1:04) heightens the ‘50’s atmosphere as we get to view their instruments properly.
The editing between the band and the ‘Happy Days’ footage makes the audience feel as if Weezer actually featured in an episode. A close up shot of the Fonz at (2:29) cements the intertextual reference and by featuring his iconic thumbs up at (2:32), Weezer ensure that we won’t forget this video.
Whilst the video doesn’t offer any type of political message or social commentary like other Rock videos do, it does offer nostalgic memories for the audience. The video is based on a concept to recreate the ‘50’s by following the convention of performance based videos. By referencing ‘Happy Days’ extensively, Weezer become familiar to the audience and amplify their lyrics by having a modern take on an olden style video.
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